Public speaking is an incredibly important skill, and not just needed by professional speakers. Whether you are an insurance agent making cold calls all day, a teacher at the front of the classroom, or an engineer who needs to present their ideas to an executive board, knowing how to communicate information clearly and concisely to an audience is a necessary skill.
However, there are tons of people who are scared of public speaking, and that’s okay. Although it’s a common fear, it is usually unavoidable. So instead of cowering away, here are some tips to turn you into a pro for your next presentation.
1. Own your Fears
Take a deep breath and admit that you’re nervous. Even the best speakers get nervous before a presentation. It is a normal feeling, and it does not mean you are doomed to fail. Remember, the people you are speaking to are also people. No one is perfect, and your audience likely shares your fear of public speaking with you.
2. Don’t Write a Script
This is the biggest mistake out there. People will spend hours, even days, creating the perfect speech. Unless you’re the president or have a teleprompter in front of you, DO NOT DO THIS.
Many people, when reading from a script, will get tripped up on one word and lose momentum. Plus, when someone is reading from a script, it doesn’t feel natural, and your audience will lose focus.
Instead, create bullet points. Using an outline ensures you cover all your talking points but in your own words. This takes practice, but it creates a much more natural delivery that audiences respond to better.
3. Speak like you Normally Would
Often, people who are not great public speakers tend to rush through their talking points. When giving your speech, remember to pause and pronounce words the way you normally would.
Just because you are giving an important speech doesn’t mean you have to change your voice. You want your audience to have time to think when you ask a question, laugh when you tell a joke, or react when you make a strong point.
4. Watch your Movements
How you control your body is incredibly important when on stage or at the front of a room.
For starters, while expressive hand gestures are great, try to avoid overusing them when speaking. This takes awareness and practice, but it can be mastered over time.
Also pay attention to how you move on stage. You don’t want to stand completely still (unless at a podium), but you also don’t want to pace constantly. A good rhythm is:
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Stay in one spot for 1–2 talking points
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Move to a new position for the next 1–2 points
Watching stand-up comedians or experienced speakers can help you see how effective body language works in practice.
5. Good Practice Makes Perfect
Practicing in your room alone is good, but not enough. Deliver your speech to friends or family and ask for feedback on flow and clarity.
Also record yourself. It might feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the fastest ways to improve. You’ll notice habits you didn’t even realize you had. If recording feels like too much, practicing in front of a mirror is a good alternative.
Final Thoughts
Public speaking can be stressful, even for veteran speakers. But with practice and a few simple techniques, you can improve faster than you think. Take a deep breath, slow down, and remember your audience is human too.