Public Speaking
Overview
Understanding Public Speaking Fundamentals.
Building Confidence, learning techniques to overcome anxiety and build confidence when
speaking in public.
Learning communication skills, how to structure speeches, engaging with the audience, and
delivering the message with clarity and impact.
I-Understanding Public Speaking
Definition and Key concepts
Public speaking is the process of communicating a message to a large audience in a
structured, purposeful manner. It differs from casual conversation as it aims to inform,
motivate, or entertain a crowd.
Speeches are designed with specific goals, whether to educate, inspire action, or share a
story.
Types of Public Speaking:
Informative
Persuasive
Entertaining
Building Confidence in Public Speaking
Public speaking anxiety, also known as glossophobia, is a common issue that affects
nearly 77% of the population worldwide, according to a report from the National Institutes
of Mental Health. This fear can manifest in various ways, from mild nervousness to severe
anxiety, and for many people, the fear of public speaking ranks even higher than the fear
of death.
Sources of Anxiety:
Fear of Judgment: One of the primary reasons people fear public speaking is the
possibility of being evaluated by others. Whether it’s a formal presentation in front of
colleagues or speaking in a large conference, the fear of negative feedback or
rejection can heighten anxiety.
Perfectionism: Many speakers feel the need to deliver a flawless performance, and
the pressure to avoid mistakes can create significant stress.
Lack of Experience: Inexperienced speakers often feel overwhelmed because they
haven’t built the confidence that comes with practice.
Practical Steps to Building Confidence
Know your material: The more familiar you are with your topic, the more confident
you will feel. Prepare thoroughly by researching your subject and organizing your
thoughts.
Practice: Rehearse your speech multiple times, either alone, in front of a mirror, or with
a trusted friend. The more you practice, the less anxious you’ll be.
Visualize Success: Mental rehearsal is a powerful tool. Visualize yourself delivering a
successful presentation, which helps reduce negative thoughts and increases your
confidence.
Gradual Exposure: Start by practicing in low-stakes environments, such as speaking
in front of a small group of friends or family. Gradually work your way up to larger
audiences to desensitize yourself to the fear.
Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing exercises help regulate your
heart rate and calm your nerves. Before going on stage, practice deep breathing to
reduce physical symptoms of anxiety such as a racing heart or shaky hands.
Use Emotional Intelligence to Identify Triggers: Reflect on the specific aspects of
public speaking that trigger your anxiety (e.g., fear of making mistakes, speaking to
large crowds) and address them using self-awareness and self-regulation
techniques.
Develop a Growth Mindset: View every speaking opportunity as a chance to improve
rather than a potential failure. Emotionally intelligent individuals are better at learning
from their experiences, including mistakes, which helps build resilience over time.
Mindfulness and Presence: Practicing mindfulness, can help you stay present in the
moment and focus on the task at hand rather than worrying about potential
mistakes.
II- Preparing Your Speech
Before the Speech
1. Know Your Audience and Venue:
Understand the occasion and the expectations of the audience.
Ask key questions:
What is the event about?
Who is the audience?
How many people will be there?
Where is the venue?
2. Prepare Your Speech and Presentation:
Reflect on the purpose of your speech (inform, motivate, or entertain).
Create a structure with key points to guide your presentation.
Have handouts or backup plans ready in case of technical difficulties.
3. Practice Your Speech:
Rehearse delivering your speech using any visual aids or presentations.
Practice enough to become comfortable, but avoid memorizing word-for-word to
keep the delivery natural.
During the Speech
1. Own the Stage:
Utilize the stage confidently. Move around if necessary but avoid excessive or
distracting movements.
2. Establish Connection with the Audience:
Maintain appropriate eye contact to engage the audience.
Use gestures and vocal variety to sound and appear engaging.
Ask questions to keep the audience involved and ensure they’re following along.
3. Aim for Clarity:
Project your voice to reach everyone in the room.
Vary your pace and pitch to maintain audience interest.
Pronounce words clearly and use pauses to give the audience time to absorb
information.
4. Observe and Adjust:
Be attentive to the audience’s reactions and adjust your volume, pace, or tone as needed.
After the Speech
1. Write Down Impressions:
Reflect on how the speech went. Ask yourself:
How did I feel during the speech?
What was the best part of my speech?
Which part of my speech needs improvement?
2. Review Your Performance:
If possible, review recordings of your speech to identify areas of improvement.
Avoid using the same content or clothes if speaking to the same audience again.
High vs. Low Posture in Public Speaking
Posture plays a crucial role in public speaking, as it directly impacts your confidence,
presence, and how your message is received by the audience. The way you stand, move,
and use your body can project either high-status or low-status cues. Understanding and
using high posture effectively helps you command the stage and engage your audience,
while low posture can undermine your confidence and reduce audience engagement.
High Posture (Confident, Controlled)
High posture conveys confidence, authority, and control, essential elements for effective public
speaking. Characteristics of high posture include:
Open chest and lifted torso: This gives the impression of confidence and readiness to
engage.
Relaxed shoulders: A calm, composed stance suggests ease and comfort, putting the
audience at ease as well.
Steady eye contact: Confident speakers maintain consistent, calm eye contact without
staring, signaling engagement and authority.
Purposeful movements: Moving with intention, such as walking across the stage in a
controlled way, helps reinforce confidence and dynamism.
Grounded feet: Standing with feet firmly planted on the ground conveys stability and balance.
Clear gestures: High-status speakers use their hands confidently, pointing toward the
audience or gesturing to emphasize points.
Benefits for Public Speaking:
Engagement: High posture helps you connect with your audience, making you appear more
authoritative and credible.
Confidence projection: Even if you feel nervous, adopting a high-status posture can help you
appear more confident, which can actually make you feel more confident due to the mind-
body connection.
Vocal control: High posture opens up your chest and lungs, allowing for better breathing and
clearer, more powerful vocal projection.
Low Posture (Hesitant, Insecure)
Low posture signals insecurity, discomfort, or a lack of control. Characteristics of low posture
include:
Slouched or sunken chest: This closed-off stance makes you appear uncertain or lacking in
confidence.
Raised shoulders: Tense shoulders indicate anxiety, making you look less confident.
Avoiding eye contact: Low-status speakers may look down or frequently avert their gaze,
signaling nervousness or disengagement.
Fidgeting or hesitant movements: Moving aimlessly or making small, nervous adjustments
(touching your face or clothes) signals anxiety and distracts the audience.
Feet not grounded: Shuffling or shifting weight frequently makes you appear unstable.
Small or hesitant gestures: Limited hand movements or gestures directed inward (toward
yourself) suggest a lack of conviction or confidence.
Impact on Public Speaking:
Perception of competence: Low posture
can make you appear less confident, which
can lead the audience to perceive you as
less credible or authoritative.
Voice and breathing: Slouching restricts
your breathing, leading to a quieter, more
strained voice, which may not reach the
entire audience clearly.
Audience connection: Poor posture can
make it harder to establish rapport with
your audience, as they may sense your
nervousness and feel uncomfortable
themselves
Posture and Emotional Intelligence (EI)
Emotional intelligence plays a critical role in how you manage and project your emotions during
public speaking. By being self-aware of your posture and body language, you can use self-
regulation to maintain high-status posture, even when feeling nervous.
Self-Awareness: Recognizing when your posture begins to slip into low-status cues (like
slouching or avoiding eye contact) allows you to adjust and regain control.
Self-Regulation: High EI enables you to manage your body language, even under stress, to
ensure that your posture communicates confidence and engagement to the audience.
Readings and Videos
"Talk Like TED" by Carmine Gallo – Tips and tricks for delivering inspiring and
memorable speeches.
"The Art of Public Speaking" by Dale Carnegie – A classic guide to mastering public
speaking.
"Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are" by Amy Cuddy – Explores the importance
of body language in public speaking. Watch on TED
"How to Speak So People Want to Listen" by Julian Treasure – Offers practical tips on
using your voice effectively. Watch on TED
For any questions, feel free to contact
your instructor
[email protected]
