How to Become a Public Speaker
Public speaking is an empowering skill that opens doors to countless opportunities. Whether you aim to inspire, educate, or entertain, mastering the art of public speaking can make you a more confident and influential person. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your journey.
It’s been an unspoken and maybe unadmitted goal of myself to become a panel speaker. Last year, I was asked to be one but I felt too out of the loop on the topic as I was six months into my childcare leave. This year, a new opportunity presented itself and before I could left myself talk me out of it I agreed to do it. Soon after a second request came which I also told myself to accept.
Funny enough both events took place in the same week. First, I spoke at the German Economic Forum in Osaka on the topic of Digital Education. Then, I was invited by the Belgian Luxemburg Chamber of Commerce to talk at their Future Forward Event to New Graduates and Young Professionals in Tokyo.
Both events made me reflect on my journey of public speaking over the years. If you are here because you want to become a public speaker or improve your public speaking skills, I hope the below helps.
Start Small and Keep Practicing
… and I am sure you already have. Public Speaking is defined as “the activity of speaking on a subject to a group of people”. Another definition added ‘to a live audience’.
Think about it, in school or university you most likely have had to hold a presentation. That’s already a start. My daughter is doing ‘show & tells’ on a monthly basis in kindergarten since the age of 3. It’s so interesting to me to see her start a journey of public speaking this early.
Begin by speaking in smaller settings. Engage in conversations, ask questions at events, or present to a small group. This helps build your confidence and prepares you for larger audiences.
You don’t have to be the main speaker right away. If you’re afraid to speak in front of a large group of people ease into public speaking by asking questions to a panel in a full room. It’s less pressure than giving a speech but still gets you comfortable speaking in front of a crowd.
If you are really serious about improving your skills, you could join a toastmasters group. I joined one of their meetings a long time ago back in Germany and was amazed by the many different techniques they used and the level of detail to which they pay attention during someone’s speech and how they give feedback so one can improve.
If you don’t have a group in your area, don’t forget about technology. I just recently learned about the ‘speaker coach’ on Microsoft Teams. Switch it on during your meetings if you’re allowed or hold a meeting with yourself to practice a presentation. The Speaker Coach Report is actually quite insightful and similar, even though of course not as detailed as the feedback in a toastmasters group, to the feedback they would give at a toastmasters group.
To close this paragraph with what we started: Keep reminding yourself of where you have already done public speaking. I am sure it is more that you are currently remembering.
After I completed my two panels earlier this year, I reflected on other public speaking experiences I had made over the years: Opening Speech at a company internal event with 150 people, 3 TV interviews, a company internal video, hosting and moderating various trainings with groups of 40 people.
Land a public speaking gig
After you have done all your practice and you feel ready to take the stage, how do you even get a spot?
Getting your first public speaking gig can be a rewarding milestone. Building credibility is crucial; start by creating a niche and becoming an expert in that area. A well-crafted portfolio that includes videos of any past speaking experiences is a great asset.
Networking is another key aspect. Join speaking groups like Toastmasters, attend industry conferences and meetups, and connect with event organizers and other speakers. One of my panel speaking opportunity arose from having participated in an event from the organizer just a few weeks before.
Credibility, a good reputation and networking will also make people think of you when a certain opportunity comes up. Invest in all three. My second panel speaking opportunity happened because my boos was approached but recommended me as the participant.
Using online platforms such as LinkedIn can help you showcase your expertise and find opportunities. Create a personal website to display your speaking topics, videos, testimonials, and contact information. Leverage social media to engage with followers and share your insights, videos, and achievements.
Reaching out to event organizers and influential people in your niche can also help you get noticed. Applying directly to open calls for speakers at conferences and events can increase your chances. Crafting a compelling pitch that highlights your topic, its relevance, and its benefits to the audience is essential. Offering free talks at local events, schools, or community clubs can also help you gain experience and visibility. Hosting webinars on your topic can showcase your expertise to a wider audience.
Be at the right place in the right time or in other words luck. My first TV interview happened because I was sitting in the same room (was at a different office just for this one day) as the person who received the request from the TV station. The other one happened because my boos was out of town and couldn’t do it herself.
I hope sharing my experience can demystify how public speaking opportunities can arise.
Prepare for your big event
Proper preparation is key to a successful presentation. Here are some essential steps:
- Research the Event: Understand the nature of the event and the audience you will be addressing. This will help tailor your message.
- Clarity on Topic: Make sure you have a clear understanding of your topic and the organizers intention with the event and topic. Outline your main points and ensure your content is coherent and engaging.
- Outfit and Hair: Dress appropriately for the occasion. Nowadays there are pictures from almost any event so google the previous ones. A well-groomed appearance boosts your confidence and helps make a positive impression. In doing so make sure you wear something that is comfortable for you and what you feel confident in. If you tend to play with your hair, consider tying it up.
- Ask for Details: Get specifics about the venue, equipment, and setup. Knowing what to expect helps reduce anxiety and visualize your speech at the event.
- Visualization: Imagine yourself giving the presentation successfully. Visualization can boost your confidence and reduce nervousness.
- Practice: Rehearse your speech multiple times. Actually say it out loud. Thinking about a topic is very different from discussing it or holding a presentation on it. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend. This helps you get comfortable with the material and delivery.
- Pro Tip: Master your Introduction to the T. If you stumble over your first sentence, it’s not a good look and will make you feel less confident. Have at least your first three sentences down so that these can send you off into your presentation in a smooth way.
Master Your Delivery
Here are some tips to ensure you’re ready on the day of your presentation:
- Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to keep your throat clear. Start at least an hour before your actual speech, not just minutes before. It also helps you to keep your mind sharp.
- Arrive Early: Get to the venue early to familiarize yourself with the space and setup. This also gives you time to handle any last-minute issues.
- Deep Belly Breaths: Whenever you get a moment of anxiousness, apprehension or nervousness, take 4-5 deep belly breaths and focus on breathing out. If you are a mom who had a natural delivery, you know the ones. Acknowledge whatever your feeling but don’t left it affect you physically by breathing the tension out.
- Move with the Room’s Energy: Engage with your audience by making eye contact, using gestures, and modulating your voice. Pay attention to their reactions and adjust your delivery as needed to keep them engaged and interested.
- Process the Audience’s Reactions: Be observant of your audience’s body language and feedback. Are they attentive and engaged? If not, try to adjust your approach. Be flexible and responsive to keep the energy positive and interactive.
Resources
- LinkedIn Course on Public Speaking
- Masterclasses on Story Telling
- Talk Like TED: The 9 Public-Speaking Secrets of the World’s Top Minds by Carmine Gallo
- How to Tell a Story: The Essential Guide to Memorable Storytelling from The Moth
- The 16 Undeniable Laws of Communication: Apply Them and Make the Most of Your Message
Remember, becoming a skilled public speaker takes practice and persistence. Keep pushing your boundaries and learning from each experience. Good luck on your journey to becoming a public speaker!
