6) Practice Some More . . .
When someone asks me how he can build effective communication skills and improve his public speaking, I quote to him the words of Elbert Hubbard, who said, “The only way to learn to speak is to speak and speak, and speak and speak, and speak and speak and speak.”
11) Bonus Public Speaking Tip: Utilize The Powerful Speech Pause
The powerful speech pause might be the most important speaking technique you will ever learn. Not only will it help you overcome your fear of public speaking, but it will help you master your control over the emotional impact of your speeches. In fact, dramatic pauses are so powerful that they should be illegal.
10) Don’t Overthink Audience Reactions
There is always going to be someone in the audience on their phone or yawning. Remember that there will always be people who are bored or tired. None of these audience reactions have anything to do with you personally.
9) Focus On The Material, Not The Audience
Focus on delivering your material in the best way possible. Don’t worry about audience reactions.
8) Know 100 Words For Every Word That You Speak
Ernest Hemingway wrote that “In order to write well, you must know 10 words about the subject for every word that you write. Otherwise, the reader will know that this is not true writing.”
7) Sip Water That’s Warm Or Room Temperature
Sometimes squeezing some lemon into your water helps as well. It helps lubricate your throat. Try to avoid sugary beverages before speaking. These can dry out your mouth and make it harder to talk.