Hints and Tips for Public Speaking

I know that this is something that I dread and figured that may others may dread it to - public speaking - whether its to your work or a presentation at school, so if anyone has any hints or tips post them here.


One thing I find useful is flash cards with notes on - not whole sentences as I fall over reading straight from card but an order of things and words to prompt you

My English teacher has a great laugh seeing us in front of the class during an oral presentation. Last time she fell off her chair laughing.

- If you have a problem looking at some one, look between their eyes or at their forehead. Don't forget to look at everyone.

- I found that this helped when I was acting on stage. Imagine that there is no one else there but you and any one else on the stage, or in the case of an oral presentation, just you.

- Remember to speak clearly and loud enough.

- Don't critisise your own work, nothing annoys the teacher/spectator more.

- Be confident, don't let your body language show that you're nervous.

Er... there are more. I'll post again/edit when I remember them!

I have often been told to picture your audience in their underware - dont do this! It doesnt work at al and you will either fall to the floor in tears of laughter or suffer nightmares for the rest of your life

Well, I used to be scared of public speaking, but since I've been in high school, I've learned not to be scared.

One tip I use everytime I public speak would be to SPEAK SLOWLY and CLEARLY. So in other words, speak up and don't mumble to yourself. If you feel like you're speaking really slowly, just keep with it. It's better to speak really slowly than to speak too quickly. People get confused. I know that someone already mentioned this tip, but it's best to drill it into your head.

Another tip for group presentations is DON'T FIGHT. There are some kids in one of my classes at school and every time that they're asked to present their powerpoint, they end up fighting with each other. The class found it funny the first time, but now that they've done it five times...it's old. You'll get points taken off, so stay away from fighting with your peers while presenting.

I've had my share of public speaking. You learn to overcome it in time.

One thing I learned that really helps is visual aides. They keep the eyes off you so you'll feel a little better. Your visiual can be a powerpoint or a very bright and colorful posterboard.

A small activity works too. When I had to do my oral for my final I passed out word searches that related to my topic. Like a visual it keeps eyes off you.

I also find that having a friend in the audience helps. Someone that you trust and feel comfortable with. Every so often glance at them and there's no doubt they'll give you an encouraging nod.

Flashcards as said above are excellent and DRILLING IT INTO YOUR HEAD will make it pass by in a breeze. If you aren't prepared there's a high chance you'll be more nervous than the person who did their studying.

Another idea - give the audience a short introduction. This will not only help them follow your presentation better, but the few simple sentences that you'll say will get you speaking and might free you from some of your stress.

Oh and - be prepared. I know this has already been said, but I don't just mean learning what you have to talk. Read a bit around the topic, be prepared for questions etc, so you aren't clueless if they come up. I've once seen a presentation where one giving it was clearly having trouble with understanding the topic himself, but he kept talking until the teacher interrupted him, asked a question and the dude actually had the courage to answer, "Well, but you don't know all the answers, either!" ..... it was .... bad. -.-"

For group presentations: make it lively by changing speakers from time to time, it looks like good group work if you pass the word from each other nicely. But don't overdo it - if each person says a sentence and passes on, it gets confusing for the public! xD\

Last but not least - nobody's perfect. If a small mistake should happen, "an accident", don't lose confidence and bury your head in shame. What's done is done, there's no way to make it right again, and anyhow - it won't kill you. That's why you should just correct whatever information was wrong, smile and get on with your presentation as if nothing had happened.