Public speaking is a tool that we used to communicate. It’s also an art. The more artful your public speaking, the more successful you are likely to be in it.
It doesn’t have to be hard, though. The best public speakers I’ve ever seen were not so born speakers. That doesn’t mean they couldn’t use their voice, but most of them were quite naturally good in public speaking. They also had great public speaking skills that could be developed and honed.
What is it about one that makes him or her a good public speaker? One important thing is whether the speaker is capable of holding a good conversation. People will like you for the people you talk to, not just for what you say.
I found the first step to developing any skill or talent in public speaking is simply to observe. Try to get a feel for the people who like your speech. That’s how we all learn. If you observe good public speakers, you can also become a good one.
Take a look at the way you speak. Is your voice as strong and deep as you would like it to be? Sometimes the way you sound will actually show the audience what kind of public speaker you are.
How you say things can tell a lot about you. Watch how other people speak and note how they say it. By looking at how others talk you will begin to understand yourself.
A good public speaking technique involves repeating sentences without fully understanding them. This way you can add the appropriate words to finish the sentence. You can add plenty of effects of your own.
Of course, public speaking isn’t just about learning how to use your voice, nor does it involve memorizing lists of words. Practice. Practice often, and with many speakers. People who enjoy public speaking will make it a habit to practice with new speakers.
Many who excel in public speaking are also well-read. Their ability to hear and assimilate notes is something that they’re very good at. If you don’t want to memorize anything, choose speakers whose voices and accents aren’t similar to yours. Listen to their public speaking skills.
Finally, public speaking isn’t just about the time and place. You’ll need to rehearse and practice with several speakers. When you’ve learned to use your body language and your voice, it’ll be easier to do it in front of an audience of strangers.
Being able to engage in public speaking isn’t about memorizing speeches or talking less. It’s about doing everything in your power to improve your speaking voice and your body language.
