Master the art of public speaking

Rehearse well before your speech

If you are called upon to speak at either a function, an informal gathering or a formal event, here are some tips to help you master the art of public speaking.

Plan well: Focus on your audience. If you know who they are going to be in advance you can prepare much better as you will know just where to target your talk. So jot down a few points and refer to them.

Organize your thoughts: Put your thoughts down on paper. Write the main points before you flesh them out. Now read your speech and summarise each point into a single sentence. Don't clutter your thoughts with technical jargon and statistics. Facts are important but if you have to give them - keep them to a bare minimum. Try adding in an anecdote or two as people always remember stories about real-life instances.

Use Index cards: Each point of your talk can be written on a single card. Index cards are easy to manage and change, rather than a sheaf of papers.

Rehearse: Have a trial run in front of the family, friends or colleagues, read out the entire speech. This way you will be able to emphasise the right points and you can time yourself so that you don't exceed the limit. Ask your friends and family for an honest feedback and try and incorporate suggestions into your talk.

At the venue: Reach the venue on time. If it is at an auditorium, familiarise your self with the acoustics, the space and the technical equipment.

The D-day: Dress simply in something that is elegant yet casual. Reach on time. No one likes to wait for a speaker. Speak slowly and clearly. Stand in a relaxed manner with your feet slightly apart and your hands at your side. If there is a rostrum, use it to rest your elbows. Vary the tone in your voice and make eye-contact with your audience whenever possible.