Public speaking is an art of persuading people- well that's what the gist of its definitions says and that should be your aim too. Its a skill which needs to be mastered- important to be acquired but at the same time to be controlled abiding by implicit protocols. After entering the college, I felt there are plenty of occasions where you need to leave behind your hesitation - whether its asking questions from certain dignitary in any seminar or presenting your ideas before the audience- the basic thing is to overcome your fear and speak up while many non-familiar people are around.
I've mentioned certain factors which would help you in enhancing your public speaking ability as they've helped me a lot-
Reading - Read as much as you can- books, novels, magazines, newspapers, articles anything. More you read, more you would get to know things.
You may not remember much of what you read but that's OK after all its human nature to forget which is essential too! - its psychological effect on person is equally important as its substantially adding to your knowledge.
If you get involved in a conversation with an individual or speaking in an auditorium packed with people, its important that you have the sufficient knowledge of what you're speaking about along with how firmly you stays with yourself.
Be honest - Who could be the better public speakers than the stand up comedians or witty celebrities?- they apart from conveying what have to say, also ensure that it reaches the audience effectively. One major factor in their proper execution is honesty. They speak whatever they have to say without bothering much about it and they're prompt too.
They believe whatever they've prepared is product of careful observation, humor and wit and they're honest to their work. Personally I feel Jennifer Lawrence is a very good example of it (she is not stand up comedian officially but surely a good public speaker). Whatever she says is quite honest and that's why people admire her.
Don't underestimate yourself and don't overestimate public as well- I don't think it requires much illustration.
Most of the people fear about being the subject of laughter if the things didn't go well and that's where the confidence dies. Accept the fact that there will be many knowledgeable people there or you might go wrong somewhere but that doesn't matter, atleast you did what you were supposed to. Moreover, genuine people will always support you instead of laughing on your mistakes, its those people who can't do that themselves will laugh. No one cares and so should you- keep this in your mind in such situation.
Aesthetics- Sometimes besides obvious factors, somethings might assist them as well but there effect might not be that conspicuous like do exercise, keep yourself healthy, do meditation for your inner peace, enhance your body language, etc. Be nice to people and never boast about yourself - it would help in bringing up a positive image of yours in people and that will certainly be a mental boost for you.
Confidence- This one governs all of factors that I had mentioned and what I would mention in the following context. Have confidence in yourself that you can do it. People expect something from you when you're speaking before them and your confidence would reflect your leadership quality and determine how effectively you persuade them.
The points mentioned above would certainly help you in being a public speaker but what ensures that you're good too? Reading along might help :) -
Have a smile on your face while you speak. I don't how people react to it but as far as I've experience, if you have a nice smile on your face then beside making you look more confident it also psychologically urge people to have a sense of authenticity in your talk.
Practice regularly and be consistent. For mastering anything you need practicing it because one doesn't simply become good at it. Talk to your friends, then small bunch of people, take part in competitions or join the clubs. Do whatever is feasible and put your effort.
Don't be monotonous or dominating. Many a time, you need to listen patiently rather than making it monologue. Understand that the other people too have a share- while you speak in public, make the people feel comfortable in asking questions to you as well. Though the scenario might not be same always but it exits.
Look in the audiences' eyes while you speak. Even if you have to read out some script or speak some mugged up speech, making eye contact will surely add up in making you a good speaker. Initially you may get nervous but as said earlier that's how you get better at it.
Don't utter anything irrelevant or offensive. Don't try to make others fool by saying anything that may seem funny to you but has no relevance to what you're supposed to speak about. Come up with relevant examples or share your personal experiences. Keep in mind that a good speaker is the one which can interest people with his/her words so that they're bound to listen.
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