The 7 Principles of Public Speaking

1. Stop trying to be a "great public speaker" - just be yourself

Public speaking occurs any time you talk to anyone and someone else is present to hear you—intentionally or not.

Reframe your perspective. Public speaking is not about transforming into someone else or putting on a performance. It's simply having a conversation with more than one person. By approaching public speaking as an extension of your everyday communication, you can tap into your natural abilities and authenticity.

Embrace your unique style. Rather than trying to mimic famous orators or adopt a formal "speaker voice," focus on communicating in your own genuine way. Your audience will appreciate your authenticity and find it easier to connect with you.

Focus on connection, not perfection. The goal of public speaking is not to deliver a flawless performance, but to effectively convey your message and connect with your audience. By being yourself, you'll create a more relaxed and engaging atmosphere for both you and your listeners.

2. When you make a mistake, no one cares but you

If you are onstage and you make a mistake, such as fumbling on a word, keep going. Chances are the audience didn't notice because of the reality of shifting attention spans.

Mistakes are human. Even the most accomplished speakers make mistakes. Recognize that perfection is not the goal, and minor slip-ups are often unnoticed or quickly forgotten by your audience.

Maintain momentum. When you make a mistake, resist the urge to apologize or draw attention to it. Instead, keep moving forward with your presentation. Your audience is more interested in your overall message than in minor verbal stumbles.

Shift your focus. Instead of obsessing over potential mistakes, concentrate on delivering value to your audience. By prioritizing your message and connection with listeners, you'll naturally become less self-conscious and more effective as a speaker.

3. Visualize success to overcome anxiety and boost confidence

Visualization works because the mind cannot distinguish between what is real and what is imagined.

Harness the power of mental rehearsal. Spend time each day visualizing yourself giving a successful speech. Imagine the room, the audience, and yourself speaking confidently and effectively. This mental practice helps your brain become familiar with the speaking scenario, reducing anxiety and boosting confidence.

Create a detailed mental image. When visualizing, incorporate all your senses. Imagine:

• The look of the room and audience
• The sound of your voice and audience reactions
• The feel of the podium or microphone
• Any smells or tastes associated with the venue

Practice positive self-talk. During your visualization exercises, include positive affirmations about your abilities and the outcome of your speech. This helps reprogram your mind for success and counteracts negative self-talk that can undermine your confidence.

4. Practice consistently to develop natural speaking skills

If you make this commitment to yourself and write it down, and if you honor your commitment every day, just a few minutes a day, then you will become a more effective communicator because you'll be doing the one thing that is so essential for every single champion in any field or walk of life—you'll be practicing.

Commit to daily practice. Set aside 5-15 minutes each day to practice speaking. This consistent effort will help you develop muscle memory and make public speaking feel more natural over time.

Use a mirror for feedback. Practice your speeches in front of a full-length mirror to observe your body language, facial expressions, and overall presentation. This self-observation helps you identify areas for improvement and build confidence in your physical presence.

Embrace real-world opportunities. Look for chances to speak in various settings:

• Volunteer to give presentations at work
• Join a local Toastmasters club
• Offer to speak at community events or professional associations

By regularly putting yourself in speaking situations, you'll gain valuable experience and become more comfortable with public speaking.

5. Become a storyteller to engage and inspire your audience

People don't care about facts as much as they care about feelings.

Craft compelling narratives. Instead of relying solely on data and facts, weave your information into engaging stories. This approach helps your audience connect emotionally with your message and makes it more memorable.

Structure your stories effectively. Use the classic storytelling framework:

1. Set the scene
2. Introduce the conflict or challenge
3. Describe the journey or solution
4. Share the resolution and lessons learned

Make it personal. Draw from your own experiences or those of others to illustrate your points. Personal stories create authenticity and help your audience relate to you and your message on a deeper level.

6. Speak to serve your audience, not yourself

The most important "person" in the room is always going to be the audience, and this rule holds true whether you are a professional public speaker, vice president of your company, or president of the United States.

Shift your focus. Instead of worrying about your performance, concentrate on how you can best serve your audience. Ask yourself:

• What does my audience need to hear?
• How can I make this information valuable and relevant to them?
• What action do I want them to take after my speech?

Tailor your content. Research your audience beforehand to understand their needs, interests, and pain points. Use this information to customize your message and make it as relevant and valuable as possible.

Provide actionable takeaways. Ensure your audience leaves with practical insights or steps they can implement. This could include:

• Handouts with key points or resources
• Specific action items or challenges
• Follow-up materials or contact information for further support

By focusing on serving your audience, you'll naturally become more engaging and effective as a speaker.

7. Always leave your audience wanting more

A speech should be long enough to convey all the necessary points and not a second longer.

Be concise and focused. Respect your audience's time by delivering your message efficiently. Trim unnecessary information and stick to your core points.

End on a high note. Plan a strong conclusion that reinforces your main message and leaves a lasting impression. Consider:

• A powerful quote
• A call to action
• A thought-provoking question

Manage time effectively. If given a time limit, aim to finish slightly under it. This shows respect for the organizers and leaves time for questions or discussion.

Leave room for curiosity. Don't try to cover everything in one speech. Provide enough information to spark interest and encourage your audience to seek more information or engage with you further.

By following this principle, you'll keep your audience engaged throughout your presentation and leave them with a positive impression of both you and your message.

Last updated: October 20, 2024