Imagine this scenario: you are in a work meeting presenting an idea that fills you with enthusiasm. Your colleagues look at you expectantly, but your voice breaks and the words do not flow. The opportunity fades between cold sweat and half-said sentences.
Now, imagine that you are in front of an auditorium full of people, presenting your project with confidence and enthusiasm. Your message reaches the hearts of the audience, you establish a connection with them and motivate them.
What distinguishes one situation from another? Oral communication skills. You don’t have to be a public figure or prominent leader to develop this skill; public speaking is a fundamental soft skill and today we will tell you how you can enhance it.
Soft skills, also known as soft skills, are personal competencies that allow you to interact effectively with others and adapt to different situations. These are essential both personally and professionally, as they help you communicate clearly, solve problems, work as a team and lead projects.
Soft skills are highly valued in today’s work environment and cover a wide range of skills such as emotional intelligence, empathy, creativity, effective communication, teamwork, creativity, resilience, the ability to adapt to change, time management and critical thinking.
It is important to highlight that soft skills are not innate, but can be developed and improved over time. Through practice, experience and training, it is possible to strengthen these skills and become a professional with great skills to share.
Why is public speaking so important?
Within soft skills, public speaking is one of the most essential skills. We remind you that, when we talk about public speaking, we are referring to the ability to express oneself clearly and persuasively in front of an audience.
You know the saying: it’s not what you say (although sometimes it is), but how you say it. That is why this skill involves the ability to organize ideas, use appropriate language, hold the audience’s attention, and convey messages effectively. In the workplace, the ability to speak in public can make the difference in a presentation, a negotiation or a work meeting. While on a personal level, public speaking allows you to express your ideas and opinions clearly and confidently, which helps you establish solid interpersonal relationships and resolve conflicts effectively.
In addition, knowing about public speaking also helps you control body language, intonation, and the rhythm of your voice, which helps capture the attention and maintain the interest of those who listen to you. In summary, Public speaking is an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to communicate effectively and achieve their goals in any area of life.
Public speaking tips: 7 keys to speaking in public
It has become very clear that the ability to speak in public can open many doors for you in the work world and on a personal level. Now we want to give you some public speaking tips so that you can put this soft skill into practice now:
1. Research your audience
Please, before presenting your speech, do this! Research your audience and adapt your speech to their needs and interests. This It will help you capture their attention and establish a stronger connection with them.
This can be used for different scenarios: from a presentation of results at work or a meeting to offer your services, to your first conference or live broadcast on a social network. In all of them you must know who you are addressing and what they expect from you.
2. Create a structure of what you want to communicate
The key word here is: schematize. Also think about dynamic or multimedia resources that you can use! This is going to be very important not only for you as a speaker but for the people who will receive your message. A well-structured presentation is easier to understand and remember.
You will surely have many things to say, but it is not always possible to say everything. Keep in mind that the longer your presentation is, the more attention will dissipate. So divide your message into clear sections and use simple, direct language.
3. Use a close tone
At this point, technicalities are unnecessary, especially if you are speaking to a general audience. Even if you are talking to “colleagues”, it is important that you use language that does not lend itself to confusion.
Besides, It is important that you use simple examples or resources such as analogies to express your point of view. This will also help your message have a greater impact and more chances of being understood and remembered.
4. Tell stories
As one thing leads to another, let’s talk about stories. This tool is wonderful for connecting with your audience and making your message more memorable. Although both are important, it will always be easier to remember stories than figures.
Take advantage of this resource to make your audience travel with their imagination and make them immerse themselves in your speech. This will help them have a much stronger emotional connection that allows them to identify with your message.
5. Don’t forget your body language
Some studies on human communication indicate that the impact of non-verbal language can represent up to 93% of communication. Although an exact percentage cannot yet be determined unanimously, we can assure you that it is a lot! As you see, your body language is essential when speaking in public. Try to maintain an upright posture, use natural gestures and maintain eye contact with your audience. This will be vital to transmit trust and credibility.
6. Give space to silence
It’s not all about the words. In public speaking, silence is a great resource to emphasize ideas if used strategically. If you pause intentionally, you create expectation, give way to reflection, and invite participation.
In addition, well-used silence is capable of conveying confidence in you when giving your speech, as well as can help you manage your nerves. It also allows you to control the pace of the presentation and gives your audience a space to connect with their own emotions or experiences regarding what you say.
7. Practice over and over again
There is no more effective method to perfect your oral communication skills than practicing. It is essential that you work on your intonation, rhythm, pauses and emphasis when speaking to highlight key elements.
You can rehearse your speech in front of a mirror, recording yourself with your mobile camera, recording your voice or with people close to you who can give you kind feedback. The more you practice, the more confident you will be when facing the public. And one last piece of advice: be you. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. Authenticity is essential to connect with your audience. They will be grateful to you!
Do you want to train in public speaking?
If you want to enhance your public speaking skills, the IEPP Higher Degree in Public Speaking and Assertiveness is for you. This online training program of 2 ECT credits is full of practical exercises and content that will allow you to express yourself safely and confidently in front of large groups of people. Upon completion, you will obtain a certification with your own Degree from the La Salle University Center.
