3 Ways to Build Your Public Speaking Skills

Have you ever felt your heart race and palms get sweaty at the mere thought of public speaking? If yes, you’re not alone. In fact, research shows that up to 77% of people experience some form of anxiety when it comes to speaking in public; whether it’s just a slight fear or a full-blown phobia.

The art of public speaking is a crucial skill that can serve you well in both your professional and personal life. If you want to get ahead in your career, mastering public speaking is invaluable. With consistent practice, anyone can learn to be a good public speaker. Here are 3 effective ways to build your public speaking skills.

1. Start small with informal presentations.

One of the most common mistakes people make is trying to take on too much too soon when developing their public speaking abilities.

Instead of jumping right into a formal conference presentation, start with smaller, lower-pressure speaking opportunities like giving updates at staff meetings or leading a workshop for coworkers. Practicing informally in front of audiences you know allows you to gain experience without as much risk of anxiety getting the better of you.

It also gives you a chance to get feedback from colleagues on your strengths and areas for improvement. Recent findings show that employees who participated in regular informal presentations advanced 33% faster in their careers than those who did not.

2. Video record yourself and closely examine areas for growth.

While practicing in front of others and getting their perspectives is invaluable, another important method for developing public speaking prowess is intensive self-analysis.

Record a video of a practice presentation using your phone or computer’s camera. Then watch it back, taking detailed notes on anything you observe that could be enhanced. Pay attention to fillers like “um” and “like” that detract from your message. Note whether you fidget or have tense body language.

Analyze pacing, eye contact, vocal tone, and other delivery factors. Refer to your feedback regularly as you continue to practice and hone all aspects of your speechcraft. Making practice a habit of continuous improvement in this way is key.

3. Own Your Presentation.

Connecting with your audience is an essential aspect of any presentation. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by adding your own personality to your delivery.

Whether you are a naturally funny or empathetic person, allowing your personality to shine through while conveying your message can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level. However, it’s crucial to be authentic and appropriate in your approach. Humor can be an incredibly powerful tool, but it’s essential to use it in a way that enhances your work, rather than detracting from it.

If you decide to use PowerPoint slides as part of your presentation, avoid the temptation to read from them word for word. Instead, incorporate images or videos that can bring your message to life and help you connect with your audience more effectively. By following these tips, you can create a presentation that is both engaging and informative, leaving a lasting impression on your audience.

The confidence and competence that come from dedicated skill-building will serve you extremely well in virtually any professional context that involves leading meetings, giving presentations, motivating teams, and networking. Continuous practice is a guaranteed way to enhance your public speaking abilities and command of the room over time. If you want to become a professional public speaker, invest in our Public Speaking Training today as the first step out of your comfort zone to make you feel more at ease in front of audiences.