9 public speaking tips

Ask yourself this: What’s your biggest fear when it comes to public speaking? Determining your fears will help you decide which public speaking tips you need to work on the most. For most people, it’s the fear of embarrassing themselves in front of a crowd or finding out they really have nothing to say or no way to connect with others. These are limiting beliefs based on a combination of factors including past results, your environment and lack of knowledge.

When you get too hung up on these fears, you become incapable of delivering an incredible presentation. Instead of thinking of what could go wrong, start thinking about all the things that can go right. What would it be like if you could not fail? Step into that mindset and how to speak in public will suddenly become much easier. As Todd Herman recommends, create an “alter ego” that you feel possesses the skills you fear you lack. When you step in front of a crowd, channel that persona who is confident, knowledgeable and truly cannot fail. Not only will this help you learn how to improve public speaking, but it can also increase your confidence in many other areas of life.

Public speaking must include mastery of both mental and physical aspects. Think of a powerful presentation you’ve seen in the past. You might remember what the speaker talked about, but you definitely remember how they carried themselves. Excellent public speakers not only know their topic inside and out, but also take pride in their physical state. Those who are skilled in making instant connections with others know the power of nonverbal communication. When you show self-confidence and energy through standing up straight, making direct eye contact and breathing regularly, you show your audience they can have confidence in what you say. Remember, how to speak in public is not just about the speaking – it’s also about the way in which you deliver the words.

There’s a reason why you’re presenting in front of a crowd. Are you selling something? Are you trying to get a group of investors to back your new company? Before you get up to make your presentation, take some time to think about your ideal outcome. This will help you develop SMART goals for your presentation. SMART goals are those that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and have a time frame. Without them, you will not truly know how your speech went and if it was a success.

You want those in the crowd to be engaged with your message, and eventually want them to follow through with a specific action. Before you begin your presentation, visualize this outcome. What would it look like if your speech went incredibly well? Imagine not only your desired result, but also how you look presenting your speech. This visualization exercise will help affirm your purpose and give you a boost of confidence and is one of the public speaking skills Tony uses before he steps on stage.

“The more you understand what somebody wants, needs and fears, the more you can figure out how to add value,” says Tony. Those who know how to speak in public understand that it’s not just about them. Just as great leaders know it’s about their buyers and not about themselves, effective speakers always put their audience first. Your audience is there for a reason. When you tap into that reason, your speech will be powerful and memorable.

The best public speaking also builds rapport with the audience. This means inquiring about their lives, sharing personal anecdotes and connecting nonverbally via eye contact and mirroring techniques. Just because you’re the one on stage doesn’t mean you can’t bring your audience into the conversation through asking questions, soliciting feedback and asking others to share stories. Public speaking can and should involve drawing your audience in and making them a large part of your presentation.

Start with detailed research – even on a topic you’re an expert in. Look at your presentation from every angle and anticipate what questions your audience might ask. Show it to someone who is even more of an expert than you are and ask for advice on how to make it better. You cannot be too prepared for public speaking.

It’s time to practice – and then practice some more. Tried-and-true public speaking tips include practicing in front of a mirror, delivering your speech to a friend and even recording yourself to look for areas of improvement. Take it from Mark Twain, who famously said, “It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.”

None of these public speaking tips will be effective unless you are calm and relaxed before your presentation. The next time you have to speak in public and feel yourself getting nervous, take a moment to relax. Do some deep breathing and employ one of Tony’s tips on reconnecting with yourself. Ask yourself some meaningful questions or sing a relaxing or empowering song in your head.

Once you’re relaxed, reaffirm that you are prepared and know how to speak in public. If you know your material and can present yourself in a confident manner, there’s no reason for you to worry. The people you’re presenting to are there because they want to hear what you have to say, so don’t hesitate when it’s time to share your message.  

Exercise relieves stress and helps you sleep at night, among other benefits. You’ll need to be stress-free and well-rested in order to give a great presentation or speech. Plus, creating good habits like regular exercise is key to living a balanced and positive lifestyle – and that positivity easily turns into confidence in front of a crowd.  

Exercising right before public speaking also has positive benefits. You don’t have to work up a sweat. A brisk walk, a few squats or some curb jumps will get your blood pumping and send extra oxygen to your brain. You’ll feel relaxed but alert – the perfect state for public speaking.

Public speaking may be our number-one fear, but anxiety is Americans’ number-one mental health issue. Are you an overthinker? You’re not alone. One estimate is that 1 in 5 people suffer from anxiety. But there are strategies you can use to let go of these patterns and stop overthinking. When you’re able to be fully present in the moment, your public speaking will reach new heights.

Just as there are many types of leaders, there are all different types of effective public speakers. Part of the reason why Tony has been so successful is because of his distinct public speaking style. Though Tony is well versed in how to speak in public, he also puts his own individual touch on his appearances, ensuring that he will stand out and be remembered. Tony consistently provides high-energy presentations and is known for getting audiences to be simultaneously introspective while connecting with the people around them.