The 10 Commandments of Public Speaking (Beginner-Friendly)
Command the Stage, Amplify Your Voice, and Make Your Message Matter
Public speaking is more than just a few tips and tricks. It's an art that involves making your audience feel a connection, creating a lasting impression, and inciting change with the power of your speech.
Whether you're a novice or a seasoned orator, these Ten Commandments of Public Speaking will sharpen your skills, boost your impact, and leave your audience engaged and inspired.
1. Thou shalt not ramble or be long-winded:
Always provide organized and concise messages with clear main points.
This enhances the audience's understanding and retention of your message.
2. Thou shalt maintain eye contact:
Do not look over people's heads or at the floor; instead, make direct eye contact with individuals in your audience to foster connection.
This personal engagement encourages your audience to pay more attention and feel involved.
3. Thou shalt not clutter thy notes with excess details:
Instead, create concise talking points to facilitate a more conversational style of delivery.
This approach will allow you to speak more naturally and fluidly, making your presentation more engaging.
4. Thou shalt keep thy slides simple:
Do not overload your presentation slides with animations and text; instead, use clear, simple slides that support the point at hand.
This will help your audience focus on your message instead of being overwhelmed with information.
5. Thou shalt not fidget:
Avoid unnecessary movements such as aimless pacing or playing with your hands. Instead, embrace the neutral posture, with your hands relaxed by your sides.
This will eliminate distractions, allowing your audience to focus solely on your words.
6. Thou shalt maintain confident posture:
Stand confidently, move with purpose, and use gestures intentionally to support your message.
This non-verbal communication conveys authority and confidence, reinforcing your credibility in the eyes of your audience.
7. Thou shalt speak with clarity and volume:
Do not speak too softly; instead, project your voice to reach all corners of the room.
This ensures everyone in the audience can hear you clearly, improving overall comprehension.
8. Thou shalt not overuse fillers:
Avoid excessive use of 'um', 'ah', and similar fillers; instead, focus on your key message and use pauses to give you time to think.
This will, by itself, remove 90% of your filler sounds, promoting better understanding and delivering a more professional impression.
9. Thou shalt emphasize keywords and pause after key points:
Highlight important words with your voice, and take a moment of silence after sharing critical ideas.
This helps your audience identify and remember the most important parts of your presentation.
10. Thou shalt engage with thy audience:
Encourage feedback and interaction from your listeners to create a more engaging and effective presentation.
This two-way communication increases the audience's interest and investment in your talk.
So, there you have it – the Ten Commandments of Public Speaking. Remember, every word you utter has the power to inspire change. Embrace these commandments, and let your voice echo in the hearts and minds of your audience. Here's to your next captivating speech!