7 Easy Tips to Be an Effective Speaker

Proven Tips for Public-speaking and effective presentation skills

What do people Iear most? Nope, it`s not ghosts or the dark. It`s public-speaking. Some people
would rather jump out oI a building than to speak in Iront oI a crowd. They just Ireeze at the
lectern.
Public-speaking need not be the death knell you imagine it to be. I would like to share some tips
on eIIective public-speaking that I`ve gathered Irom my Toastmasters days. They would not turn
you into a charismatic orator overnight but they would make you a more conIident and eIIective
communicator.
1. Make eye contact
Look at someone in the Iront, leIt, right, centre and back oI the room. Do a sweeping glance at
the whole audience Irom time to time too. And I mean really look them in the eye. Yes, making
eye contact with your audience sitting in diIIerent parts oI the room is crucial. You could really
connect with your listeners, this way.
2. P.E.P
How do you make your audience register what you say better? Always state your point Iirst
Iollowed by elaboration beIore re-iterating your point Ior emphasis P.E.P.
3. Appeal to the Heart, not the mind
Yes, this applies even to Iact-based presentations. Don`t just dish out the numbers, the statistics
and the Iacts. The truth is; compelling case studies, persuasive storytelling and stories with a
human angle; speaks to the audience and unlocks the key to their heart. In short, arouse their
emotions.
Show how it relates to them. II your audience can identiIy with what you are saying, chances are
they would more likely be convinced.
4. Conviction
Honest emotions shows iI you don`t believe in what you are saying, chances are your audience
won`t either. You need to put in emotional investment beIore you can convince your audience.
Be sincere and earnest speak about something that you Ieel strongly about.
5. Vocal Variety
You don`t want to put your audience to sleep, don`t you? Do not drone on in a monotone. Vary
your vocal variety change the tone, volume, speed and pitch oI your voice.
SpeciIically, this is how to make it work Ior you:
O Tone As we know, the same sentence expressed in diIIerent tones could convey vastly
diIIerent meanings. Do you wish to show anger, disappointment, sarcasm, happiness or
excitement?
O Volume Speak louder when you wish to emphasize something or Ior dramatic eIIect.
Drop your voice to a whisper when you wish to sound secretive.
O Speed Speak Iaster to convey diIIerent emotions like excitement; speak slower to build
up climax. Don`t Iorget the power oI dramatic pauses. Silence is a powerIul tool.
Stressing on diIIerent words conveys diIIerent shades oI meanings.
O Pitch High pitch generally denotes excitement or anger while a lower pitch indicates
sadness or poignancy.
These are magical keys that unlock the door to an impactIul speech.
6. Body Language
Use gestures to help your audience understand you better but careIul not to let them distract Irom
your speech. Be natural, do not exaggerate. Make your gesture just large enough to be seen by
everyone in your audience but not draw attention to itselI.
So when do you use gestures?
O To express size, weight, shape, direction, location These physical characteristics call
Ior the shaping oI hands or pointing.
O To emphasize importance or urgency Punch your Iist into open air to punctuate your
point. You could also pounce on the lectern (but done with care so as not to seem
aIIected)
O To show comparison and contrast Move both your hands in unison to show similarities,
move them in opposition to show diIIerences.
7. Mind Your Language
Use simple words, bombastic words put people oII. Leave out jargons they only serve to
alienate your audience. Run through your speech to ensure that it is Iree Irom grammatical errors
they are not only jarring on the ears but distract Irom your message.
Keep these Iew tips in mind and see the diIIerence it makes, the next time you`re called upon to
speak. Be sure to nail that presentation in Iront oI your boss too!