Public Speaking – How to get better at it

Public speaking can send shivers down the spine of many of us. The mere mention of it might stir up anxiety, rooted in the fear of judgment, the dread of failure, and the spotlight effect. While it’s true you’re often the center of attention during public speaking, the spotlight effect distorts how you perceive this attention, leading you to overestimate the extent to which your every move and mistake are scrutinised by the audience. Before we move on to some strategies to improve your public speaking, It’s crucial to note that we often judge ourselves way more harshly than anyone else in the room does.

Master Your Breath: Keep calm by breathing slowly (in for three, pause for three, out for three, pause for three – repeat), especially when things don’t go to plan (tech issues, audience disruptions etc). This helps you stay composed and in control. Controlled breathing acts like a control switch for your brain and body, signalling the autonomic nervous system to dial down the adrenaline. 

Know Your Material: Be super familiar with all aspects of your presentation. If you can’t discuss a slide and everything contained on a slide (that’s if you’re choosing to use slides, of course), reconsider its inclusion. Deep knowledge is key to delivering value.

Engage with Individuals: Make eye contact and speak to individuals one by one as opposed to focusing on the whole crowd all at once. Focussing on the crowd can be overwhelming. Don’t be deterred by a few disinterested faces, focus on those you’re reaching.

Use Stories: Leverage authentic stories to illustrate your points. They’re relatable, easier to remember and tell, and provide a break for both you and the audience.

Be Yourself: Trying to be someone you’re not when presenting just doesn’t sit right. It feels off when there’s too much of a disconnect from your usual self. Sure, being on stage amps up the nerves and excitement, and everyone has their unique flow and way of engaging with the audience. But, when speakers start acting out of character, it often loses the interest of the audience. The real skill is amplifying your genuine self. Keeping it real is what truly connects with people. 

Practice and Persistence. DO NOT AVOID: Improvement in public speaking comes with practice. Avoidance only reinforces anxiety. Embrace every opportunity to speak as a step forward.