How to Prepare for a Public Performance Like a Pro
Only a small percentage of people say they have nothing against public speaking. For the vast majority, the prospect of delivering a speech in front of an audience is as terrifying as the idea of death.
If there’s one thing all public speaking experts agree on, it’s that to minimize anxiety and deliver a memorable speech, you have to prepare. It is during the preparation process that you will refine your presentation and deliver your message in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Here are some proven preparation strategies for giving a killer speech:
Set your goals – To motivate yourself and focus your efforts in the right direction, you need to think about your goals. Do you want to educate your audience or do you want to make a successful call to action? Think carefully about what your presentation will look like and what kind of information you want to deliver.
Remember that practice makes perfect – practicing your speech is the most important part. You need to start well in advance to learn everything there is to know on the subject. By mastering each and every word that comes out of your mouth, you become credible. You will also refine the delivery of your message so that it reaches the audience.
Rehearse with an audience, don’t just read your presentation / speech, teach it instead. Ask your family and friends if they would like to hear you perform for them in public. You are sure to get some volunteers. Although it is only a small-scale experiment, it will help you replicate how you feel in front of a larger audience. It’s a great way to overcome the anxiety that accompanies public speeches. Don’t forget to ask people for feedback! This is a great way to find out if there are any issues with your speech.
Make a video of yourself – If you can’t get anyone to listen to your speech, you should make a video of yourself. This is another smart way to see your skills in action. By observing yourself, you can spot potential problems with your tone of voice, your body language, and even your content.
Learn more about the audience – Knowing the type of audience you will see is a great help in delivering a successful speech. It will also help you select the right approach when it comes to breaking things up with a joke and melting the ice between you and everyone else. Don’t believe it, this will also make you feel better with the audience, as it will no longer appear that you are talking to strangers.
These are all ideal tips to prepare to deliver the speech of a lifetime. Take them into account and you will have great success.