January 9, 2023
•
4 min read
Public speaking can be a daunting task for many people. The thought of standing in front of a group of people and giving a speech or presentation can make even the most confident individuals break out in a sweat. However, with the right training and preparation, public speaking can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
Public speaking allows individuals to effectively communicate with others and persuade or inspire them. It can also build confidence and leadership abilities, and can be a valuable tool in making a positive impact in the world.
Content is king. When you’re thinking about your content, use a combination of ethos, pathos and logos to tell your message:
Here’s a video of Varun going into more depth on how to write a compelling speech:
There are a few factors you should consider when giving your public speech including:
Here’s an in-depth video that goes into the formula for a good speech:
Here are three longer tips on how to improve your public speaking:
Practice, practice, practice: The more you practice your presentation, the more comfortable and confident you will become when delivering it. This can involve rehearsing in front of a mirror or a small group, or even recording yourself and reviewing the video for areas to improve upon.
Engage your audience: Make eye contact with members of your audience, use gestures to emphasize your points, and vary your tone and pace to keep them interested and engaged. By actively involving your audience in your presentation, you can create a more interactive and dynamic experience.
Use visual aids effectively: Incorporating visual aids such as slides or props can help to illustrate your points and make your message more memorable. Just be sure to use them sparingly and avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information at once.
You can record yourself speaking and upload speeches on Yoodli’s platform. From there, the free AI feedback tool will write out the transcript and provide guidance on your word choice and delivery.
Here’s an example of Greta Thunberg’s speech and how Yoodli analyzed her speech:
The feedback tool tells us that Greta’s speech was incredible from a word choice perspective:
Yoodli’s feedback tool can also analyze Greta’s delivery:
One thing that Greta could have done better is maintaining eye contact with her audience. The feedback tool says she only uses eye contact 22% of the time.
Effective delivery techniques can help to enhance the impact of your public speaking presentation. Some useful techniques to consider include:
Vocal variety: Varying your tone, pitch, and volume can help to keep your audience engaged and emphasize important points. You can try the tonal drill warmups to help you prepare for your speech:
Hand gestures: Using appropriate hand gestures can help add emphasis and illustrate your points. Just be sure to avoid overusing or exaggerated gestures, as they can be distracting.
Eye contact: Making eye contact with members of your audience can establish a connection and show that you are speaking to them directly.
Pauses: Using pauses effectively can add emphasis and allow your audience to process your message.
Avoiding filler words: Using filler words such as “um” or “ah” can disrupt the flow of your presentation and distract your audience. Try to eliminate these words as much as possible by pausing instead.
Public speaking is an important skill to have in various settings and can help you to effectively communicate your ideas and persuade or inspire your audience. By following the tips outlined in this discussion, you can develop your content and improve your delivery techniques to deliver an effective and engaging presentation.
To take your public speaking skills to the next level, sign up for Yoodli. With Yoodli, you can receive instant feedback and suggestions for improvement on your speeches and presentations, helping you to deliver an amazing performance every time.
Getting better at speaking is getting easier. Record or upload a speech and let our AI Speech Coach analyze your speaking and give you feedback.