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Before an important speech, we must always ask ourselves what success looks like at the end of our talk. Is it simply presenting facts and not forgetting anything we planned to say or leaving people transformed forever by our words?
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Farrah Smith
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Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
The ability to speak publicly is a skill that everyone can use. From coaches to entrepreneurs and writers, anyone who wants to get out into the world to market what they do needs to be an effective speaker.
This article will discuss five ways to become a better public speaker — five methods for sharpening your raw talents to morph into a more effective communicator overall.
Related: This Is the One Thing You Need If You Want to Get Paid Speaking Gigs
This tip comes from an exercise that musicians sometimes use while practicing.
The idea is to see if you can replicate your performance no matter where you are. As a speaker, you will encounter all kinds of scenarios and audiences. You have surely had distractions around you, being in front of people with different interests, being under different lighting and noise conditions and more.
Practicing speaking in different environments will force you to get comfortable performing under all circumstances. Without the crutch of your favorite environment, you have to remember your lines and recall cues completely on your own.
Related: 4 Expert-Backed Strategies for Improving Your Communication Skills
Another tip for becoming a more well-rounded speaker is to produce a variety of speaking content. Speakers don’t always have to stand on a stage and talk to live audiences.
I create speaking content across many channels — from my website and blog to YouTube and my podcast series. I distribute audio and video recordings of my speeches to my clients and promote them on my social channels. I go live on Facebook and other platforms to speak directly to my audiences that way. You can do the same.
This variety isn’t by accident. Producing these different types of content in the digital space allows individuals to sharpen their speaking skills and reach larger audiences than they could in person.
Here’s a speaking tip that doesn’t involve performing as much as learning from what others are already doing: Get active on professional audio platforms such as Clubhouse and Twitter Spaces to meet with like-minded individuals and discuss relevant topics.
Doing this lets you compare notes with industry counterparts while working on your speaking skills. You will endeavor to communicate with other business leaders and coaches from around the world and all different walks of life.
Related: The Role of Effective Communication in Entrepreneurial Success
Speak to a group at every available opportunity. I used to wonder how I could speak to an audience when the professional invitations dried up for a bit, and the answer was local service groups.
Toastmasters International, Rotary International, Lions Clubs International and the Freemasons are all great examples of the types of organizations that not only perform good works for their local communities but also welcome speakers and presenters to deliver valuable information to their members.
I find chapters of these groups in many cities and towns that I visit. Having these groups near me allows me to cut down on my travel time and simply makes it more convenient to continue practicing speaking skills while also putting my abilities to good use for my community.
Not only will this help you with your skills at public speaking, but it’s a rewarding experience as well.
Finally, every speaker-in-training could benefit from working with a speaking coach or mentor. These professionals provide their clients with professional tips and feedback on everything from the words they’re using to how they’re delivering them to audiences.
Some speakers wonder why they can’t just rely on their friends and families to provide them with honest feedback, and there are some good reasons for not doing that. Family and friends are kind, but that’s exactly the problem. Speakers need the unrelenting honesty of professional coaches if they truly want to leave their bad habits behind and become stronger.
I hired a professional speaking coach to improve my skills, and I can attest that it pays dividends every single day in my career.
Whether it’s in the world of business, non-profits or coaching, speaking effectively is vital to success. Communication means everything to professionals, and those who can’t tell others what they do and what they’re about can’t expect to get their visions too far off the ground.
I followed these five actionable tips for becoming a better speaker, and I came out on the other side as a communicator that I never even thought possible. You will do the same.
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Rich Perry
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So, you’re looking to get paid to speak as part of both a personal and business growth strategy, but have no idea how to get started? As someone who’s been a paid speaker since 2001, I’m pleased to share that the process is actually not as hard as you might think. As a matter of fact, if you’re a service professional with a good message and entertaining delivery, then getting a handful (or more) paid gigs a year is more than doable.
A few steps you’ll need to take in order to move forward:
This sounds like the easiest step, but can actually be tricky. Why? Because when you’re doing free gigs, organizers don’t typically ask many questions regarding what you’re going to talk about. They likely already know who you are (you might have worked with them or with someone they know), and are thrilled that you’re going to make them look good in front of their group. But a paid speaking gig is the professional equivalent of going from the minors to the majors (and that implies no disrespect: I still do the odd free engagement).
Related: 3 Straightforward Ways to Get Paid for Speaking Engagements
Just like going from the Birmingham Barons to a starting position for the Yankees is a quantum leap, so is this. And it’s not because you’re playing a different game (speaking is still speaking), but once you’re getting paid, conference organizers usually have a different set of expectations.
Suitable preparation begins by having an indelibly clear title — one that succinctly and engagingly articulates the topic, as well as what you will provide an audience. Personally, I’m a “how-to” man when it comes to titles, such as:
“How to Overachieve Without Over-Committing”
“How to Lead So Others Will Follow”
“How to Talk So Others Will Listen”
Titles that include phrases like “communication skills” or “leadership skills,” by contrast, might sound a lot less appealing to an organizer looking at 20 other folks for a paid speaking gig.
Related: 3 Steps to Book Your First Paid Speaking Gig
One small positive ramification of Covid is that this step isn’t nearly as hard as it used to be, as most of the presentations over the better part of the past 24 months have been virtual. If that’s all you have, so be it, but in a perfect world, you’ll also have footage of you out on stage, in the real world, which offers organizers and meeting planners a better feel for your style. It’s been my additional experience that these professionals actually prefer two videos — one of an entire presentation (“full reel”) and another with perhaps two minutes of highlights, professionally edited and maybe even with a music track.
If you don’t have something quite so refined on offer, that’s fine, but you have to supply something that people can look at.
Related: The 5 Things You Must Know Before You Pursue Paid Speaking
A common misconception I’ve run into is that approaching corporations is the only way to get paid to speak. These gigs can be lucrative, certainly, but don’t sleep on other paid options like trade associations, schools, non-profits and business conferences. So, find an avenue (or two) that works for you, then get into action finding good opportunities.
There are a few additional actions you’ll want to take along the way, such as setting up a website and developing a lead pipeline for potential paid gigs, but these early steps will get you on the road to success.
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Brian Hilliard
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The fear of public speaking is one of the most common fears out there. The fear of being put under a microscope, of being judged, of making a mistake in front of a big crowd … I get it, and I can relate because I remember feeling that way myself back in the day. If you dread public speaking, recognize that you are definitely not alone. The good news, though, is that it is 100% possible to get to a place where you excel at public speaking and even really enjoy it! Getting comfortable with public speaking takes effort, but the rewards are huge. It provides you an opportunity to share your message and have a powerful, positive impact on people’s lives and on the world.
As I write this, I am on a plane home from giving a keynote speech in California, and I am reflecting on my time there. When I was getting checked in at the hotel for the event, the person helping me with my bag asked me what I was in for. I told him that I was speaking at an event the next day, and he looked surprised. He then shared that he was awful at public speaking. I even heard a quiver in his voice when he said it as if the thought of speaking in front of a group terrified him. I told him that I understood and that I used to have fears of my own. I then said that there were a few things that could possibly help him shift his perspective. Here are five things that have helped me regularly step on stage with confidence, and my hope is that they will help you as well!
Related: 10 Tips to Beat Your Fear of Public Speaking
When I look back at the speeches I gave in my college communications class, the topics were not things that I was passionate about. Those were the times when my nerves were at an all-time high. Once I started talking about things that I really cared about, I started to thoroughly enjoy public speaking. When you see the value in your message, and you are excited about sharing it with others, you will show up with more ease and confidence. Aim to speak about topics that are important to you, and that will help you speak more naturally and passionately.
Focus on the value you are bringing to the audience and how the message you are sharing can help them. Take your focus away from yourself, and put your energy into your mission and how you are helping others with what you are sharing. With this shift in attention, you will be less likely to worry about making a mistake or being judged, because your focus is on making a positive impact on the audience.
Related: Why You Fear Public Speaking and How to Overcome It
Confidence with public speaking grows with time and practice. What are some easy and accessible ways that you can practice public speaking? When I knew that I wanted to ignite a professional keynote speaking career, I decided to start a podcast. I knew it would help me get a lot of practice speaking on a regular basis. I also started recording video content for social media, and I became comfortable seeing and hearing myself speak. All of these things helped me feel more confident speaking with all eyes on me. It also helped me under higher-pressure situations, like live TV appearances.
Some things that may help you include practicing your talk in front of a mirror, presenting your speech to your family and recording yourself on your phone. Get over the awkwardness of hearing and seeing yourself speak, and be able to laugh at hiccups along the way. Be open to feedback, and remember to have fun with it. Putting in the time and effort to prepare for your talk will help you step up on the day of the event with confidence and excitement.
Recognize that feeling nervous before speaking to a large group or before stepping on stage is part of the process. Try to embrace the excitement and jitters that can come with public speaking, and recognize that they are a sign of personal development and growth. Lean into those feelings, and move through them. Make sure to be proud of yourself for the progress you make!
Related: How to Become a Confident Public Speaker
On my recent trip to California for a keynote, I planned out my morning to make sure that I had time to get in a run outdoors before my talk. For me, exercise and getting out in nature helps me get into a mindset to do my best. It also helps me shake off any nerves that I am feeling before a big event. Be intentional with how you spend your time on the day you are giving a talk. Incorporate things that will support your well-being and help you keep stress in check. By making yourself a priority, you will be able to show up as the best version of yourself to make a powerful positive impact.
Disclaimer: This content purely represents the opinion of the author. It is not intended to give medical advice or treatment recommendations. Always talk to your healthcare provider about recommendations specific to you.
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Kristel Bauer
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