For some people, mastering the art of public speaking is a lifetime of learning. It is something that they can never get enough nerve for even though they can write eloquent speeches and have important ideas to pass on at public meetings. It requires a certain finesse to be able to speak in public and the only way to do it is to jump right in with both feet. Even though your insides are shaking standing in front of a group of strangers, once the speech is over, you can sit down feeling immensely satisfied.
Being able to give an effective speech is not just a matter of reading words off a page. There are certain techniques that each speaker must master and each speech requires different strategies. Of course the speech itself has to be good, but you cannot expect to receive accolades if you keep your head down and do not look at the audience. This is where practice comes into play. You do have to memorize a speech and use only cue cards to help you find your place if you should get rattled and forget what comes next. This allows you to maintain eye contact with the audience and gives each listener the feeling that you are talking to him or her.
Gestures are an important part of public speaking. Your hands are just as effective as relaying your message as your mouth, so why not use them. Using your hands to point or accentuate aspects of your speech keeps the audience attentive to what you are saying. Your voice should be clear and all the words spoken slowly - not too slowly as to drag out the speech to make it boring, but so that everyone can hear and understand you. Having a good lead is the best way to grab the audience's attention and once you get that, your job is to keep it by what you say and how you say it.
Author: Jordi Shoman
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