From Script to Stage: A Deep Dive into the Techniques of Effective Public Speaking

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Everyone has the ability to speak, but not everyone finds it easy. You've probably met people who can speak really well, with words coming naturally to them. They can easily turn their thoughts into coherent sentences, engaging their listeners with ease. And then there are those who struggle - who know exactly what they want to say but find it difficult to express themselves. They might be unable to put their ideas into words or their thoughts feel like an unorganized jumble the moment they start speaking. 

If you've ever felt that way, you’re not alone. Anxiety, stress, or even the simple pressure of being in the spotlight can make communication feel like an uphill battle. But guess what? It's not just about knowing what to say - it's about finding the confidence to deliver in a way that truly reflects your thoughts. Well, the good news is that public speaking is a skill that can be learned. In this article, we'll explore practical techniques that can help structure your speech and deliver your message with clarity and confidence. So, be it a presentation that you're preparing for, a meeting, or a toast at your friend's wedding, these strategies will help you speak with impact.

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What is public speaking?

Public speaking is the oral delivery of information on a subject, presented as a speech to a live audience during a staged event.

The idea of speaking in front of an audience might make your palms sweat, your heart race, your breath shallow, or your body tremble - but don’t worry, you’re not alone. A study states that approximately 70% of the general public reports moderate to high levels of public speaking anxiety.[1] Many people experience this, including actors, performers, businesspeople, and politicians. For example, the famous actor Harrison Ford, known for his iconic roles in Air Force One, Star Wars and Indiana Jones, among others, has described public speaking as “a mixed bag of terror and anxiety.”

Do you have Glossophobia?

A phobia is an irrational, unrealistic, lasting, and overpowering fear of an object or situation. For example, feeling afraid on seeing a poisonous snake near you would be a very reasonable response because it poses a threat to you. However, if you feel afraid on seeing a harmless dog pass by, this would be a phobia because the dog doesn’t pose a real threat to you, and therefore your fear towards it would be irrational.

If your fear of public speaking is extreme, to the point it hinders your ability to perform well or interferes with your life significantly, you may have ‘glossophobia’ (the fear of public speaking) which is a form of social anxiety. Social anxiety can be defined as a specific anxiety in which individuals experience physiological arousal, negative cognitions, or behavioural responses to real or anticipated presentations.[2]

The good news is that whether you just experience nervousness before public speaking or glossophobia, there are ways to improve. Studies have found that using the right techniques can help you speak well in any public speaking event.[3]

What are the techniques for preparing a good speech?

i) Understand your audience: Identify what kind of audience you will be addressing. Imagine speaking about high-level coding in front of an audience consisting of middle school students, or making a culturally inappropriate reference because you didn’t know about your audience. Sounds like a disaster, right? Therefore, thorough analysis of the audience is essential for delivering a successful speech.

ii) Determine how you will approach the topic: After understanding your audience, decide on the attitude and tone you will use when addressing your topic. This is crucial before gathering your material, as it will guide your content. Respect your audience and ensure your approach is appropriate to the context. For example, if you are delivering a speech on whether EV vehicles are the future of transportation, determine if you will speak for or against the subject, and whether your emphasis will be emotional or rational, inspiring or persuading. This will help you determine how to approach the topic and what stance to take.

iii) Gather material: Explore your topic in depth - find materials relevant to your topic and purpose. For example, if you are aiming to take a rational approach while delivering your speech, collect facts and figures from reliable sources, whereas if you want to take a more emotional approach, you can use storytelling, anecdotes, real-life examples or other techniques. When taking an emotional approach, you can also use some data in the speech to strengthen your message. Take notes on key points from your research or personal knowledge to refer to during your speech (unless, of course, you’re blessed with photographic memory!). This will help you structure your speech, keep track of all the important information and ensure a good flow when speaking.

iv) Give it a structure: Organize all the information that you have collected in the order in which you’ll use it, as this will serve as the backbone of your speech. Then frame your speech with a proper introduction, body and conclusion. Pay special attention to your introduction, as this is where you will be introducing yourself and your subject which will leave an impression on your audience, and give them an idea about who you are and what you are like. A strong introduction can influence whether your audience finds you likeable. Also, make sure you have a pleasant, concise, and well-rounded conclusion. You can add visual prompts like images and graphs as it will make the audience more engaged, and avoid using overly complicated words. Develop a clear body where you present your main points in a logical order.

v) Practice before the final day: Not being fully prepared can heighten anxiety or nervousness, so practice is essential! This will make you more comfortable with the speech and give your confidence a boost because, with practice, you’ll be able to remember your speech easily. Avoid reading directly from your notes during the speech, as this can cause you to lose your audience’s attention, and let’s be honest, it doesn’t look very professional, does it? However, you can keep your notes handy for a quick glance during the speech. While practicing, you can record yourself and then watch it to better your speech before being in front of a live audience. You can also practice in front of a family member or friend to get their feedback.

Things to keep in mind during public speaking: -

  • Appearance: Wear clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for the setting, as your clothing choice projects an image of who you are as a person and therefore, can influence how the audience perceives you. Studies have shown that the more formally you’re dressed, the more credible you are perceived to be.[4] Make sure your clothes are clean, ironed and fit you well. Avoid wearing anything flashy or distracting - this applies to both clothing and accessories. Also, make sure you are well groomed.
  • Gesture: Gesture is a form of non-verbal communication, and refers to the movement of hands, arms, or body that we use to express ourselves. Make sure they are natural and relevant to what you are saying. You can practice gestures in advance so they come out smoothly during your speech without requiring conscious effort or having to force it. If done well, gestures should look natural. When speaking, remember to maintain eye contact with your audience.
  • Hand Movement: When not using your hand for gestures, the best thing to do is to let your hand hang loosely by your sides or place one hand in your pocket. If you find yourself fidgeting with your hands you can try resting your hand on the lectern or a chair. However, avoid resting them on anything that has a low height, as it may cause you to bend awkwardly. While nervousness might make you use too many hand movements, try to slow them down. Hand movements help emphasize certain points while you’re speaking, but make sure not to overdo it.


Fear of public speaking is very common, but with the right techniques, you can overcome it and deliver a great speech. I hope that these tips and techniques help you boost your public speaking skills and deliver a powerful speech. Remember, it’s not just about you, so don’t be too focused on how you’re feeling or what the audience might think of you during the speech. Instead, shift your focus from your nerves to the message you want to share. Public speaking is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if things don’t go as planned, because setbacks are a part of the learning process, and every experience is a step toward improvement!


References: -

1. McCroskey, J. C. (2009). Communication apprehension: What have we learned in the last four decades? Human Communication, 12, 157-171

2. Daly, J. A., McCroskey, J. C., Ayres, J., Hopf, T., Ayers, D. M., Sonandre, D., & Wongprasert. T. K. (2009). Avoiding communication: Shyness, reticence, and communication apprehension. New York: Hampton Press.

3. Raja, F. (n.d.). Anxiety Level in Students of Public Speaking: Causes and Remedies. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1161521

4. Lightstone, K., Francis, R., & Kocum, L. (2011). University faculty style of dress and students' perception of instructor credibility. International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(15).

 


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