Public speaking is a skill that almost everyone in a business will need to perfect.
Whether you’re a CEO updating a room of investors, a department lead speaking to stakeholders or an employee pitching for new business – honing your public speaking skills is incredibly important.
What Are Easy Ways To Improve Public Speaking?
Luckily, there are some easy ways for you to improve your public speaking skills, including:
Preparation: A good presentation starts with a script and being prepares is key. Start by getting to know your audience and prepare key topics you’d like to cover – as well as what you’d like to achieve. That way your speech will have good flow that appeals to its target audience.
Practice makes perfect: Like with any presentation, the more you practice, the more prepared you will feel. Try and practice the presentation well ahead of time so you know it inside out.
Tell personal stories: Everyone loves personal stories, so the more anecdotes you can tell, the better. Ultimately, people don’t like to feel like they are being sold to, they want to feel like they are on a journey with you – so take them on one!
Don’t talk too fast: Especially if you’re feeling a little nervous, it can be easy to rush through the presentation and talk too fast. Try and consciously speak at your normal speed to make sure you don’t come across too rushed.
Posture: A lot can be said by how a person carried themselves, do your best to stand up straight, look your audience in the eyes and speak confidently. This can help you come across as an authority and someone worth listening to.
If you need a bit more help and guidance, luckily there are a whole range of books on the subject of public speaking, helping you master this skill.
Here are some of our favourites:
Steal The Show
Michael Port says that every interaction is a performance, and public speaking is no different.
He teaches readers about how to confidently communicate and stand out during presentations – showing them how to make the most of their moment in the spotlight and steal the show.
Read the book here.
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Talk Like TED
TED talks have become world famous for their captivating formats. Now, you can learn how to deliver an exceptional public speech, from communications coach Carmine Gallo.
The book talks through how to write memorable speeches, including storytelling, insights and real examples of how to captivate your audience.
Read the book here.
Presence
In this book, Harvard professor Amy Cuddy talks about the science of body language and presence.
Famous for her TED talk around ‘power poses’ she talks about the way we carry ourselves, and how that impacts how others perceive us. This can be incredibly useful for those doing public speaking, as it can help calm their nerves and command attention from those around them.
Read the book here.
The Art of Public Speaking
This timeless classic has been read by thousands, helping them become confident and persuasive speakers.
The book teaches readers how to develop self-confidence, answer tough questions on the trot and make their points memorable. These insights not only help build great public speeches, but also help people deliver them.
Read the book here.
Speak With No Fear
If you’re a victim of stage fright, then this one is for you!
Mike Acker details seven strategies to manage anxiety and build confidence when speaking. With anecdotes, tips and tricks, it’s a great resource for anyone that struggles with nerves before going on stage.
Read the book here.
Confessions of a Public Speaker
Author and professional speaker Scott Berkun writes a book that talks through what good communicators do – from managers to teachers – and shows everyone how to master this skill.
He talks about what could go wrong, how to perform and persuade as well as personal anecdotes around his own success as a public speaker.
Read the book here.
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