SPEAK WITH POISE

Public speaking is very much like swimming. To learn how to swim, you must first overcome your fear of water. How do you

do that? By getting into the pool as often as possible and trying again and again. The first few times you might swallow

some water, but once you gain self-belief, picking up the techniques is not so difficult. The same with being on stage! You

first need to build up your trust and lose your fear. This comes with only practice.

SPEAK CLEARLY AND WITH POISE                                                                                                                           

Don’t swallow your words or go soft at the end of the sentences. Get your best friend or a family member to sit across the

room from you while practicing. Can you be heard? Are you pronouncing the words correctly?

SPEAK IN SHORT SENTENCES

We often lose ourselves in long-winding sentences. Speaking in shorter sentences also lessens the chances of you speaking

incorrect grammar.

YOUR OPENING

Your start is important. You could begin with a short anecdote or a joke, but don’t overdo it. Never make personal insults or

abusive language.

MODULATE YOUR VOICE

Don’t speak in the same tone. Your speech should resemble a speeding train, sometimes you need to go slow, and

sometimes you need to pick up speed. To stress on a particular point, you sometimes need to drop your voice to a whisper

and sometimes be forceful.

BE RELAXED

Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy.  It shows you care about doing well. But, too much

nervousness is not good. Five minutes before you go on to stage, sit down alone comfortably with your back straight.

Breathe in slowly, hold your breath for 4 to 5 seconds, and then slowly exhale. To relax your facial muscles, open your

mouth and eyes wide, and then close them tightly.

MAKE EYE CONTACT

Look at your audience when you speak to them. The trick is to select three to four spots towards the back of the room

(ideally left, middle and right, four rows from the back) and speak looking towards them. Occasionally look around the

room).

IDEA/CONTENT

Remember, he who fails to prepare is preparing for failure – so prepare, prepare and prepare!

TRY HUMOR

Humor is the most wonderful tool that any good public speaker uses. A little humor not only relaxes you, but also warms

the audience towards you.

YOUR  CONCLUSION

Don’t walk off abruptly. Once you finish your speech, remain there for a few seconds and then smartly walk back to your

seat.

THINK POSITIVELY
Imagine yourself walking smartly on to the stage as the audience applauds. Imagine yourself speaking with clarity,

conviction and enthusiasm. When you visualize yourself as successful, you will be successful.

                            THREE IMPORTANT KNOWS       

KNOW THE ROOM

Initially this is very important. Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area

and practice using the microphone. You now know mentally beforehand how large your audience could be.

KNOW THE AUDIENCE

If you are speaking to your friends, no problem! These are people that you interact with often. However when it comes a

room full of strangers, pick out a few and talk with them before hand. You will feel yourself automatically slipping into a

comfort zone.

KNOW THE CONTENT

This is the most important point. You may be relaxed and confident on stage, but if you are not on top of your content,

then you have not done justice to yourself. If you are not familiar with your very own material or are uncomfortable with it,

your nervousness will increase. And that’s where the age-old adage ‘practice makes perfect’ holds perfectly true.