X

If you want to learn how to speak well and confidently, follow these 6 steps: Step 1: Write concise notes outlining your speech. Don’t try to write out your entire talk – just make notes that cover your most important points. Bring your notes with you on the day of your presentation for reference. Step 2: Practice your speech frequently. You’ll feel more confident if you know what you’re going to say, and how you will say it. It’s a good idea to practice in front of a mirror to work on making eye contact and using gestures effectively. If you are able, present your talk to a small group of family or friends, and ask for their feedback. Step 3: Before giving your talk, take a few moments to calm and center yourself with relaxation techniques. Try breathing deeply, inhaling with your nose until your lungs are full, and exhaling through your mouth. Another effective technique is visualization: Imagine yourself delivering a great speech, and the audience’s applause when you are done. Step 4: Make sure your audience can hear and understand you by speaking loudly and slowly enough so that they can easily follow what you are saying. Slow down, enunciate clearly, and pause from time to time to allow your audience to process what they have heard. A steady, deliberate pace will make you seem more authoritative, and your speech more effective. Step 5: Make eye contact with your audience from time to time throughout your speech. Pick out a few supportive people in the room, and move your gaze between them. You can imagine you’re giving the speech just to them if the audience seems intimidating. Step 6: Conclude your speech with a concise statement of the main theme of the talk, and thank the audience for listening. Enjoy the applause – you’ve earned it!