0 Tips to Improve Public Speaking Skills

Автор публикации: Coursera • Обновлено 4 нояб. 2022 г.

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Professionals within all industries often need to present ideas and information. Improved public
speaking skills can help employees reduce anxiety, improve productivity, and become more valued
members of any team.

Regardless of the industry, one of the most critical professional skills is public
speaking. Speaking comfortably and effectively to a crowd can facilitate formal
board presentations and complex explanations to financial backers. It can also
help you present ideas to colleagues and teammates.

Luckily, everyone can learn the skills needed to feel comfortable when tasked
with sharing concepts with co-workers or with crowds. This is true even if
speaking in front of others makes you feel intimidated or if you’ve never done it
before.

By implementing public speaking tips used by the best presenters, you can
position yourself to convey important information with confidence. Improve your
productivity and become an influential member of any team with good public
speaking skills with focused effort. 
1. Know your audience before preparing
your speech. 

Employees are more likely to feel comfortable presenting to an audience they

know. By knowing the people you are talking to, you’ll better understand how to
craft a message in a way that resonates with them. 

Start by identifying their level of understanding of the topic you plan to discuss.
This will help you know the amount of background you must cover before going
more in-depth. It can also help you choose the right kind of words. If you use
industry jargon and acronyms for the general public, you’ll risk confusing them.

Then, as you’re presenting, stay aware of the reactions from your listeners.
Adjust accordingly so you can connect with them through your message. 

2. Practice, practice, practice. 

Even the most seasoned public speaker needs to practice to be effective.
Giving a mock presentation of your speech in advance will make it easier to
determine if you’ve organized the information cohesively and clearly. 

It can help to talk out loud to an imaginary audience or in front of a mirror, but
it’s even more effective to practice with the help of a supportive co-worker,
friend, or family member as an audience. 

3. Use constructive criticism to your

advantage.
Whether you’re practicing or giving a presentation, ask for constructive
criticism. This feedback includes specific examples and is offered in a good-
natured way. If you know a person has your best interests in mind, you’ll likely
be more open to their suggestions to enhance the way you communicate. 

Constructive criticism can be challenging to accept. Take time before

responding to reduce being defensive or taking the feedback personally.
Integrate the ideas in a way that can help you improve your presentation for the
next time. Always thank the person for providing their thoughts.

4. Make it your own. 

Connecting with an audience can happen more easily when you're being
yourself. Let your personality shine through as you convey your message. Be
authentic and appropriate—include humor when it can facilitate your work
rather than detract from it.

If you're using a PowerPoint presentation, make sure the text and the pictures
highlight your character and expertise. Include short and focused personal
stories to illustrate your points. Add your contact information at the end of the
presentation so people can follow up with you afterward. 

5. Connect with your audience with a

personal story.
Including personal stories or anecdotes in your professional presentations can
effectively communicate your message to your audience. This is demonstrated
successfully on the TED Talk stage. 

When TED Speakers take the stage, they often begin with a short, personal
tale. This structure helps them personally connect with the audience, share
their passion for what they're about to discuss, or explain their expertise. 

To add this kind of personal touch to your presentation, make sure what you
share has a direct connection with the topic at hand. If you think someone will
not easily understand the point of the personal story, omit it.

Learn more about storytelling and influencing with this course from Macquarie

University.

Курс
Storytelling and influencing: Communicate with impact
An ambitious vision for the future of your organisation isn’t enough – how do you communicate this
vision to get your colleagues on board? The ability to ...
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6. Make eye contact and avoid reading from

a script.
Practice does more than ensure your presentation is structured and able to
provide the messages required. It also helps you feel comfortable enough with
your material so you can physically relax on stage. Also, you’re more likely to
connect with those around