By Suhel Singh Randhawa
Words, spoken and written, are a true innovation of humanity. The ability to preserve one’s thoughts and feelings in a tangible form, to speak one’s thoughts in a variety of ways that can sway masses, to be able to share something someone holds dear to their heart with another, is truly a blessing we often take for granted. Communication can be a powerful tool to achieve success and make the world a better place. Great leaders possess the skill of speaking in a way that is eloquent and efficient; their words can bring about a revolution. Some people are naturally great at public speaking, but others can hone it with practice and perseverance. Here is how you can do just that:
Pre-Speech Preparation
- Knowledge - Before addressing a gathering about an issue, you must first be well versed in it. Try choosing a topic you’re already familiar with, and if not, read about it as much as possible. This immensely boosts your confidence as you know what you are going to say. Furthermore, extra knowledge can assist you in articulating yourself more effectively and clearly. Reading also helps grow your vocabulary, which makes it easier for you to communicate.
- Writing - Writing helps you become a better speaker by allowing you to practice phrasing and articulating your thoughts in a tangible form. It allows you to play with words and determine which words best express your thoughts.
- Practice - Practicing speaking helps you see how your pronunciation and diction is, and where you can improve your speech. You should first practice in front of a mirror, and then in front of the people who will give you correct feedback. This also helps you practice speaking in front of an audience, since it is often daunting to simply go up and address a gathering without prior experience. All in all, it is a test drive for your speech.
- Hydrate - Drinking water makes you physically comfortable enough to go up and speak. If you are giving a longer speech, take a glass or bottle of water to the podium, as your throat can go dry during the speech.
During Your Speech
- Seek feedback from the audience - Find a few faces face in the audience and observe them from time to time to see how they react. Are they interested? Do they seem bored? Are they drooling while sleeping? However, don’t become fixated on a person’s feedback. Someone might fall asleep not because of their lack of interest, but because they had a rough night or a busy day. Try to focus on the ones who are paying attention. It is easier to talk to one person than a thousand.
- Speak slowly - People often try to wind up their speech as quickly as possible, as if they have a bus to catch. Instead, speak slowly and clearly. This is especially important if you stammer. If you have a time limit, use the writing phase of your preparation to phrase points in a way that the speech remains concise.
- Speak with confidence and conviction - You are well prepared. You’ve made this speech many times before. You know the facts. You know the content. “Confidence: The feeling that makes one believe a man, even when one knows that one would lie in his place,” said H.L Mencken. But we hope that you use your confident speeches for the betterment of the world and in an ethical manner.
- Relax - Take a few deep breaths, it’s alright. You can mess up here and there. You are only human. Public speaking is difficult, even for those who do it daily. You trying to get out of your comfort zone to do something you want to do is truly commendable.
Post Speech
- Take feedback - Most people will applaud your words and give you compliments for your speech, but while taking in the admiration, you must also seek feedback. If you know someone in the audience, seek them out and ask them what parts of your speech you can work on and improve. In an academic or professional setting, you can ask your mentor or supervisor.
- Acknowledge yourself - Not many people can go up in front of a crowd and voice their thoughts, but you dare to do that. Make sure you celebrate this feat and pat yourself on the back.
Ultimately, becoming a better public speaker is a process. It takes time. You will make mistakes, many times, but you should keep your eyes on the target. Eventually, with practice and determination, you will overcome the obstacles, you will rectify your mistakes, and you will achieve your goals.