Packaging is as important as the product itself
05th November ,2007
This article discusses how you can improve your public speaking skills and overcome the fear of public speaking. Learning these skills is essential to improving your presentation skills and overall confidence.
4. Look into the mirror
Looking at yourself in a mirror helps you to boost your confidence. While looking in the mirror; talk to yourself that you can do it and there is nothing to fear about and that you are the best. This will help you boost your confidence in a big way.
5. Research your subject well
One of the most common causes for fear is that, presenters are not confident about their subjects because of which they shiver and fumble. Do an in depth research your subject so that you gain the necessary confidence to tackle difficult questions.
6. Arrive early to the venue
Arriving early to the venue has its own psychological advantage as you get used to the facility, tools, aids and the people as they start coming in. This basically helps your mind to get more comfortable with the surroundings.
7. Visualize the venue and your audience
Visualization is the most important technique that will help you overcome the fear of public speaking. Visualize your audience, the venue, the facilities, etc. Try to visualize as much in details as possible. This will help you boost your confidence level.
8. Rehearse your presentation
Even pros rehearse their presentation. You must always rehearse your presentation a week in advance before you deliver it. Read how to improve presentation skills
Above were some tips to help you overcome your fear of public speaking. Lets now discuss tips on how to improve your public speaking skills.
1. Voice Modulation
Modulating your voice throughout your speech/presentation will not only help get your message across to the audience, but will also ensure that the audience remains interested in you and your presentation.
The best way to improve your voice modulation is to record your speech and identify areas where you need improvement.
2. Posture
Maintaining a good posture is very important. It makes you look confident and works wonders for your self-esteem. A good posture is when you straighten your back and shoulders and carry yourself with confidence. I recommend observing great leaders to get a quick tutorial on posture, style and manner of communication.
3. Be confident of yourself
Since the beginning of this article, I have over-emphasized on being confident in yourself and everything that you say and do. Ask to yourself - which salesman would you buy from; someone who is non-confident or someone who is confident?
Do you get the answer? Do as much as possible to improve your levels of confidence. This will not only help you better your public speaking skills but will also help you in other areas of your life.
4. Eye contact
When talking to a large group of people, it is easy to ignore one section of people completely and give undue attention to another set of people. Try to maintain eye contact with your audience - with nearly each and every one. Try to maintain eye contact with all audience members atleast once (unless you are speaking to 100+ people). You can only develop this skill with practice.
5. Use the space
By this I mean, try to use the presentation area as much as possible by walking and moving around. Beware, that you don't over excessively do it. Using the space again shows that you are confident of the topic and ensures that the audience remains focused on you and the topic.
These were some tips on improving your public speaking skills. I have time and again over-emphasized on being confident and plan to release a guide on how to improve your confidence. Subscribe to our newsletters to receive updates as and when articles are released.
Forward this article to your friends and help them improve public speaking skills.
Feel free to contact if you have any query or additional tips that you would like to offer.
