Standing in front of a room of people can feel terrifying. Your heart pounds, your palms get sweaty, and you suddenly forget every word you planned to say. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone; these are common feelings for anyone getting started with speaking in public.
You need practical tips for new public speakers that will help you move from fear to confidence. You are in the right place because these are not your typical suggestions; this advice will help you connect with your audience and deliver your message with impact.
We are going to move beyond the simple advice of “just be yourself.” While authentic, it’s not very helpful when your knees are knocking together. What you really need are concrete steps to prepare your mind, your content, and your delivery so you can step on that stage feeling ready to improve public speaking skills.
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Your Biggest Hurdle Is Your Mindset
Before you even write a single word of your speech, you have to address the anxiety. The fear of public speaking, or glossophobia, is one of the most common fears people have. Some studies show that as many as 77% of people have some level of anxiety about it, but don’t worry, it is manageable.
Think of that feeling not as fear, but as excitement. Your body is giving you a rush of adrenaline to get you ready for a big moment. The key is to channel it into enthusiasm for your topic instead of letting it become panic, which is how many people feel.
One of the best ways to calm this physical response is through simple breathing. When we get nervous, our breathing becomes shallow and quick. Deliberately slowing it down signals to your brain that everything is okay and improves your speaking skills.
Try box breathing: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold for four. Doing this for just a minute or two before you go on can make a huge difference. Visualization is another powerful technique; close your eyes and picture yourself successfully delivering your speech to an engaged and appreciative audience.
Building a Speech That Connects
A great speech isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you build your message. Many new speakers make the mistake of just listing facts. People don’t remember facts and figures; they remember stories and feelings.
A solid structure is necessary to hang your ideas on. A good public speaker knows how to organize their thoughts for maximum impact. This is a foundational step in your professional development.
Create a Solid Foundation First
Don’t start by opening a blank document and just typing. First, think about your one core message. If your audience could only remember one thing from your entire talk, what would you want it to be?
This single idea is your foundation, and every part of your speech should support it. Once you have your core message, you can build a simple outline. A classic and effective structure is the problem and solution model.
Start by describing a problem your audience understands and feels. Then, spend the bulk of your time presenting your solution, which is where your core message lives. An interesting anecdote related to the problem can be a great way to start and grab the audience’s attention from the beginning.
Write for the Ear, Not the Eye
How we write and how we speak are very different. Written language can be complex, with long sentences and big words. Spoken language is much simpler, more direct, and conversational.
Always write your speech in the way you would actually say it. Use short sentences. Use contractions like “you’re” and “it’s.”
After you’ve written a draft, read your entire speech out loud. You will immediately hear which parts sound clunky, unnatural, or hard to say. This single step will improve your delivery more than almost any other piece of public speaking tips.
Practice with Purpose, Not Just Repetition
You’ve probably heard that practice makes perfect, but that’s only half true. The right kind of practice is what truly builds confidence and polish. Mindlessly reading your script over and over again won’t help much when the pressure is on.
You have to practice in a way that simulates the real experience. Don’t try to memorize your speech word for word. This is a common trap for new speakers and can make you sound robotic.
Memorization sets you up for disaster if you forget a single word. Instead of memorizing the script, internalize the ideas and the structure of your talk. The goal of practice is to improve public speaking, not just recite words.
Know your opening and closing cold. If you can deliver your first and last minute flawlessly, you’ll feel more confident, and the audience will perceive you as an expert. For the middle, just focus on knowing your key points and the transitions between them, allowing you to be more conversational.
Record Yourself
No one likes watching or listening to themselves, but it is one of the most effective ways to improve. Set up your phone and record a full run-through of your speech. Then, you have to actually watch it.
Pay attention to your body language and nonverbal communication. Are you fidgeting? Are you making eye contact with the camera? Also, listen for filler words like “um,” “ah,” and “you know.”
Becoming aware of these habits is the first step to eliminating them. Then, do it again and try to improve on one or two things. This feedback loop is pure gold for developing your public speaking skills.
Using Visual Aids and Technology to Your Advantage
In today’s world, public speaking often involves more than just your voice. Technology and visual aids can greatly support your message, but they can also be a distraction if not used properly. Understanding these tools is an important part of modern speaking skills.
Well-designed slides can clarify complex points and add visual interest. Keep your visuals simple, with minimal text and powerful images. Each slide should represent a single, clear idea to support what you are saying.
Essential Tips for New Public Speakers on the Day
When the day of your speech arrives, your preparation will pay off. But there are still things you can do in the hours and minutes before you speak to set yourself up for success. These day-of actions can help calm your nerves and sharpen your focus.
Master Your Physical Presence
Your body language communicates just as much as your words. Before you even speak, the audience forms an impression based on how you carry yourself. Stand tall with your shoulders back; it not only makes you look more confident but can actually make you feel more confident.
When you are speaking, use purposeful gestures. Don’t keep your hands glued to your sides or stuffed in your pockets. Your nonverbal communication should complement your words and help you communicate effectively.
Eye contact is another major factor. Try to connect with individual people for a few seconds at a time, moving to different sections of the room. This makes your audience members feel seen and included in your presentation.
Your Voice Is Your Most Important Tool
A monotone delivery can make even the most exciting topic feel boring. Your voice has pitch, pace, and volume, and you should use all three to your advantage. Vary your speaking speed, slowing down to emphasize important points and speeding up slightly when telling an exciting part of a story.
Pauses are also incredibly powerful. A well-timed pause before a key takeaway gives the audience a moment to process what you just said. Don’t be afraid of a few seconds of silence; it adds weight to your words.
Make sure you warm up your voice before you speak, just like a singer would. Do some simple vocal exercises, like humming or tongue twisters. Also, drink plenty of room-temperature water to stay hydrated.
How to Keep Your Audience Engaged
Getting your audience’s attention is one thing, but keeping it is the real challenge. You are competing with phones, daydreaming, and dozens of other distractions. You need to build engagement into the very fabric of your speech.
Forget starting with “Hi, my name is…” Instead, hook them immediately with a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a brief, personal story that relates to your topic. A strong opening makes the audience lean in and want to know what’s next.
Throughout your talk, continue to re-engage them. Ask rhetorical questions to make them think or ask for a show of hands to get them physically involved. If the setting allows, you can even build in time to answer questions during your talk instead of waiting until the end.
How Public Speaking Fuels Personal and Professional Growth
Developing strong public speaking skills does more than just help you deliver a presentation. It is a powerful tool for overall personal and professional growth. The confidence and communication skills you build have a far-reaching impact.
Unlocking Career Advancement and Leadership Skills
In any profession, the ability to communicate ideas clearly is highly valued. Good public speakers often stand out as leaders because they can inspire action and articulate a vision. This skill set is directly linked to career advancement.
Presenting at meetings, speaking at conferences, and even confidently articulating your ideas to your boss can open up new opportunities. Honing these skills helps you build credibility and develops your leadership skills over time.
The Role of Speaking in Education and Beyond
The importance of public speaking starts early. In high school and higher education, students are constantly asked to present their work. Strong speaking skills can lead to better grades and more meaningful participation in student life.
Even processes outside the classroom, like interviewing for a scholarship or financial aid, rely on your ability to present yourself clearly. These early experiences build a foundation for future success. The ability to speak well is a lifelong asset.
Building Your Brand on Social Media
In our connected world, your public speaking can extend beyond the stage. You can leverage social media to share your message with a wider audience. Platforms like Instagram & LinkedIn are excellent for this.
Posting short clips from your talks or sharing key insights can help you build a personal brand. It positions you as an expert in your field and expands your network. This is a modern form of professional development that amplifies your impact.
Get The #1 Marketing Asset To Book More Paid Speaking Gigs Join us for the Booked & Paid Bootcamp — our NEW 2-day virtual event designed to help you start booking more paid gigs FAST. Over two 5+ hour days of live training and Q&A, our team of 6 and 7 figure speakers will give you the proven playbook you need to become a successful paid speaker.
Conclusion
Becoming a confident speaker doesn’t happen overnight. It is a skill built through preparation, smart practice, and real-world experience. Every time you speak, you will learn something new and develop better communication skills.
Don’t focus on being perfect; focus on connecting with your audience and delivering your message clearly. These speaking tips provide a framework to calm your nerves, build a compelling talk, and improve your speaking public performances.
By applying these tips for new public speakers, you will have a solid foundation to step onto any stage ready to share your ideas with the world. You’ve got this.
