A speaker who feels confident in his own mind and heart about his ability to deliver a good speech or presentation is called a confident speaker.Being confident is not something that anyone can give you.Confidence is built step-by-step, from our previous successful experiences, and can be boosted and improved as time goes on.How do you make it better?By never giving up on practicing.If you make mistakes, learn from them and move on.The most renown speaker started as a beginner.So, practice!It's a good idea to practice by yourself in front of a mirror.Soon, you will be able to practice in front of an audience.In the absence of a trusted human audience, you can practice in front of your pet.Anyone can become a good speaker if they agree to work on it.The article gives some pointers on how to achieve this goal.
Step 1: Think of a good subject for a speech or presentation.
It would be helpful to choose a topic that you are interested in if you're just making an informal speech or presentation.It would be easier for you to talk about the subject, if you knew more about it.It would be better if the subject that you choose is engaging enough to a wide variety of people to begin with, so that it wouldn't be hard to capture their interest.
Step 2: You can choose your audience.
For the first few times that you are practicing being a good speaker, you might want to choose like minded people who are likely to have the same orientation as you.This could be a group of people that you think are appropriate.As you gain more experience and confidence, you will be able to gather knowledge and techniques on how to engage an audience who are just hearing about a topic for the first time.
Step 3: You should research on your idea.
It's important that you know what you're talking about.The assumption of your audience is that you know more about the topic than they do, and you are there to share knowledge that they don't know about.There is nothing more embarrassing than a speaker who does not do his homework and who comes to a talk unprepared.You should be prepared to answer any questions related to your presentation.If you research and prepare well, you will be in a better position to give the talk.
Step 4: Prepare several versions of your presentation.
Depending on the reception and response of your audience -- which you will not know until the minute that you start your talk -- you might want to rehearse different versions to tailor to their needs.This will keep the audience interested.
Step 5: Make a paper copy of your presentation.
This will allow you to have a hard copy of something to refer to during your talk, as well as distribute copies to your audience.You never know what you will find when you get to your speaking place if you have a beautiful, stylized, and well-rehearsed PowerPoint presentation.A distracted IT guy who can't get the presentation to display on screen right away?It's important to have a contingency plan if you're in a situation like this.It will not make you feel confident if you don't have a back-up plan.
Step 6: You can find ways to connect with your audience.
All throughout the talk, keep a cheerful disposition.The audience members should maintain eye contact.Simple hand gestures can be made.By establishing a connection, you will be able to see your audience as humans, just like you are, who want you to do well in your talk, and not as high-and-mighty beings who would take a lot for that.
Step 7: The audience should be engaged.
They are there because you have already done something right, like writing an intriguing outline of the talk, or having interesting credentials, which has persuaded them to come to your talk.Since they took the time to listen to you speak, you definitely have something they are interested in.Adding humor and personal anecdotes to your talk will engage them.Doing these will keep the talk from being too formal and formal, and will definitely keep your audience interested.If you notice that the audience is losing interest, shorten your talk and use Q&A for the rest of the time.People are more engaged when there is more dialogue between the speaker and themselves.
Step 8: If an audience member asks you a question that you don't know the answer to, do not panic.
Ask for the name and contact details of the person who asked, and tell them you will send them that information no later than two business days.Even if you find the question silly or stupid, make sure you follow-through with your commitment.
Step 9: Show your audience how much you respect their opinions and intelligence.
No matter how difficult the audience is, or even if there are some who don't agree with what you are saying, never get upset with them.You need to maintain authority because you are the speaker.At all costs, remain polite, calm and courteous.If you address them in a dignified way, the difficult people who cause you troubles will end up standing out like a sore thumb in their rudeness, while you will look kind, patient and magnanimous.As soon as the talk is over, you will have plenty of time to commiserate with your friends about it.
Step 10: The audience should be told that they were a great audience.
Thank you for your time.The person in the audience thinks it was him or her who made you say that.It makes them happy.
Step 11: Do not forget to smile.
No matter how stressed you are, this is important to remember.People are attracted to smiling faces, and will create wonders for how your talk would go.
Step 12: Don't speak fast.
It is the perfect pace to go if you think you are speaking too slowly.If you mess up with your words, don't stress over it, just laugh it off.You probably noticed the mistake more than your audience.Mistakes are an important part of the learning process and will help you become a better speaker.