Effective Public Speaking in 5 Easy Steps

Effective public speaking depends on your preparation, projecting positive body language, grabbing your audience’s attention, making your speech interesting and ending the speech on a good note.

Step 1: Prepare 

1. Profile your audience: What background or experience do they have? What questions will they ask? 
2. Keep your speech in point forms, rather than write it out word for word. Use the points to guide you in your speech rather than speaking stiffly.    

Step 2: Grab your audience’s attention 

1. Quote a shocking statistic or take a controversial stand. 
2. Use humour, but only if you are good at telling jokes and it is relevant to the speech.   

Step 3: Project positive body language 

1. Stand erect and tall. Push your chest out. A positive body posture will project confidence and make you feel good. 
2. Maintain steady eye contact with your audience. Fast-shifting eyes convey uncertainty. 
3. Avoid crossing your arms in front of your chest. This gives off a negative attitude about you as a speaker.   

Step 4: Make your speech interesting  

1. Illustrate your points with anecdotes and quotes.
   
2. Vary your voice. Speak quickly, loudly or softly for brief moments. 
3. Pause before or after an important point.   

Step 5: End on a good note 

1. Make sure your ending is as challenging as your introduction.
   
2. Leave the audience with something to ponder on.