Public speaking is a task that most of us will need to perform at some point in our life, whether it is before work colleagues in business or perhaps friends at a wedding. If the thought of speaking to a large group makes you come over all queasy you may be interested in reading the following tips for staying brave during group speaking.

1, Prepare. Preparation is key, understand the purpose of your speech, outline it’s aims and objectives and be clear of the message that you need to deliver. Be precise with the content of your speech and you will avoid a lengthy, messy content, keeping your audience interested.

2. Practice Practice, Practice, Practice! In front of the mirror, to your mum. your pets, even tape yourself and listen back. A run through of your speech before the real thing will help you to become familiar with the content and flow of speech. Timing yourself is highly recommended, to ensure that you keep to your time allocation, do you need to leave time for questions?

3. The Star of the Show Believing in your self is key to confident public speaking, remember that your audience have chosen to come and listen to you, they are interested in what you have to say, so be engaging, informative and witty. You’re likely to enjoy your spot light when you’re off and running!

4. Meet and Greet Arrive early to familiarise yourself with your audience, Get to know a few people and the audience will seem less daunting when you are up on the stage. During your speech create eye contact with members of the audience, focus, and interact with your audience.

5. The Speech The time has come for the main event! Take deep breathes, keep calm and relax! Enjoy yourself and don’t speak to fast! Start by entertaining the audience with your introduction, a funny story about the weather perhaps, something that your audience can relate to, then collect your thoughts and begin.

Hopefully these tips will help to prepare yourself for any public speaking you have scheduled, remember to enjoy it! you are the main attraction and you can deliver if you are prepared and confident. Hold your head high and relax, you will be in good company.

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