Prepare: Before stepping into a speaking engagement, take the time to thoroughly prepare your content. Know your subject matter inside and out so you can confidently address any questions or points of discussion that may arise.
Rehearse: Practice your delivery multiple times. This will help you become more comfortable with the material and will allow you to anticipate any stumbling blocks that may come up during your presentation.
Engage: Connect with your audience by making your speech interactive. Encourage questions and participation to keep your listeners attentive and engaged.
Smile Appropriately: Be yourself and relax so you can smile naturally. A forced or fake smile stands out and doesn’t add to your message. Smiling conveys not only friendliness, but confidence as well.
Enunciate: Pay attention to your pronunciation and articulation. Be mindful to speak clearly so that all of your audience members can understand you.
Neutralize Your Nerves: Nervousness is natural, but don’t let it derail your presentation. Take deep breaths and remind yourself of your expertise and the importance of your message.
Confidence: Project confidence in your voice and body language. Believe in your message and your audience will too.
Eye contact: Maintain eye contact with your audience. This will help you establish trust and credibility while also ensuring that your listeners are engaged and attentive.