Public Speaking Techniques

The importance of mastering public speaking techniques to address audiences effectively and powerfully has been an issue since the beginnings of recorded history. The Bible's Old Testament makes no bones about the fact that the most influential prophets and leaders were those who could sway their audiences verbally. Throughout history, oratory skills have repeatedly proved to the decisive factor that turns the tide of public opinion. The Powerful oratory skills of many leaders have won wars, averted mass panic and saved companies from financial disaster.

Successful public speaking involves more than just choosing the right words (though this is certainly an important factor). Effective public speaking techniques include establishing a rapport and relationship with the audience in many different ways.

Most of us have to overcome an initial fear of speaking in public (technically known as 'glossophobia' or 'stage fright). When an audience senses this fear in a speaker, it tends to shut him or her out for that reason alone. Fear of public speaking has visible manifestations that any audience can pick up immediately. These include:

· Shuffling from foot to foot
· Not knowing what to do with one's hands
· Stuttering and stumbling over words
· Speaking too fast
· Not looking at the audience while speaking
· Referring to written notes too many times
· Clearing one's throat repeatedly

These are reactions to public speaking that each of us experiences to begin with. Overcoming them is a matter of practice and rising confidence levels. There is no shortcut or easier, softer option. In mastering public speaking techniques, we must stand a trial by fire. It is very similar to learning to ride a horse or bicycle. If we fall off, we must immediately get on again. Failing to face one's fears in the public speaking arena will reinforce the fear. The result could be a permanent aversion to public speaking.

The most effective public speakers make their audience comfortable in subtle, calculated ways. These ways soon become second nature as the public speaker's confidence levels rise. Among the most useful techniques is the use of humor. Cracking a joke - preferably at one's own expense - is a sure-fire means of warming up an audience. This is why orators who use humor are more effective than the serious, lecturing types.

Controlling one's voice is equally important. A public speaker must pitch his or her voice high enough to be clearly audible to everyone in the audience. At the same time, it should not be so high-pitched to irritate or aggravate the audience. Thanks to modern amplification technology, it is possible for us to address an audience in a conversational pitch of voice and still be audible. Using this technology effectively is, once again, a matter of experience.

Building a relationship with one's audience is very important. A lecturing style of public speaking does not include the audience as a participant. While lecturing is useful if the speaker must convey a lot of information in a limited period, it can also be incredibly boring to an audience. Involving one's audience by asking it questions, making it laugh and inviting any other kind of feedback numbers among the most effective public speaking techniques.

Some successful orators advocate unorthodox methods, such as speaking on a relatively empty stomach. Others even advise speakers not to empty their bladder before a speech, claiming that this maintains the necessary edge in the situation. Finally, we must all discover our own most suitable public speaking techniques. However, nothing beats practice and proper preparation before the event.

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