Research Guides: SPK 2010: Oral Communication: Public Speaking Tips

Public Speaking Tips

Know your material.
Practice and then practice some more.
Know your audience. You want to give a speech to a receptive crowd.
Know your technology; make sure it works BEFORE you utilize it.
Do not apologize when giving a speech or admit you are "nervous." A good approach is to mask nervousness with confidence.
Remember to breathe, deep and evenly.
Speak slowly and clearly.
Dress appropriately for the type of speech and audience.
Pay attention to your body language. Do not fidget or rock.
Have an outline with key words and/or phases to prompt yourself as you are speaking.
Make eye contact with your audience.
Add humor when appropriate.
Time yourself several times before you give your speech; nervousness can make people speak faster.
Visual aids make your speech more compelling to your audience. Think of what types of visual aids would be appropriate for your speech.
Make sure you know how you will use your visual aid.