If you have the desire to be able to speak on the stage with charisma and confidence, just like Neil Tyson, Sandeep Maheshwari or Nick Vujicic, but lack the right knowledge, tools, and understanding that is preventing you from connecting with your audience and mesmerize them with your speech, then you have come to the right place.
There are various public speaking coaching that will help you to deliver powerful speeches like these iconic personalities. If you have already tried to take a shot at public speaking, you must be aware that speaking for even one minute is very hard. It is frightening with all the eyes on you and when you are all alone on the stage. Do not worry. It happens to everyone, even to the pros. Your mouth gets dry, your legs cannot hold your weight, and your hands shiver uncontrollably. These are very common symptoms in someone who is giving their first speech.
It can be helped, though. In this article, from the best public speaking classes, we have compiled all the necessary tips and tools that you can use to deliver a speech like a pro so that you can win more than just competitions, you can win hearts.
- Research your audience
The first step of delivering a moving speech is to create one. A speech with no content will bore the audience away. Hence, your preparation begins off the stage. Remember that, even if you prepare a very resourceful and technical speech, if it does not hold relevance to the audience, then all your efforts will go to waste. You will find this point in the first lesson in any public speaking class.
That is why it is important to know the background of your audience. Try to make your speech very general so that your speech is understandable to everyone seated. Keep in mind to avoid any technical jargon.
- Hook your audience in the introduction
Public speaking classes will tell you that the introduction of the speech is crucial. It decides the success or failure of your speech. You all must be familiar with the saying, ‘the first impression is the last impression.’ The attention span of an average person has plummeted to a mere 7 to 10 seconds. If you do not grab their attention in this span of time, then you will lose them for the rest of your speech.
Therefore, you must try to interact and engage with your audience whenever you begin your speech. You can ask puzzling questions or humor them with an interesting or funny story or instances of your life. Make sure that these stories or questions are engaging and connect to your speech’s topic.
- Constantly maintain eye contact
Every public speaking training will tell you that eye contact is just as important as writing your speech. You might instinctively want to stare at the ground, your backstage crew, your microphone stand, or the ceiling when your anxieties take control. But keep in mind that you are speaking to people who are giving you their undivided attention.
Therefore, you must develop the habit of speaking while looking into their eyes. It is common to forget your speech while looking into their eyes. Thus, looking at their forehead, right between their eyebrows, will do the job. It will give your audience the impression that you are looking at their eyes. However, in reality, you are not.
- Your body language is important too
In addition to verbal communication, people also convey subliminal messages from their body language. That is why every public speaking coaching will tell you to consciously correct your body language. Your physique exudes power and charisma. Slouching might give the impression that you lack confidence. Practice holding your neck steady while keeping your shoulders wide open. if your shoulders are not spreading wide it will convey to the audience that you are unsure and nervous. Public speaking coaching will advise you that you need not stress too much. If you do, your body will stiffen, giving you a worried appearance and feel. Be sure to unwind.
Breathing is also crucial for relaxing your heart rate. Your lungs have less room to expand when you hunch down. Even though you are delivering a short speech, it is important to improve your breathing techniques for an improved state of mind. Public speaking training classes will tell you to take many slow, deep breaths. Remember to take breaks from continuously speaking and breathe in between the pauses. It is important to consciously correct one’s body posture.
People are not born good public speakers, they are made. And with enough public speaking training, you can be one. If you remember these points mentioned above, you can deliver a good speech. However, delivering great speeches will take time and effort if you are starting from the bottom.
Key takeaway points
With the right training and mentors, you can transform yourself into a confident and charismatic orator. And one such place where you can find this is the Orator Academy. Orator Academy is a public speaking coaching institute that has a professional public speaking coach. Coach Vineeta has delivered thousands of presentations, public talks, debates, and conducted seminars. She has years of experience in this field.
Orator Academy has condensed all their learnings and specially curated a course for every age group. They have one on one public speaking training sessions, simulations, and many more activities that prepare you to deliver effective, engaging, and moving speeches. They also give you a platform to put your learnings to the test. Their team is dedicated and well-versed. Not only will you gain confidence to speak publicly, but also you will have command over the vocabulary.
So, if you are determined to change yourself for the better make sure to check out their website for more information.