How to Speak with Confidence ? Let us be honest. We have all been floored by the oratorical brilliance of famous personalities and ended up wondering how to get similar skills ourselves. Well, if you were to put your time and some sincere effort, there’s no reason why you can’t become a charismatic speaker yourself.
Practice and more practice
Nothing in life is achieved without putting in the hard yards. In this case, too thorough preparation holds the key. Regular practice is what is going to help you. Seek out opportunities to speak. Start small. For example, you can talk in front of friends or family. Volunteer to speak in your class. Get feedback from your friends, classmates, and family members, which will help you further fine-tune your public speaking skills. Practice makes perfect !
Divide the speech into 3 categories, (i) an introduction, (ii) a main topic, and (iii) a conclusion. This will help you simplify things in your mind. Pay attention to things like your pronunciation, intonation, tone, etc. Also remember, your speech should not sound like a drag. Include some humour in your talk. Try reciting some anecdote or other personal experience to enhance your connection with the audience.
Engage your audience
The key to becoming a great speaker is to find ways to engage the audience. One good way is by asking questions. This is where your body language also plays a key role. Personal anecdotes are another good way to make your speech compelling. Seeking their feedback is another way in which you can get the audience’s rapt attention. It shows that you are interested in interacting with the audience.
Non-verbal communication
One of the primary requisites for any good public speaker is confident body language. Remember, a good part of your message is being conveyed non-verbally. Use your hands to your advantage. Let your palm always face the audience. It conveys your openness and sincerity. Another important thing to remember is your eye contact. Avoid looking just at one or two spots. Look around the entire room, for this will help build a connection with the audience.
Drive away your nervousness
First of all, be realistic about being nervous. Every great orator in this world has felt butterflies in their stomach when they stepped on a stage. Ask the best of them and they will answer you in the affirmative. However, the trick lies in positively channelling this nervous energy. For example, you can move around the stage while speaking (if you are allowed to). If you are speaking from a podium then you can use hand gestures. This will help dissipate all nervous energy. Don’t fidget, for it is a giveaway for nervousness. Taking deep breaths is another way to calm your nerves and keep your voice steady.
How to Speak with Confidence ? First, Be yourself
This is perhaps the most important tip. While you can always have a role model for public speaking, remember to be yourself. At the end of the day this world appreciates people who are genuine and relatable. Remember, it is human to err. Even if you make a mistake, acknowledge it with grace. It will endear you to the audience. It is important to talk about a topic in which you are genuinely interested. This way your conviction will shine through, and help you have a stronger connection with the audience.
At the school, our teachers guide students on polishing their public speaking skills (know how to develop public speaking skills of students), through regular interactive sessions. Students are also provided ample speaking opportunities, which helps develop their communication skills in a nurturing environment. Want to know more about us? Call us today and find out what makes us a preferred CBSE school in Coimbatore.
