Public speaking is an art.
It is much more than simply speaking in front of an audience.
The most minute detail from how you walk, to a single pause must be analyzed and practiced before taking the stage. However, no matter your grace and candor on stage, the content of your speech is what really matters. Here are three key qualities to make your speeches the best they can be and therefore you the best public speaker you can be.
Educate: As the presenter, you have a wonderful opportunity. To share your insight and perspective with others. There are hundreds if not thousands of lessons and examples that you have lived through or can reach to in history that will educate your audience. Education is the meat of your speech, the truth that will help them to make their lives better tomorrow.
Ted Talks are great examples of speeches, that because of their informative nature, have grown quite popular. People love to learn, especially when its delivered in an audio form. As a speaker constantly ask yourself, “how is my message going to help the audience be more educated for tomorrow?”
Inspire: A good speech makes you feel like you can take on the world, improve yourself, or move to a third world country and teach for the rest of your life. It makes you feel powerful and great. This is the pixie dust to every speech.
Inspiration, however, is a quality that is very hard to pin down. Usually, a taste for inspiration comes with practice. Find the most moving part of your speech. How can you connect that to your audience?
Entertain: I find humor often underlooked in public speaking. Humor can be the element that makes your connection with the audience feel natural. Poking fun at yourself is always a safe route.
Public speaking is an art, I hope these tips helped to master it.
Elizabeth Beeli 