These are skills and qualities one should possess in order to develop and deliver a clear and understandable oration. Public speaking skill decides how far your thoughts are comprehended to the targeted audience. It is necessary to engage the audience throughout your speaking.
Here are few skills you should possess to be a good public speaker:
Verbal Communication
Your choice of words plays an important role. Avoid difficult words, and use only words that can be understood by the audience instantly.
Voice Control
Know to control your breath while speaking. Place the microphone at a right distance.
Presentations
Not all the public speakers use presentation slides. Slides are catchy, and keep the audience engaged.
Know the audience
Study about your audience before you start. Speak according to the mood of the audience.
Practice
Practice in front of a mirror. Practice until you are confident about yourself.
Dress up
Wear a comfortable dress that does not disturb your attitude. Follow the dress code, if any.
Punctuality
Be present at the venue at least before half an hour. This will keep you calm and composed.
Make notes
Prepare notes. Jot down important points, and do not forget to take it to the event.
Bookmarks
Earmark the notes you carry to the event. This will avoid cluttering of the papers while turning the pages.
Leadership
You should make the audience feel like you are the leader of the day’s event. This enables them to lend ears to you.
Delivery of Information
This includes your pauses, your stress on a word, and your tone. Be polite.
Humour touch
Try to add few humorous phrases when you speak. This will improve your connectivity with the audience.
Avoid filler words
Do not stammer. Stop, give a pause and continue. Do not use words like “uuh”, “umm”.
Time Management
Prepare your oration according to the time provided to you. Do not exceed the time limit.
Eye contact
Make eye contact with the audience. Do not recite the points looking at the notes you carry.
Interpersonal Relationship
Develop a rapport with your audience to make them feel like you are speaking directly to them.
Proper Gestures
Your gestures and body language has the capability to turn the audience to you. This creates a bond between you and your audience.
Storytelling
You can create a story to convey your ideas to the audience. This will help you grab the attention of the audience.
Interaction
Be interactive with your audience. Ask them general questions, and make them participate in your oration.
Accept Criticisms
Be ready to face any criticisms. You should be able to start off right from where you left after the criticisms and questions from the audience.
Stress Management
The questions, the surroundings, the mood of the audience may be stressful to you. The ability to manage your stress during public speaking is important.
Presentation Skills – Public Course
If you’re interested in presentation skills training by David Nottage, World Champion of public speaking, please visit https://torquebusiness.co.nz/training-programs/public-course/