How to Develop your Speaking Skills
As we study outstanding speakers in history – Cicero, Caesar, Churchill, Hitler, Kennedy – we can see that there are many different qualities that a speaker must possess. To speak to the public, one must be able to express oneself clearly, ingenuity, steadfastness, courage, cleverness, and others. Great speakers are individuals who know exactly how to lead people through the art of speaking: their word can ignite revolutions and arouse the emotions of the masses. But even if your plans do not include speaking at a political rally of many thousands, mastering the skills of public speaking will undoubtedly benefit your professional and social life. Below are a few ideas on how to develop your abilities if you do not have the opportunity to attend courses in public speaking skills.
1. Explore the material in-depth
The first step towards the development of speaking skills and the success of public speaking is a deep understanding and knowledge of the subject matter. Learn the background, details, nuances, pro and con arguments, prejudices, and moods of people. It is very important that the audience understands the main message the speaker wants to convey. Focus only on the topic of the speech, reveal the problem from different angles, and you will have a better chance of being heard and understood.
2. Don’t talk monotonically
Many novices in oratory give a speech in one tone. The monotonous voice irritates listeners and looks like a scratch on the board, making the speaker’s speech dry, boring and uninteresting. Sounds are more pleasant to the human ear, the height of which periodically changes in a greater or lesser direction. Voice control skills will help you. Read monologues at home in front of a mirror or in front of friends in different tones and ask their opinion. Only with regular practice can you develop your oratorical skills.
3. Speak with clarity and confidence
Decide on the structure of your presentation, because a well-organized presentation helps you learn the material with the least mental effort. Provide quotes, facts, statistics to complement and reinforce your arguments. Use metaphors if the audience has difficulty understanding your ideas. Believe in what you say and emphasize it with a confident voice. No one wants to listen to an excited speaker who does not believe what they say. Speak clearly, do not mumble, express your thoughts clearly. Pause before taking a deep breath, speak out, don’t scream.
4. Body language is your friend
To develop speaking skills means not only to learn eloquence but also to learn the skills of non-verbal communication. Each part of the body plays an important role in a speaker’s speech, whether it is the hands, legs, or position. Establishing visual contact with an audience helps to establish contact with the audience. Each such contact does not go unnoticed and arouses a reciprocal interest in the speaker. Only one member of the audience should not look into the eyes. Take turns looking into the eyes of those people who listen to you with the greatest interest. Gesticulate and watch the expression. The more people present in the room, the more vigorous your gestures should be.
5. The first impression is the last impression
When a speaker is first on stage, the first sign that the audience makes an opinion about him or her is his or her appearance. He must inspire people’s trust, because, as we know, we tend to judge others by what they look like. How do you dress the speaker correctly? He simply has to watch his appearance and at least avoid defiant outfits and hairstyles.