Public speaking is something that many people struggle with, yet mastering it is often important for pursuing career opportunities and advancement.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Becoming a skillful public speaker can also help you develop critical thinking and leadership skills, while building your personal brand.^{(See disclaimer 1 )}For these reasons, mastering public speaking tips is a smart move for college students.

There is some good news: public speaking does not have to be an uncomfortable experience. Even people who are shy in front of a large group can learn some skills that make the process easier. Public speaking might not be your favorite thing, but you can do enough preparation to feel comfortable.

First, you must learn how to overcome a fear of public speaking, with tips such as getting organized, practicing often and using stress reduction techniques.

Public speaking anxiety is common, but it’s possible to overcome it. Some people with public speaking anxiety feel just a little nervous when speaking before a crowd, while others may experience panic attacks and significant fear. No matter where on this spectrum you fall, there are some strategies you can use to overcome your anxiety.

Try the following:

• Research your topic thoroughly. Knowing your topic inside and out is essential preparation for giving a presentation. It will help you approach the stage with greater confidence, speak with more clarity and, in the event you get sidetracked or make a mistake during your talk, you’ll be able to get back on track more easily.
• Use positive visualization. Envision yourself giving the presentation successfully. Try to develop positive thought patterns, such as by using positive self-talk.
• Use stress reduction techniques. Deep breathing can be particularly helpful for people with public speaking anxiety. Breathe in slowly from the nose, and then exhale even more slowly from the mouth. Deep breathing can calm down your heart rate and help ease nervousness. Use deep breathing shortly before your presentation, when anxiety often peaks.
• Explore specific fears. Write a list of everything that you’re fearful of concerning public speaking. Then, go through your list and consider whether any of those worries have ever happened. Most likely, the answer is no, and your fears are unfounded.
• Have a conversation. During your presentation, pretend you’re having a conversation with just one person in the audience at a time — ignoring everyone else for the time being. Choose one person to focus on and make eye contact with for about 30 seconds, and then a different person and so on until you get to the end of your presentation. This may help minimize the pressure you feel.

If you’re experiencing crippling anxiety, you may find it helpful to join a relevant support group or public speaking practice group. Mental health counseling may also be a good choice.

Following some actionable public speaking tips for beginners can help you work toward becoming a more polished presenter. If you’d like to examine some advanced skills in communications techniques for group presentations, consider enrolling in a communications degree.

1. Open Strong

When putting together your presentation, boil your content down to its simplest — and strongest — points. Introducing your topic with a hook can be helpful. For example, present surprising data, show a brief video clip or connect with your audience on a personal level by sharing a personal vignette that is relevant to the topic.

2. Speak to the Audience, Not to Yourself

When putting together your presentation, remember to speak to the audience. The purpose of presenting is so that they might learn something. If you are presenting, you are already an expert. Do not put the focus on you. Instead, keep your audience in mind and present with their needs in mind.

3. Be Yourself

You are speaking because you have something to share. Keep this in mind as you prepare. The audience is looking to hear from you. Be authentic and true. Use your personality to your advantage and connect with people.

4. Tell Stories

When we tell stories, our true nature comes out in our descriptions and asides. Storytelling helps you be yourself. It makes you and your topic relatable. People will connect to what you are sharing through engaging storytelling.

5. Prepare and Practice

Among the most important tips for public speaking is to prepare thoroughly and practice multiple times. Once you have figured out the content of your presentation, get in front of people and practice. Ask trusted friends, family and colleagues to pose as audience members. Get their feedback and revise your presentation as needed.

Try videotaping yourself and watch the recording to discover your nervous mannerisms. Practice again. Your nerves might never completely go away, but by the time you get on the stage for the real presentation, you should feel more comfortable.

6. Know Your Tech

One way to help settle your nerves on presentation day is to ensure that you are familiar with the technology setup. Assume there could be a technical glitch, and make sure that you are prepared for different scenarios.

For example, you should have an external backup of your visual aids for your presentation in case you need to switch devices. Bring connectors that work with your machine, and know how far you like to stand from the microphone. Preparing ahead of time can help overcome day-of-presentation tech disasters.

7. Read the Feedback, Not the Screen

Instead of looking at your presentation, look at your audience. The slides you create should include some information, but you should provide additional details while speaking.

It’s important to learn to read your audience when you speak. Know when to ad-lib and go off script when people seem confused or bored. If you get the sense that you are losing the audience, try something new.

8. Use Natural Body Language

One way to engage with the audience is to step away from the podium and move around the stage. Having a hands-free microphone makes this a lot easier because you will be able to use your hands.

Body language is a great way to connect with people and make the presentation more enjoyable. The freedom to move around the stage means you can make eye contact and get in close proximity with the audience.

9. End With Actionable Suggestions

Your audience came to learn from you. They want to feel like your presentation was time well spent. Help them see how they can apply what they learned to their lives. Give them suggestions or ask them to share ideas about how to use the information they have heard in new and immediate ways.

10. Ask for Feedback

Make sure the audience has your contact information. Ask them to provide feedback after the presentation and consider what they have to say. If there is a common response from several different participants, think about how you might change the way you present the next time.

Following these public speaking tips for beginners can help you become a more polished presenter. It’s also helpful, however, to learn what not to do.

Avoid these common public speaking mistakes:

• Spending too much time introducing yourself
• Admitting that you’re nervous
• Standing completely still, clenching the podium and fidgeting
• Reading the entire presentation directly from your notes or slides
• Placing too much text on your slides or other visual aids
• Failing to have a clear structure to your presentation
• Failing to connect with the audience, such as by making eye contact
• Failing to insert pauses into your speech
• Talking too fast

Additionally, it’s usually best to avoid jokes unless you are a naturally humorous person. Trying to tell a joke that sounds forced can create a disconnect between you and the audience.

You can take a deep dive into advanced communication skills when you major in communications at Grand Canyon University. Consider enrolling in the Bachelor of Arts in Communications degree, or, if you’ve already earned a bachelor’s degree, apply to the Master of Arts in Communication with an Emphasis in Education program. 

Learn more about how Grand Canyon University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences prepares students to pursue careers in a variety of fields and industries.