Public speaking or oration is the process or act of performing a speech focused around an individual directly speaking to a live audience in a structured, deliberate manner in order to inform, influence, or entertain them. A good orator is someone who makes an impact on his/her audience. Public speaking is an important aspect in the SSB since the ability of the candidate to communicate ideas to the fellow candidates and the ability to influence the group and other teammates is assessed.
Some of us often feel anxious while speaking before a large gathering. Some feel self-conscious and aren’t able to perform their best because of the anxiety and nervousness.
Following are some of the tips that you can use for a better, successful and powerful public speaking:
- Practice: No skill will come easily to you. You need to practice. Pick up a topic and start preparing on it and speak on it in front of someone with whom you are comfortable. You can even do it in front of the mirror. Practicing will make you feel more confident and this confidence will get transferred from the practice sessions to the real public speaking event.
- Remind yourself that human interactions are part of everyday life: You talk and gossip with your friends, you talk with your parents, your teachers, colleagues, and seniors. Public speaking is no more complex than a general discussion and exchange of ideas and information in a large gathering. Make yourself understand that it is nothing to be fearful of.Download eBooks:
- Speak slowly: While speaking in front of people, an effective communicator will leave an impact on his/her audience. Speak slowly so that your audience can understand clearly each and every word that you are saying. Speaking too fast will prevent your audience from understanding your content well. So, speak slowly.
- Voice modulations and pauses: Whenever we write we make use of commas and full stops. This gives the content a structure. Likewise, while speaking it is necessary to use correct voice modulation and articulation. Know when to emphasize on a point and when to pause to make an impact. Give your audience a moment to take it all in.
- Watch Videos: There are n numbers of videos on YouTube of professional orators. Listen to them and watch their body language. Watch and learn how they use their words and their gestures, watch their postures and see how they influence their audience. Practice their techniques.
- Record yourself: Pick up a topic and prepare it. Once you are through with preparing, record yourself while speaking. Once you are done, see your recording and focus on your body language and voice modulation. You’ll easily notice and find out in which aspects you can improve.
- Breath and exercise before your speech: There are two main reasons for doing a little bit of light exercise before you go up on stage and speak. Firstly, it gets your blood circulating and brings oxygen to your brain, allowing you to think clearer. Light exercise is recommended because it burns the cortisol out of your system. Cortisol, a major stress chemical is made by your body when you’re anxious and stressed. It can also tighten your voice and interfere with your ability to conveying positive body language.
- Don’t start talking right away: When you walk up to the podium, just remain silent for a few seconds. Don’t start talking as soon as you get the mike in your hands. You will surely trip on your words. Take a few seconds and breath. Your audience will appreciate this since it shows that you are calm, composed and your thoughts are synchronized. Don’t pause for too long, though.
- State the facts: While you are speaking about a topic it is always advised that you provide your audience with facts and figures. Anybody can come and share their experiences and views and mug up a sheet of paper and speak, but an effective communicator will provide the facts and statistics to make an impact. Never give personal life examples. State examples that are known to your audience so that they can relate.
Also Read :
- Importance of BODY LANGUAGE in Public Speaking
- 7C’s Of Effective Communication
- How to Improve Your Speaking Skills for SSB
