4 Strategies to Make You a Better Public Speaker

When it comes to public speaking, most entrepreneurs fall into one of two categories: It’s either a thrill for them, or they dread the prospect of speaking in front of even a small team. To succeed in business, you need at least a basic ability to speak publicly about your business. From sales pitches to keynote speeches – there are four simple strategies you can use to master your next public speaking opportunity.

Public Speaking Tip #1: Set Your Intentions First

If you approach public speaking as a checklist of items you need to cover – it can be overwhelming, and leave you lost in a sea of content. This is a recipe for disaster, leaving you open to rambling and losing confidence. A better way is to clearly define your purpose for speaking. What key concept do you want to convey to your audience? Are you trying to inform, inspire, or persuade? This will help you set the tone for your speech, and give you a focal point to return to if you get lost in your outline.

Public Speaking Tip #2: Ditch the Powerpoint – Or at Least Scale Back

As a veteran, you’re probably very familiar with the concept of “death by Powerpoint”. Don’t rely on a visual presentation as a line-by-line reading of your speech. You want your audience looking at YOU, not a screen. Otherwise, they’ll zone out and you’ll lose them. If you must use Powerpoint, only use complimentary images and graphics that add to the concept you are discussing. Keep the text to an absolute minimum.

Public Speaking Tip #3: Be Yourself

When we think of public speakers – a certain outgoing personality type comes to mind. Part of the anxiety that comes from speaking in front of people comes from that pressure to be a certain way. If you’re not a naturally outgoing person, that’s okay! Focus on your strengths. Don’t force a personality type that doesn’t feel natural. If you use your hands a lot while talking, don’t force yourself to suddenly stop. If you don’t typically “talk with your hands” – the middle of a speaking engagement is not the place to start. Your authenticity will resonate with your audience.

Public Speaking Tip #4: Practice, Practice, Practice

As with any new skill, practicing a couple times before the real thing can help you work out some of your anxiety. Deliver your speech, start to finish, a couple times to get yourself comfortable with the content. Don’t worry about hitting everything word for word, just make sure that you feel natural delivering the key concepts you need to cover.

The more you speak in public, the easier it will become. Take the opportunity to speak in different groups. Try joining a Toastmasters group in your local area. Ask for feedback, and build your skill over time.