Public Speaking Tricks | Dominate The Podium

Keeping Cool While Speaking

Posted on 11. Dec, 2008 by Crazy J in Preparation

Whilst we as humans rely on our voices and verbal communication in order to clearly express and articulate our thoughts, feelings and desires all too often we overlook and underestimate another very powerful means of communication which is body language.

Body language is the image we convey to people, and whilst during public speaking we are projecting our voices in a bid to win over the audience or to convey a message, body language is very important as well.

It is a sad fact of our nature as humans that we tend to make snap judgments based on first impressions and on physical appearances, and during a public speaking exercise, the two senses tat you as the speaker will be engaging are the eyes and ears of the audience.

Don’t underestimate the power of a psychological boost, if you look good you will feel good. The  army makes recruits shower everyday not only for hygiene purposes but also to help ensure and safeguard their mental health as well and so you may want such a mental boost before you deliver your speech as well. Make sure to dress appropriately, whilst you want to try and look smart, you also want to ensure that you are comfortable as well.

If you feel too warm, are sweating or generally feel ill at ease with your clothing then this will have an adverse effect on the quality of your speech and delivery. Ladies, be sensible with your choice of jewelry and other accessories, you may find it of some benefit to remove earrings, bangles and other items of jewelry that will be liable to distract you.

Imagine, you are reaching forward to adjust the microphone so that it is easier to speak into, and just at that moment your jewelry gets caught in the mike, or your sleeve, or some other such inconvenience. Such events, whilst humorous after the speech has been and gone, are often the kiss of death for many a speech. This is because it is a major distraction for the flow of the argument as well as a distraction for the audience.

Pay close attention to your posture. Make sure you do not fidget, so hands out of pockets, and don’t play with your hair and standing up erect and facing straight ahead will mean that your voice will be projected much further.