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We are in a world now where communication skills are the most important competency that will make or break your career. And public speaking is part of this competency. For some public speaking can be a nightmare. Preeyan gives invaluable tips to improve the art of speaking in public, in the weekly column, exclusively for Different Truths.
Public speaking is an art, anyone can learn, practice, and be good at it. In this write-up, I would like to share ways of how we could become good public speakers. Public speaking is an art that is very important to become a successful professional in any stream of our choice. This is plainly on the basis of my experiences and what has worked for me well.
We are in a world now where communication skills are the most important competency that will make or break your career. And public speaking is part of this competency. For some public speaking can be a nightmare and I would like to through some light on this in a way that will help us get over this nightmarish situation to a calmer and composed one.
Here are some tips that will help.
Getting rid of the Jitters
Catch the bull by the horn is the only way you can get rid of the jitters is by actually facing it. The first time
Preparation for your Speech
Most times we are expected to be spontaneous on the topic of choice and sometimes we do not have much time to prepare. But a quick rundown in your head on what you want to talk about and keep some key points in mind. And if you can have the order right in your mind, your delivery becomes that much better. If you have ample time to prepare, always prepare your script, not verbatim, a directional script will help because it allows you flexibility for using words and language of your own. Write down on a small piece of paper like a ‘cheat sheet’ the main points you would want to cover. This cheat sheet will help you condition the flow of your speech and not start talking like those politicians who speak about some initiative they have taken for the industry in a school gathering.
Delivery
It is important that you do something good and looks good doing it. I remember my high school
Anecdotes and Quotes
Try to use only as much required otherwise you will sound like pompous. This brings in some finesse in your speech. Usage of the right anecdotes actually improves the attention your audience is giving you. Use it to hold the attention of the audience.
Maintain Eye Contact
How do you maintain eye contact with the whole audience? Someone once told me that you just generally look at the direction of the audience and focus on some random point or a pleasant face in the audience
Conclusion
Think of a way to conclude in an effective manner. The conclusion of the talk has to be as strong if not stronger than your start. This simple rule will help you.
Maybe what I have said here will help and will help you practice. And please use every opportunity you get for public speaking. Don’t hesitate to participate. The more you get exposure the better you get. Practice is the only way you can improve.
Cheers!
©Preeyan Abraham
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#PublicSpeaking #TipsToBeAGoodPublicSpeaker #ArtOfPublicSpeaking #JobsAndCareers #DifferentTruths
Wonderfully written Preeyan ! Kudos!
While I agree with what the writer has to say, I would suggest a few more points for consideration…Avoid speaking in a monotone…Modulate your voice and try and bring the feeling or emotion within it that the content may demand but stop well short of being theatrical. Pause for effect as Amitabh Bachchan often does as in “Mai aur meri tanhaai…aksar yeh baatein karte hain…” Right pause; pregnant silence when needed can lift the audience to new levels…Avoid cracking stale jokes…They demotivate audiences. Make eye contact and keep shifting your gaze after brief eye contact…Makes the audience feel inclusive…Do not be tiresome and exceed your allotted time…Lastly be polite, decorum led and kind; avoid running others down and emphasising how good or great you are…Audiences judge well and respond honestly…or chill you with their silence…Never take the audience for granted. They know better.