Are you stressed before an oral presentation? Do you not know how to position yourself? Are you uncomfortable?
Like any skill, public speaking can be practiced to improve and become more comfortable. Here are 5 ways to improve your public speaking so you feel more confident in the future.
1. Practice
Personally, in my early days, I experienced a real paralysis whenever I had to speak in public. Stress and lack of preparation were the main causes.
To avoid this stress, I encourage you not to overthink things and to speak without worrying about what others might think. With practice, you'll understand that progress lies in regular practice, not in that brief moment of reflection right before you speak, which can often bring anxiety and stage fright.
Whenever you have the opportunity to speak, do it! It can be with your family or friends to start with, then you will gradually dare to speak more and more with strangers or in a professional context.
2. Know your audience
When you are in front of an audience you know, like your loved ones, the stress is less because there is a certain familiarity and understanding.
However, when dealing with an unfamiliar or large audience, it can be more difficult to imagine yourself speaking in public. In such situations, it's helpful to prepare beforehand by researching the audience you'll be addressing.
I encourage you to get to know your audience. This will allow you to adapt your speech, tone, and manner of speaking to them. They will be more receptive, and you will feel more at ease seeing the understanding in their eyes.
3. Work on your breathing
Focusing on your breathing by inhaling for 5 seconds and exhaling for 5 seconds can help reduce levels of cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. This deep breathing technique is often used in relaxation and stress management practices.
Here's how to practice deep breathing:
- Close your eyes and become aware of your breathing.
- Inhale slowly through your nose for about 5 seconds, your abdomen should expand and your chest should open.
- Hold your breath for one second.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for 5 seconds; your abdomen should deflate and your body should relax.
- Repeat this cycle of inhaling and exhaling, focusing on your breath, and try to relax more and more with each exhalation.
4. Improve your posture
If you express yourself while tense or withdrawn, your speech will not have the same impact as if you fully control your posture.
Posture plays a crucial role in how you present yourself and communicate with your audience. Good posture can not only boost your confidence but also amplify the impact of your speech. Here are some tips to improve your posture and feel comfortable speaking in public:
- Stand up straight Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed. Avoid slouching or leaning forward. An upright posture conveys confidence and presence.
- Balance your weight Distribute your weight evenly on both feet. Avoid swaying on one leg or crossing your arms, as this can create an impression of closed-offness or discomfort.
- Use the space Don't be afraid to use the space available to you. Move around slightly on stage or in front of your audience to vary your physical presence. This can help capture attention and maintain audience engagement.
- Look at your audience Maintain eye contact with your audience. Look people in the eyes in a natural and relaxed way. This creates a connection and shows your confidence.
- Use appropriate gestures Gestures can reinforce your speech, but they should be natural and measured. Avoid excessive or repetitive gestures. Use your hands to illustrate or emphasize your points subtly and with control.
Improving your posture requires regular practice. You can practice in front of a mirror or by recording yourself speaking to observe and adjust your posture.
5. Accept that you are wrong
Nobody's perfect, and it's perfectly normal to stutter, search for words, or make mistakes when speaking in public. Here's how you can manage these situations and even benefit from them:
- Be kind to yourself Remember that everyone makes mistakes and that it's part of the learning process. Don't be too hard on yourself when you make a mistake. Accept it as an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Stay calm and breathe. If you stutter or search for your words, take a few seconds to refocus. Stay calm and resume your speech with confidence. Give yourself time to think and find the right words.
- Use the mistake as an opportunity Mistakes can be valuable learning opportunities. Take note of the errors you made or the points you can improve and work on them. Every experience will allow you to improve for future presentations.
- Learn from inspiring role models Study speakers and presenters who inspire you. Observe how they handle mistakes and recover. Draw inspiration from their techniques and confidence to improve your own public speaking skills.
Remember that regular practice and perseverance are essential to becoming comfortable speaking in public. Accept your mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve. Over time, you will feel more and more confident when speaking in public.
