Public Speaking Fundamentals: How To Master Communication Skills

Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student just starting out, knowing the public speaking fundamentals is a game-changer. It isn’t about standing in front of a group delivering a speech. It is about conveying your thoughts in a way your audience can understand, and remember. 

Below is a guide to the fundamentals of public speaking with practical tips, techniques, and why this is more important than ever.

Let's dive in!

Understanding the Core Public Speaking Fundamentals

Let's begin by exploring the core fundamentals of public speaking. These building blocks lay the foundation for unlocking your potential as a confident and impactful speaker. It's natural to feel a certain level of apprehension or fear of public speaking. Yet, with the right tools and practice techniques, you can overcome public speaking anxiety.

Practice Makes Peace

The first fundamental of public speaking is not only practicing…but doing so effectively. Every great speaker has put in countless hours rehearsing their delivery. And while it may seem effortless and natural on stage, it's the result of effective planning and realistic practice. 

There is a saying, “Practice makes perfect”. (Spoiler alert: “Perfect” is an unrealistic and subjective term.) Trying to be “perfect” will undercut your ability to be real. We’ve worked with many people whose anxiety stems from trying to achieve a “flawless” delivery. Instead, we work with them to better plan, so they can pique - and keep - the audience’s attention with creative engagement. 

When you have your speech or presentation ready, rehearse all the way through – soup to nuts. Gauge your timing, and make sure you are telling a story in a way your audience can understand.  (Hint: Use their language, not yours.) 

Once you have it pretty well down, record yourself on your phone or computer – standing, if possible. Review your video, not to criticize yourself, but to see your body language, facial expressions, cadence, etc. This may uncover some areas you can improve, or perhaps something that’s detracting. 

Remember, practice isn'tabout getting the words right; it's about planning so your presentation resonates with your audience, and gaining the self-confidence to own the room. 

The Importance of Body Language

Body language is a key element of any communication. Your non-verbal cues often tell the story better - or not -  than your words. It's crucial to be aware of your posture, gestures, facial expressions, and overall body movement while delivering a speech.

Posture

Maintaining an upright, open posture signifies confidence and command over the subject. Slouching or leaning may come off as incompetent or “slobbish”. Make a good first impression; stand straight, keep your shoulders back, and your head held high. This stance creates an image of confidence and authority. And fun fact: It helps you get more air in your lungs!

Gestures

We often tell our clients, hands can be your biggest asset – or biggest liability. Use your hands effectively to emphasize your key points. Gestures can add dynamism and help to engage the audience. However, don’t overdo it! Too much is distracting and perceived as anxious or volatile.

Facial Expressions

Your facial expressions convey emotions and can significantly impact your connection with the audience. Maintain eye contact to establish rapport (yep – even on a virtual call) and use expressions that align with your message.

Body Movement

Moving around the stage can help you engage better with your audience. But make sure your movements are purposeful. Random pacing can distract your audience from your message. 

The Role of Visual Aids 

An essential tool in the public speaking arsenal is the effective use of visual aids. For example, using a slide deck such as PowerPoint, KeyNote, or Google Slides, should support you – not the other way around. 

Selecting the Right Visual Aid 

There are a variety of visual aids you can use, ranging from slideshows, diagrams, and charts to physical objects. The type of visual aid you choose should depend on the nature of your presentation and the message you want to convey. 

For any good speech, it's crucial to ensure that your visual aids are clear, concise, and directly related to your topic. Next time you put a slide deck together, try telling your story in images vs. verbiage on the screen 

Designing your Visual Aids 

When designing your visual aids, remember that less is more. A cluttered slide with too many bullet points, images, or colors can distract your audience. Stick to a simple, clean design with a consistent font and color scheme. 

Presenting with Visual Aids 

Presenting with visual aids is a delicate balance. One of the main things we see in our clients is turning to the screen while presenting. This breaks your eye contact and voice clarity.

Remember, the best visual aids won't save a poorly prepared, disorganized speech. Always make sure your speech is well-practiced and compelling, and then use visual aids to enhance your presentation further.

Maintaining Composure

One of the most fundamental aspects of public speaking that often goes unaddressed is the art of maintaining composure. Staying composed under the spotlight, especially when things go awry, is a true hallmark of a seasoned speaker.

Grace Under Pressure

No matter how meticulously you've planned your speech, unforeseen circumstances can occur. Perhaps your visual aids fail to load, or you momentarily forget your lines. 

The key lies in handling these situations with grace and poise. Briefly acknowledge the issue, improvise if needed, and move on without allowing it to derail your entire presentation. Remember, the audience usually doesn’t know how your presentation was supposed to look. 

Breathing Techniques

A practical technique to maintain composure is controlled, diaphragmatic breathing. Deep, steady breaths can help to steady your nerves, clear your mind, and keep your voice steady. 

Before you begin speaking, take a moment to close your eyes and engage in a few rounds of deep breathing. This not only calms your nerves but also helps to center your focus.

Mindset Matters

The live audience is there to learn from you and wants you to succeed. Instead of viewing them as critics, see them as students and you are the teacher. This change in perspective can help to alleviate anxiety and boost your confidence on stage.

Remember, maintaining composure doesn't mean you won't feel nervous. It's about managing your nerves and not letting them impact the overall delivery of your message.

Bottom line

Public speaking is a multifaceted discipline that requires practice, clear communication, and the ability to maintain composure under pressure. 

Effective public speaking is about more how you say it vs. what you say. It's about using body language to convey confidence and command, utilizing visual aids to enhance the delivery of key points, and remaining composed, even when faced with unexpected challenges.

No matter your current skill level,  practicing the right way and applying these principles, can help you deliver compelling, engaging presentations, and persuasive speeches. 

At SpeakYou, we provide realistic and effective techniques to transform you and your team into confident speakers. We tailor our trainings, to help amplify your message, to reach the people who matter to you. 

Our approach breaks down the process into manageable steps, making public speaking less intimidating and more enjoyable.. 

Whether you need help overcoming the fear of public speaking or would like to  “level up”, we can help in a kind and constructive way. Contact us today to invest in the success of your team.