Observe that the title does NOT say: how to become a public speaker, but how to BE one. That doesn’t mean that everyone has to enter it as a profession. But, as with anything done effectively, it takes a certain style to be a good public speaker. Fortunately, that style can be developed through a [...]

Public speaking in one form or another is thousands of years old. In some ways it goes back to the beginnings of the human race. But even beyond chats around a fire, giving a talk to a gathered crowd is at least as old as the ancient Greeks. Amphitheaters 2,500 years ago were used for [...]

One of the best ways to liven up even an already very good public speech is to add audio-visual aids. A short clip from another speech or a brief video (with or without sound) can often convey the message in essential form. Sound and images can be used in many, many ways. A short video [...]

There are two basic approaches to creating the content of a speech: (1) write out every word, (2) put down clear notes and amplify them during the speech. Both methods have their pros and cons. You may benefit from using a bit of both, then adjusting based on your personal style and experience. In the [...]

Many public speakers will inject humor into a speech. Many will begin with a funny anecdote, or use one to make a point. If the speaker can pull it off, something far from guaranteed, it can work well. Everyone loves a good joke or a funny story. It can be a great way to loosen [...]

One of the most basic principles of good public speaking is: Know Your Audience. But what does that really mean? You can’t always be personally acquainted with all audience members. In most cases you won’t be. In some cases you may know none of them. The confusion can be largely cleared up by re-writing the [...]

Some people are natural showmen. They love telling a story and have no problem getting up in front of a crowd to enthrall others by telling it. Others are naturally shy or fearful just because of the occasion or a personality attribute. Some of the world’s finest actors have such fear of performing, they’re nearly [...]

Nearly every public speaker has had to handle interruptions. How they’re handled can make the difference between a minor annoyance and a major disaster. It’s important not to lose the whole audience because of one person or a small group who choose not to listen. For those who think quickly on their feet, a skill [...]

Every public speaker has to keep in mind that it isn’t just a speech that is being given. Someone is giving it. You. No one can avoid portraying themselves in some way during a public speech. Even doing nothing but standing and reading words still shows one style (a dull one). Perk up your body [...]

One interesting facet about public speaking is that it’s easy to get started and you can continue to improve your entire life. But there are five basic things that everyone should learn before that first speech. If that’s already passed, don’t worry! It’s never too late to learn useful principles. Tip #1 It would be [...]