As I am coaching people on public speaking, I am always looking for ways to get them to appear more comfortable, and as I write speeches and outlines, I'm looking for a way for their own words to have impact. Here are a few tips on being a better speaker:
1) It's not about you. Think about your audience. What do they want to hear? What do you want them to leave with? What is the best way to reach them, entertain them, or educate them? As soon as you can make it about them rather than you, you'll start to appear more comfortable.
2) Have a beginning, a middle, and an end. It's human nature for us to want to put things in order, but so often I hear speeches that go all over the map. When that happens, the audience is working hard trying to find the common thread, rather than listening to what you're saying. One of the biggest problems I see with speakers is not having a natural flow to their presentation--especially with people who are experts in a subject. They know too much and want to share it all! My advice: leave them wanting more. When you get to the end...stop. Please.
3) Practice, practice, practice. Being a good speaker really does take practice. Practice in your car, in front of the mirror, in your head, but practice. If you're someone who is in a position where you now have to do a lot of public speaking and you're not used to it, practice is even more important. It will give you a sense of timing and keep you from wandering off your main points.
These are just some basic principles and probably nothing ground breaking, but more of a good reminder!
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