8 Practical Tips for Effective Public Speaking 🎤

At some point in our professional life or career, we face the challenge of speaking in front of an audience. Our mixed reactions are nervous or anxious, and then excited. Remember, this is an opportunity for career growth and, most importantly, to share your knowledge.

So... How can I overcome these emotions and become an effective public speaker for someone not used to speaking in front of an audience?

Here are the 8 practical tips: 📓

1. Introduce yourself 😊

It's a basic rule that we should always introduce ourselves before we speak. State your full name, nickname, and job title in the company for credibility. Frequently, the audience forgets the speaker's name and can only describe their features, which can be funny.

Aside from your name, include your teaching style and how you conduct lectures. Inform the participants of the house rules before the discussion, the dos and don'ts, to avoid misunderstanding.

2. Know your topic well 😍

It is best to have first-hand knowledge of the topic you will discuss. For example, when you explain a type of work to your trainees, be sure you know the process from the actual work you have done before.

In case you have to answer the trainee's queries, research your topic beforehand. Some trainees may ask you a question, only to test if you know the topic well.

3. Adjust to your audience's understanding 📝

As a speaker, gauge the trainees' understanding by asking questions like. "Do you have basic knowledge of the topic?" "Are all of you newbies to the type of work I will discuss?"

Or check the attendance record to know your audience statistics. If it is a mix of newbies and those with basic knowledge of the topic. Therefore, an effective speaker will know how to approach or adjust to the situation.

4. Have icebreakers 🌊

If the lecture or orientation takes 3 hours, it is best to think of icebreakers or games related to the topic you are discussing. Icebreakers are warm-up activities to help the audience stay awake during lectures.

A simple activity to make the attendees stand up, participate, and not feel sleepy while you are speaking in front of them.

5. Show visual aids of objects 🔎

Visual aids are a great way to give trainees an idea of what you are discussing. Pictures in your slideshow or PowerPoint presentation can help familiarize them with the objects.

Better yet, you must prepare samples of the objects you are explaining that they could hold on to and pass on to their co-trainees, and return them to a specific box or location.

6. Ask relevant questions 👋

If the trainees are shy or don't want to ask questions, the speaker is responsible for asking questions about the important things trainees need to remember.

And repeat the important words that the trainees or attendees should recall from your lecture. Have the trainees repeat the words that are relevant to your lecture.

7. Be animated during the lecture 🎥

Every speaker is an actor or actress. Why? Speakers must have the energy to capture the attention and to keep their audience entertained while learning the important details of the lecture.

Use hand gestures to prove a point, but be mindful of how to incorporate the words. Or walk in a specific area during the transition of your talk; don't stay in one place during the lecture.

8. Conduct a short quiz and/or pass out feedback forms 📄

This short quiz will prove if your audience has learned from your lecture. At least 10 questions with multiple-choice answers.

A feedback form will decide if you, the speaker, have done your job satisfactorily. Be ready for negative comments, and accept the audience's honest opinion. This will help you improve for the next batch of trainees.

Closing Thoughts:

There are no quick ways to be an effective public speaker because one must experience it firsthand and then learn from the mistakes encountered.

The 8 practical tips were based on what I have gathered from my 14 years of experience conducting lectures and orientations for the numerous newly hired trainees of the company I worked for.

The blog post will serve as your guide on how preparation can make you an effective public speaker. Good luck!!!

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