13 techniques to speak in public (and succeed)

Surely, throughout your life, you have encountered the situation -or will find yourself- of having to speak in public, whether it is to expose a work at the university, a thesis, a paper or work conference, etc

Do you get nervous when facing this type of situation? Or do you feel satisfied with your public talks? Whether you want to improve, learn or mitigate your fears, In this article we propose 13 techniques to speak in public effectively.

• Recommended article: "Public speaking and overcoming stage fright, in 8 steps"

13 great techniques for public speaking

The 13 techniques for public speaking, as we will see, have to do with different aspects of oneself and one's own speech: verbal language, non-verbal language, attitude, etc. Let's see what each technique consists of and how we should apply it properly:

1. Deep breathing

The first of the techniques for public speaking that we propose is take a deep breath before the talk, slowly inhaling and exhaling several times in a row. This technique will help you feel more relaxed and will also provide oxygen to your brain so that your concentration increases.

When we take a deep breath, our abdomen swells; You can try putting your hand on it during inhalations and see how it fills with air, and then release it progressively. In addition to applying this technique before the talk, you can also do it during it; the important thing is to control your breathing and be aware of it.

2. keep eye contact

It is important to maintain eye contact (look into the eyes) with the attendees of your talk or presentation. You don't have to look at them penetratingly and constantly; it is about looking at their faces while you speak.

As we will see throughout the article, non-verbal language It is very important in this type of situation, since it accompanies the speech and enriches it.

3. control the voice

When speaking in public, the voice should be moderate-high (depending on the size of the room and the number of attendees); the important thing, however, is that the voice reaches the entire public (from the first row to the last).

Thus, the volume of the voice is a very important aspect, but also the tone. Think that your voice is your main tool to convey your message, and that it can give it intensity and conviction.

In this way, the voice has to change its tone, intoning the key points of your speech.

4. Control the speed of speech

Speech does not have to be too slow or too fast; thus, the speed should be moderate. This is important so that the speech is understood and the listeners do not lose the thread of the explanations.

5. vocalize

Another of the techniques to speak in public is to vocalize. This will allow you to convey a clear message that reaches the attendees and is clearly understood. Not vocalizing can mean that the message is not understood.

6. keep a positive attitude

As we can see, “how to speak” is as important or more important than “what is said”. So, Keeping a positive attitude during your speech will make the message “soaked” in this positivity.. In this way, the message that will arrive will have more strength and vitality, and listeners will be able to catch this energy through your words.

Also, negative thoughts (for example thinking: "I'm not doing well", or "they are getting bored") will not help you, on the contrary, they will make you more nervous and convey an image of insecurity (and this is very noticeable when you speak in public).

7. Have confidence

The next of the public speaking techniques is to have confidence in yourself.. The trust It is key to transmit personal security and for attendees to believe in your message and support it. Also, in line with the prior art, having positive thoughts will help you to continue speaking with confidence.

Think that you are surely an expert on the subject you are going to talk about; you must think “no one knows it better than me, I can do it”.

8. Be sincere

Another of the techniques to speak in public is, simply, to be sincere. Sincerity, even if we don't know it, is often transmitted, it shows. Your goal should be to deliver a message that has some value, and in which you believe. To do this effectively, your attitude and your words must reflect authenticity and transparency.

9. focus

Try not to lose the thread of your speech, concentrating on each and every one of the words you emit, as well as in your gestures and in your non-verbal language. You have to focus on the present moment, on the "here and now", since being aware of other things can harm your presentation.

In this way, being more attentive to the public than to your message can cause you to deviate from the topic without realizing it, or simply lose concentration and lose the thread. That is why it is important to stay focused and not get distracted.

10. control fear

The next of the public speaking techniques refers to controlling fear or shame. All this is achieved, surely, thanks to the previous techniques, and with a lot of practice. When you are in control of fear or shame, you are in control of the situation and your message will get across effectively.

Also, you can try to have positive thoughts that help you remember that nothing bad will happen to you in that situation, and that your fears are irrational.

11. Control your body posture

As we said, non-verbal language is very important when we speak in public, since it is a tool that enhances and accompanies our message. So, within this non-verbal language we find the body posture; This should not be very rigid or very stooped.

We must be straight, with relaxed shoulders and modulating our posture and our body based on our words.

12. Take care of your non-verbal language

A bit like a synthesis, this technique includes some of the previous techniques for public speaking. Thus, taking care of gestures, voice, posture, tone, speed, eye contact, etc., will help us to transmit a powerful, convincing and real message, so that our body is consistent with our words.

13. Practice

To finalize the public speaking techniques that will allow you to make an effective presentation, we propose the last technique: practice, practice and practice. You can do it at home alone or in front of a family member or friend, to later include more people.

The important thing is that you expose yourself to the situation that gives you anxiety (or simply, that you gain experience in your speech). The more you practice, the more likely it is that you will lose your embarrassment and that your explanation will be complete and clear.

Bibliographic references:

• Gottesman, D., Mauro, B., Piñero, L. and Andrew, C. (2008). Public speaking techniques. Urano Editions.

• Morales, C. (2007). Guide to public speaking. Complete and practical method for the most diverse situations. Madrid: Publishing Alliance.

• Puchol, L. (2008). Public speaking: new techniques and resources to influence an audience in any circumstance. Editorial Diaz de Santos (4th Ed.).