While some of us would much rather sprint as quickly as we could in the opposite direction, others of us seem to glow when they are given a microphone and asked to make a toast or deliver a speech. Naturally, how you approach speaking in front of an audience of thousands of people or a boardroom full of your bosses and coworkers depends on your personality. Instead of relying on other people or activities to keep their minds occupied, more introverted individuals frequently keep a lot of ideas in their heads and on their minds. This course from Shiv Khera will tell you how to improve public speaking skills.
You won't become a great public speaker overnight by following a single checklist. It requires preparation, practise, and receiving feedback is beneficial. But if you want to know how to improve public speaking skills in any circumstance, it's a good idea to start by keeping in mind these core ideas.
Nervousness is a common thing
Even the biggest extroverts among us occasionally experience the jitters. Shyness and nervousness are emotions, not character traits. And when we find ourselves in uneasy situations, we all experience these kinds of emotions. The key is realising that nervousness is common and not letting it prevent you from speaking authoritatively. It's an unavoidable part of public speaking.
Keep in constant touch with your audience
Always keep in mind that the goal of giving a toast, presentation, or speech is to convince your audience of your point of view. You must be available to your audience. Any time you are self-conscious, you are not paying attention to your audience. "A good speaker will stoop forward and ask, "Who are you? Which do you require? How may I assist you?
Prepare
Consider your audience when deciding on the best way to tailor your message to them. What strategy will hold their interest and strike a chord with them? Prepare a compelling introduction that will hold listeners' interest. Create a thoughtful conclusion as well so that your audience will remember the main ideas you want them to maintain. It is unquestionably different from preparing for a formal speech to prepare for less formal conversation, such as a dinner party with new neighbours, a networking event, or a meeting at work, but preparation can still be beneficial. If someone genuinely wants to know how to improve public speaking skills, first thing will be to prepare what you have to say.
It will make you feel more assured when it comes time to express your opinion if you prepare your reasons in advance of a meeting with supervisors. Additionally, having a basic understanding of other party guests can make it simpler to strike up conversations with them.
Always Practice
Even the most accomplished public speaker cannot just wing it. To feel confident speaking and hearing your words come out of your mouth, practise your speech or presentation ahead of time. And if you can get feedback from a friend, relative, or coworker, an outside viewpoint can be incredibly helpful.
Listen
No matter if you're speaking to one person or a thousand, communication requires active participation from both parties. A good communicator listens to what others have to say before speaking up when trying to engage listeners in less formal conversations. Make a connection with what they are saying so that you can respond to questions appropriately and then add your own thoughts. If you want to strike up a conversation, choose a subject that interests you both, such as family, hobbies, work, travel, or books.
Always make an eye contact with your audience
Whether you're speaking or listening, this is crucial. It conveys your interest and concern to the speaker as well as the listener. You look more competent and confident, and your personality comes across much better. Also, if you're speaking to a large group of people, keep in mind that making good eye contact doesn't just entail choosing one happy face to stare at the entire time.
Stand up Straight
No, we're not talking toy soldiers here, but a good posture supports your voice when speaking in front of a group of people (regardless of size). Place your feet firmly on the ground and evenly distribute your weight. Don't rock either, It's the quickest way to get people to focus on your appearance rather than what you have to say.
About Shiv Khera
Author, activist, and motivational speaker Shiv Khera is best known for his book You Can Win. In India, he started a movement against caste-based reservations and established the Country First Foundation.
He gives people the motivation they need to reach their full potential. He has travelled to far locations, including Singapore and the United States, to deliver his intriguing personal messages. Millions have been guided toward personal development and how to improve public speaking skills courses by his 40 years of study and comprehension. In more than 20 different countries, tens of thousands have benefited from his inspiring workshops, and millions have heard him as a keynote speaker. He has made many radio as well as TV appearances.
