Find your Coach
BetterUp
Request a demo

8 tip to improve your public speaking skills

May 28, 2021 - 16 min read

man speaking to a crowd

Jump to section

The importance of public speaking skills

How to improve public speaking skills — 4 factors to keep in mind

8 tips for public speaking

Know how to improve public speaking skills and master your fears

Some people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of dying.

I know that sounds extreme, but it makes sense when you think about it. 

Our ancestors needed one another to survive. Social acceptance or rejection meant the difference between life and death.

And if there’s one situation where you run the risk of mass rejection, it’s public speaking.

No wonder many of us find it terrifying. It’s our survival instinct kicking in.

Yet, public speaking is an essential skill in today’s labor market.

If you want to know how to improve your public speaking skills, keep reading for tips and strategies that will help make you a better public speaker.

The importance of public speaking skills

Strong spoken communication skills are essential for a successful career or business.

According to a study by the Association of American Colleges and Universities, the majority of executives and hiring managers prioritize strong oral communication skills.

Most jobs require some degree of public speaking, whether it’s giving a presentation to your team or speaking at a conference.

But the survey respondents reported that less than half of college graduates are satisfactory in this area.

graph-graduate-skills-how-to-improve-public-speaking

Public speaking requires you to present your ideas clearly. At the same time, you must project an image of yourself that inspires empathy in your audience.

But many of us experience public speaking anxiety. It can hinder your ability to deliver your message and engage your audience. 

Public speaking isn’t only important at work. Fear of public speaking can also affect your personal life. It may create misunderstandings with family or friends or prevent you from taking part in activities. 

For example, you might avoid speaking about your ideas or plans or giving a speech at a wedding or social event.

The inability to communicate your ideas results in feeling misunderstood. This can lead to frustration, loneliness, and even social anxiety.

But if you have stage fright, don’t worry — you’re not alone. Few people are born with a natural talent for public speaking. 

This is good news, as it means it’s a skill that you can learn. So let’s dive into how to become a great public speaker.

 

 
*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

How to improve public speaking skills — 4 factors to keep in mind

Developing your public speaking skills has many benefits in a work environment. It will also increase your confidence.

Even if you’re an introvert or suffer from chronic anxiety, overcoming your fear and learning to be a great public speaker is possible.

Here are four factors that influence your ability to communicate effectively.

graphic-factors-how-to-improve-public-speaking

1. Voice control

Your voice is the most basic communication tool you possess. Learning to use it properly is key for improving your public speaking.

Diaphragmatic breathing is a useful voice control technique. It can give your voice greater power and clarity and prevent the shortness of breath that anxiety causes.

To do this technique, relax your belly and let it expand as you breathe. Extend your inhalations and exhalations to a count of four each.

Practicing this type of breathing without speaking will help you prepare to use it while speaking. 

It also helps calm your nerves. 

During your public speaking event, use diaphragmatic breathing to control the three main aspects of your voice:

  • Volume
  • Tone
  • Pitch

2. Body language

Your body language is the combination of your gestures, facial expressions, and movements. 

It’s an integral part of how we communicate. It helps your audience better understand the nuances of your message.

If your body language contrasts with what you want to transmit or seems incoherent, your speech will be confusing.

Once you confuse people, you lose them.

Use the following tips to improve your body language and engage your audience:

  • Stand up straight and avoid slouching if you are able. .
  • Make sure your facial expression is coherent with your message.
  • Stay still. Constant movement can distract your audience or change the way they receive your message.
  • Practice power poses before your speaking event. This reduces stress and boosts your confidence. Try standing with your feet apart and arms stretched up. Take a few deep breaths, then observe how you feel.
  • Watch a TED Talk and identify body language that effective communicators use. 

3. Delivery

Delivery is the way you speak. Good delivery is essential for your audience to understand your speech.

Follow these tips to improve your delivery:

  • Speak at the speed of a normal conversation. Avoid speaking too quickly because people will get lost in what you are saying. But don’t speak too slowly, either, as they will get bored.
  • Pause regularly. This gives people time to absorb the concepts and ideas. It also makes you appear more confident.
  • Don’t mumble or eat your words — articulate clearly.
  • Avoid making noises such as “ahh” or “umm” between words. If you need time to think, take a brief pause. There is nothing wrong with a few seconds of silence.

4. Audience relations

If you want your audience to listen to you, you need to engage them from the beginning.

The following are ways to connect with your audience:

  • Smile and greet the audience. Thank them for being there. This will humanize you and establish a conversational tone.
  • Look for people in the audience who seem actively engaged in your speech. Imagine speaking only to them.
  • Make eye contact with as many people as possible. This will help establish personal connections with your audience.

8 tips for public speaking

Public speaking is a skill that anyone can develop. 

These tips for public speaking will help you overcome your fear and show up with confidence at your next public speaking engagement.

infographic-tips-to-improve-public-speaking

1. Prepare

Giving a great speech or presentation starts with planning. 

Identify the core message you want to transmit. Look for interesting facts and statistics to back up your point. Prepare for possible questions that might come up.

Preparing also includes logistical planning. Visit the event location beforehand to get familiar with the environment. 

Use this opportunity to identify any technical requirements, such as a microphone or projector.

Consider using a visual aid, such as a PowerPoint presentation. But if it’s going to give you more anxiety and stress worrying about clicking through the slides, then don’t. There is no hard and fast rule on visuals.

2. Practice

Practice in front of the mirror or record yourself speaking, then watch it back.

Analyze your speed, tone, body language, and facial expression to identify areas for improvement.

Look for public speaking opportunities — whether it’s giving a presentation at work or joining a local Toastmasters club.

Practice your speech as many times as possible before your public speaking engagement. 

You can do this in front of the mirror, record yourself, or practice in front of friends and family. 

3. Have a positive mindset

Everyone gets nervous before a performance. In fact, research shows that a healthy amount of nervousness enhances performance.

But don’t let your nerves suck you into a spiral of negative thoughts. Instead, embrace them and use them as performance rocket fuel.

To cultivate a positive mindset, visualize yourself giving the best speech of your life. Top performers use visualization to improve their results.

4. Involve your audience

Not only does this grab their attention, but it’s also a way to take the spotlight off of you.

Sharing the starring role with your audience members will help you establish a connection with them and feel less nervous.

5. Start with a story

Humans are wired to pay attention to stories. It activates the same parts of our brain that would activate if we experienced the events first-hand. 

We all respond to stories in this way. There is no difference across cultures. This means you can harness the power of storytelling to establish a connection with anyone.

When you start your speech, you only have one minute to make a good impression on your audience. 

A story, anecdote, or question can pique their curiosity and make them want to keep listening.

6. Dress for the occasion

When you look good, you feel good. And feeling good is the key to giving the best possible performance.

Think about it. Do you feel more confident in your favorite suit or dress or in your pajamas?

Dress to impress, but make sure you feel comfortable. Don’t wear anything that’s not your usual style. 

Avoid wearing anything that you will constantly have to adjust as it will be uncomfortable and distracting.

7. Be yourself

It can be tempting to emulate a strong public speaker you admire. But this is a mistake. 

We are all unique, and although you can never be someone else, you are great at being you. 

Perhaps you wish you were funnier, but you’re not a natural comedian. That’s okay. Don’t start cracking jokes as soon as you get on stage.

Instead, embrace your other quirks — we all have them — and let them shine through in your speech. You never know how many audience members might resonate with you.

8. Ask for feedback

Ask a trusted friend or colleague to watch your presentation with a critical eye and give you feedback. (You can also film or record yourself.)

Ask them to be as specific as possible. Tell them to analyze what you do well, as well as what can be improved.

You probably already have some perceived strengths and weaknesses regarding your presentation skills. Ask your feedback buddy to look out for those specifically.

Know how to improve public speaking skills and master your fears

Even if you’re an introvert or suffer from social anxiety, it’s possible to overcome your fear of public speaking.

It will also boost your confidence, and you may even discover you enjoy it.

But if you still need more information on how to improve public speaking, consider taking a public speaking course. Alternatively, you could engage a coach to help you improve your confidence and become a better public speaker.

Sign up to receive the latest insights, content, and resources from BetterUp.

Elevate your communication skills

Unlock the power of clear and persuasive communication. Our coaches can guide you to build strong relationships and succeed in both personal and professional life.

Elevate your communication skills

Unlock the power of clear and persuasive communication. Our coaches can guide you to build strong relationships and succeed in both personal and professional life.

Published May 28, 2021

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships.

With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

Read Next

Professional Development
12 min read | May 6, 2021

The 11 tips that will improve your public speaking skills

No matter what your career path, most employees will at some point have to present, train, lead, or participate in a public forum. All require public speaking skills.... Read More
Consumer
16 min read | April 15, 2024

Fear of public speaking? Overcome it with these 7 tips

Overcome your fear of public speaking with six tips for diminishing symptoms and regaining your confidence. Present better than ever. Read More
Professional Development
16 min read | August 8, 2022

What are adaptability skills? 8 tips to shine in the face of adversity

What are adaptability skills? Improve your resilience with these eight tips. Read More
Well-being
16 min read | September 26, 2023

Overcome your public speaking anxiety with these 10 tips

Public speaking anxiety can paralyze you with fear and affect your professional development. Here are 10 tips to help you speak with confidence. Read More
Professional Development
14 min read | July 3, 2023

Improve your interpersonal communication skills with these 6 tips

Here are six tips you can use to improve your interpersonal communication skills and build a more collaborative and productive workplace. Read More
Professional Development
16 min read | February 16, 2024

6 presentation skills and how to improve them

Presentation skills are necessary for any speaker, whether you’re giving a speech or leading a meeting. Learn how to engage an audience with this guide. Read More
Professional Development
14 min read | May 15, 2023

7-38-55 rule of communication: How to use for negotiation

The 7-38-55 rule was fundamental in understanding the importance of nonverbal cues. Learn about this theory and more ways to improve communication skills. Read More
Professional Development
17 min read | May 1, 2023

Examples of behavioral goals: 7 career objectives

Soft skills are vital to achieve short-term performance and long-term career goals. Here are some examples of behavioral goals for all-around improvement. Read More
Professional Development
12 min read | July 29, 2021

Talk less, listen more: 6 reasons it pays to learn the art

Learn the 6 reasons why you should talk less and listen more, and how you can improve your listening skills to build stronger interpersonal relationships. Read More

Similar Articles

Professional Development 

Reading the room gives you an edge — no matter who you're talking to

Professional Development 

18 effective strategies to improve your communication skills

Professional Development 

How to write a speech that your audience remembers

Professional Development 

The importance of good speech: 5 tips to be more articulate

Professional Development 

The 11 tips that will improve your public speaking skills

Leadership & Management 

30 presentation feedback examples

Communication & Interpersonal Skills 

Fear of public speaking? Overcome it with these 7 tips

Professional Development 

Learn types of gestures and their meanings to improve your communication

Well-being 

Overcome your public speaking anxiety with these 10 tips

Stay connected with BetterUp

Get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research.