"If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them." - Henry David Thoreau
Speaking in front of an audience can be fun only if you are well-prepared. To ensure triumphant communication within a group, it is essential to enhance your communication skills. Here are some techniques that can help you improve your public speaking skills.
Make eye contact. It signifies your interest and desire to be honest, and credible.
Posture and gesture are also effective ways to communicate your message.
Dress Appropriately. How you look is also important. Your appearance should convey a message of dignity and respect.
Be conscious of other people's space.
Keep your message understandable and straightforward. Remember, less is more." Clarity is essential because it affects all areas of your message. Avoid using jargon. Use words that your audience can understand. Remember, less is more." Why "Less is more"? The first and most obvious is to avoid information overload. Speaking involves excellent concentration. If you supply too much information, your audience will not listen to you anymore. Speaking involves excellent attention. Second, clarity and pausing allow your audience to understand and acknowledge what you are saying.
Be prepared. Who? Remember the 6 W’s:
Determining your audience’s age, gender and interest are among the ways you can classify them.
What?
What topic would you like to discuss? Usually, when you get an invitation to speak in public, follow their theme and purpose.
How?
How can you communicate your message? Language and non-verbal cues are essential. Proper choice of words helps your audiences understand you better.
When?
Obtain a logical timing for your discussion. Learn how to pause when necessary.
Where?
If you have time, visit the area where you will conduct your speech. Decide the best seating arrangement according to the type of your audience. You must also consider the area's temperature, space, and lighting conditions. Visiting the site also helps you decide where to place your visual aid.
Why?
Convey the advantage and purpose they will gain if they listen to you. Preparing a list aim can help you narrow down the key points you need to emphasize.
Do not overwhelm your audience with numbers and statistics. You can put this information in handouts for easy reference in the future.
Use visual aids to support your message.
Allow your audience to take part in the discussion. You can also create connections by calling your audience by their names.