How To Make a Speech With Confidence

In all areas of life, effective communication builds confidence and trust in those you serve. As a speaker, it’s your job to put your best foot forward from the moment you walk on the stage. Strong speaking skills are not optional. For most people, public speaking is right up there with a root canal or giving birth. It’s a fact of life, you will eventually be asked to make a presentation and when you do, you should be ready and up for the task. Whether you speak in class, during a meeting, at a job interview, or on a stage in front of a large audience, speaking skills are necessary. And I’ve got a few tips for you on how to make a speech below.

Start Off With a KISS

Keep it short and sweet (KISS). Let’s face it. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, a shorter presentation is more likely to hold an audience’s attention. Formulate a strong and compelling introduction, stick to your 3 to 5 bullet points, and then plan, rehearse and stay on track. There is a tendency to ramble once you take control of the microphone, which leads to my next tip.

Capture Their Interest

Give your audience new and valuable information but not everything that is in your head. “I know you are here to learn how to deliver a compelling message, speak with assurance and come across confident and composed. I am going to give you three tips you have not heard before.” There is always something new to discuss and your audience will remember those “aha” moments. If you can use a story or personal anecdote it will make your speech more memorable.

Connect with Your Audience

Think of your speech as similar to an ice cream sandwich. The intro is the outer cookie, where you are making the initial connection, determining their interest, their language style based on their feedback, verbally and non-verbally and how you are summing up their comfort level. The middle layer is where you give them specific tips they can utilize immediately. The final cookie is the close, giving them thoughts of how to use the information and where they go from here. A stress-free activity they can do at their seat which affirms what you taught them in your short presentation has significance.

Breath Through Your Anxiety

You will never eliminate your anxiety but you can manage it with a few simple breathing techniques. Avoid shallow breathes. When people get nervous they stop breathing and attempt to race through their words while losing their breath. For a speech, you need more oxygen to project your voice. Controlled, deep diaphragm belly breathing allows your lungs to expand fully. Take relaxed deep breaths, allowing your belly to move outward when you inhale. Practice by watching a video and following step-by-step directions. When you start to feel anxious, make sure you are incorporating your new skills.

Use Body Language to Your Advantage

A leader sends one consistent message through their words, smile, tone of voice, demeanor, facial expressions, and overall body language. For example, a sign of nerves is a presenter who won’t look at the audience. They dart their eyes around the room rather than “landing” on someone and connecting with them visually for a few seconds. Other gestures, such as where you place your hands (keep them in what I call “a box”), are a powerful indicator of self-control. When you speak, move your hands from the waist to the breast area, in the shape of a box, avoiding jerky, flailing motions.    

Move Away from the Podium  

Standing behind a lectern while giving a speech places a barrier between you and your audience. Some potential drawbacks also include leaning or fidgeting behind the podium or looking as if you have something to hide. The podium may also be too high and you look like you are a child. When you walk around and engage with your audience in a more natural way, you appear engaged and interested in delivering your message. 

For more information check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like 7 Easy Ways to Find Your Joy. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.