I guess, everyone had suffered, in some way or the other, anxiety when tasked to talk in public.  Even those savvy celebrity speakers are somehow, experiencing stage freight and tension when they are about to speak in public.  Stage freight and nerves are just normal stuff, because we are humans.  If you don’t felt such emotions, then you take a test if you really belong to Homo sapiens species.

Effective keynote speakers or the inspiring motivational speakers have one thing in common; they have mastered the art of public speaking.  Here are some speaking tips that could help you master the art of public speaking.   

1.  Know you strength.  This can be done by understanding your own communication style. Analyze how well you communicate with others.  How well you listen?  How do you convey information?  What about your body language?

2. Be Prepared.  This Boy Scout motto is applicable to anyone at anytime.  Overcome the nervousness and anxiety by being prepares.  Determine in advance what your purpose is for seeking to communicate with another or a group. What outcome do YOU want to have happen?    

3. Analyze your audience. This is somewhat similar to “Know your enemy” strategy in a battle.  Know whom you are speaking to - be it one person or many. What is their style of communication, how effectively do they listen? What is their body language telling you about them?

4. Establish eye contact with each of your audience members. Ensure that they are following along with you. Watch for physical reactions both positive and negative. Are they relaxed, casual, intense, upset, angry? With eye contact you can determine if you had delivered the message and it is being received.

5. Be certain that your communication is logical and sequential. Create phrases that help transition and connect your ideas. Lead your audience from one idea to the next. Avoid jumping from one topic to another, this can lead to confusion and disinterest.

6. Involve your audience in the communication process. Effective listening is part of effective communicating. Ask a question, listen and process their answer.

7. Control the flow of the communication.  If someone has overtaken your “turn” to communicate your information, insert yourself back into the control position.

8. Ask follow up questions to ensure clarity.  Make conclusion statements. Monitor their behavioral reaction to your communication. Ask them in your communication with them was valuable.

9. Create a powerful closing to your part in the conversation or presentation.  Wrap it up and ensure that others know that you have finished speaking and have been listening to you.

10.  Practice makes perfect. There’s no technique can beat the constant practice.  Even those well-seasoned and experienced motivational speakers take time to practice.  Gather more info to hone their skills more and more.