9 Ways to Keep the Room – Better Public Speaking Skills

At one time or another, those of us in business are called upon to speak in public. The way we present ourselves is important because it represents who we are, our competencies and how people will see our business; therefore, the quest to achieve and refine better public speaking skills is important.

Most people looking to improve their public speaking skills are initially concerned with adding new entertaining or persuasive elements to their presentations, such as props or humor, or with developing techniques such as hand gestures.

Truth be told, most people can improve their speaking skills dramatically simply by concentrating on removing the negative aspects of their speech before even thinking of adding anything else. With that said, here are some simple rules to help you improve your public speaking skills and give you better presentations and therefore better results in your business.

These are the rules I’m training myself to use, things I’ve read or observed in other people I’ve been lucky enough to work with:

1. Keep it simple

speak naturally

make eye contact

Don’t do crazy things with your hands.

2. Be passionate.

No matter what you talk about, people want to know that you’re excited about it. Now, don’t pretend, but let your passion for your business or product come through!

3. Balance the format of your information.

Don’t try to pack too much into the presentation. Instead, when you speak, cover the basics and leave the details for handouts that can be read later. Use a PowerPoint slide or a few, but don’t overdo it (in terms of information).

4. Manage relationships in advance.

If possible, meet the people who will be listening to you before your presentation. This will give them a built-in confidence in you and what you have to say.

5. Show, don’t tell.

Show them with stories, examples and personal experiences. Don’t just list the facts.

6. Get rid of distracting idiosyncrasies.

“Ummms” and “Ahhhs” have to go. The same goes for the jingle of coins in your pockets. (I’ve been guilty here many times)

7. Know your material.

There is nothing better than having the material at your fingertips. Doing so will cover up a multitude of other problems that may arise.

8. Get the audience involved on different levels if it is effective.

You can use different methods, such as taking time to work alone or with a partner, feedback on certain points, or questions and answers.

9. Don’t misunderstand people’s response and don’t get discouraged.

You never know why a person might not be listening or get up and leave. There are many reasons that have nothing to do with you or the way you speak. Assume it’s something else and move on!

I am NOT a great speaker… however, I have had the great fortune to work with some great presenters and speakers, including some of the incredibly successful people with the HIS Real Estate Network Board of Advisors. I have found that by working with these and other successful speakers and presenters, and diligently practicing what I have learned and observed, I have developed better public speaking skills. If you follow these simple rules, you can too.