It’s been over a decade since we started training. Looking back, it’s been an incredible journey for both of us. My uncle always introduces me to people as an engineer in the wrong profession!

Anyway, today we want to share about public speaking. Did you know that almost 80% of the world population in the world is afraid of public speaking? One of the best known statistics in the US states that more people fear public speaking than they fear death! Go figure.

Today, if people see us leading a training, seminar, conference or workshop, they will get the impression that we are natural public speakers. To tell the truth, we were far from natural.

We were never the talking type. In fact, one of the reasons my wife Elin chose me was because she didn’t talk much, but look at me today. We were not debaters in school nor were we speakers during our college days. It’s a skill we acquired and learned along the way.

There is a saying, “Every teacher was once a mess!” I was definitely a mess. I remember when I first started working, one of my first assignments was being the MC for an official function in our office for our clients. I still remember that particular day, instead of being the MC, I went in a different MC – medical certificate!

In fact, I still remember the first official presentation that I had to do in Bangi. It was very stressful as I couldn’t even go to work that day. We take the day off so we can go to the place. It is very important to do this. I tried to do a mental rehearsal of the presentation. It should be easy for me as I have done it one by one before and seen people do it many times. I made a mistake!

That night I froze! I was so hard that I couldn’t move. It was like my whole body was in shock because the grandstand was more alive! Can you imagine my trainer stopped the presentation in the middle and asked me what was wrong! I told him that he was nervous and that he was afraid!

Well, that was many, many, many years ago. The truth is, if we can do it, so can you. Understand the fact that success is something you can learn and public speaking is also a skill you can learn and become a master of. The important thing here is that you have to have the right attitude!

Here are 20 tips that could help you improve your public speaking skills:

#1 Look to the experts

The best way to start learning good speaking methods is by watching good speakers. Ten years ago this would have been more difficult, but today you can quickly find good speech examples online.

#2 Know your stuff

Before you give your speech, do enough research to have a solid understanding of the topic. You don’t want to forget an important fact.

#3 Take notes

Although you don’t want to read your entire speech from a script, writing a short summary will help you stay focused.

#4 Rehearse in private

One of the most important keys to giving a strong speech is practice. Rehearse your speech long enough that you can (almost) say it in your sleep. Do it in front of a mirror!

#5 Rehearse for a small audience

After practicing alone, give your speech to a small audience. After you finish, ask for feedback on your performance. You can then use this tip to further refine your presentation.

#6 Know your audience

Your speech must be carefully targeted to your audience. If you have to use unfamiliar terms, you will need to give the definitions.

#7 Know your surroundings

Before you give your speech, visit the venue where you will be speaking. If possible, you could even try to do a practice on the spot.

#8 Dress appropriately

Depending on your audience, you may need to dress up or down. Also, dress in layers to prepare for a wide range of temperatures.

#9 relax

Almost everyone feels nervous when speaking. He calmed his nerves by pausing before beginning his speech and channeling his nervous energy into enthusiasm.

#10 Start with an intriguing question or fact

Most audiences subconsciously give the speaker 20 seconds to get their attention. Engage your audience quickly with an engaging question or opening fact.

#11 Realize that your audience is on your side

Very rarely does the public want the speaker to fail. Most of the time, the audience will want you to succeed. After all, who wants to sit through a boring presentation?

#12 Use gestures

Don’t be afraid to use hand motions. As long as you use them naturally, gestures will add to your speech.

#13 Use visual aids

In addition to gestures, visual aids, ranging from high-tech Power Point presentations to simple whiteboard diagrams, can help keep visual learners engaged.

#14 Don’t overuse images

Although images are very helpful, too much of a good thing can be bad. Use images sparingly and with good taste. (Yes, your spectacular slideshow transitions will be distracting and annoying to the audience.)

#15 Speak with Conviction and Confidence

If you want your audience to believe you, you first have to believe yourself. If you yourself don’t believe in your pitch, don’t make that presentation in the first place!

#16 Don’t talk to your notes

First-time speakers are often tempted to speak from their notes. Instead, stand out by speaking to…wow…your audience!

#17 Pauses In Your Speech

Don’t be afraid to add silence to your speech. In fact, this reassurance will help keep your audience awake and focused on your topic.

#18 Add humor and tell stories to engage and engage with your audience

Although too many jokes can ruin your persuasiveness, the occasional humorous anecdote will add leverage to your speech and engage your audience.

#19 Do not apologize for nervousness

Some speakers feel the need to apologize to their audience for sounding nervous. Do not do this! This mistake not only detracts from your persuasiveness, but it will not be useful information for your audience.

# 20 Get ready for a good ending

Instead of muttering “Well, I guess that’s it…” as you slowly back off the platform, plan for a strong finish. An ideal ending is a call to action. For example, in a speech about blogging, you might end: “Now start your blog today!”