7.5 Tactics for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

Public Speaking for many people is one of the most difficult tasks they perform.

It doesn't matter whether it is a small group at the office, a toast at a gathering or a major presentation most people would rather not do it.

However avoiding presentations is not always possible so why not give the best presentation possible.

Here are 7.5 tactics you can use to improve your presentation seven fold.

Tactic #1 - The Pause

One of the most dramatic tactics you can use in your presentation is to PAUSE. When you take the time to pause, you give your audience a chance to think about what you just said and this will allow them to better retain your information.

Tactic #2 - Short Sentences

People can only process so much information at one time. So don't overload your audience with long sentences and big words. Keep your sentences short with one main idea. Short sentences are easier to understand, comprehend and deliver.

Tactic #3 - Be on Time

Unless you are an unbelievably great speaker, never be late. When you show up late to a presentation you start out in the hole with the audience. Now you have win them back for your message to have an impact.

Tactic #4 - End on Time

If starting late is bad then ending late is even worse. If you try to make up for lost time or try to extend your time to make a point the audience will turn on you. An audience can be very forgiving except when you infringe on their time. So end on time even if you have to cut your presentation short. The audience expects to leave on time, period!

Tactic #5 - Use the Stage

Don't stand like you're a statue. Use the entire stage and bring the audience to you. But don't move just for the sake of moving, move with a purpose.

Tactic #6 - Use Self Deprecating Humor

It can be very dangerous to use humor in a presentation, especially if you make fun of someone else. You could alienate your audience and your message will be totally lost. But making fun of yourself is an excellent way to inject humor into your speech. Learn to laugh at yourself everyone else has.

Tactic #7 - Eye Contact

While you are speaking it is very important that you have eye contact with your audience. You must make an effort to maintain eye contact with the members of your audience. Having direct eye contact with your audience helps you build your relationship with them.

Tactic #7.5 - Smile

Don't forget to smile before, during and after your presentation.  A smile will cure a lot of ills.