Tips From Podcast Hosts to Help You Become a Better Speaker
I love explaining things to small groups of people and writing on the internet, but when it comes to speaking in front of large groups of people, I am a clumsy mess. Public speaking is one of those learned skills that I never learned, but there is still time. This week Fast Company spoke to several podcasters who have mastered the skill (and have hosted shows like NPR and WNYC to prove it) and have put together a list of tips that even people like me can use to improve. Here are some important takeaways:
Rehearse, but don’t stick to the script
It’s always helpful to get into any situation with a plan, but don’t let the plan confuse you. Podcasters recommend planning your speech and conversation topics and rehearsing what you are about to say, but once you’re done rehearsing, throw away that script.
Nobody wants to hear someone read a script. If he sits in front of you, you will most likely avoid improvisation and appear boring. Instead, make a list of topics to discuss (you have planned out what you are going to say in advance) and then discuss them. You will become more relaxed and approachable, and people, in turn, will be much more interested in what you have to say.
Keep talking
At some point in high school, I had to give a big speech, and I remember my teacher instructing us to take all the “hmm” and “likes” out of what we had to say. I think that if they really made it into the final presentation, we even lost points for them.
There’s something good here and there, according to podcasters. It keeps the conversation going and makes it sound a little more natural. Instead, they warn against silence. Silence in the middle of a speech is much more important than what is here and there (until you say one thing, like, every, mm, few words that are similar)
Ask for feedback
It’s always good to know when you’re swinging your speech and when that dad’s joke doesn’t work. Before you make a big presentation, find someone who has an honest opinion of it with you to do a mock test.
Even after you’ve delivered your speech, figuring out what worked and what didn’t will help you better prepare for the next one!
Check out the complete list of Fast Company Tips .