Displaying items by tag: how to improve public speaking skills

Public speaking can feel daunting, especially if you’ve never stepped onto a stage or addressed a crowd before. 

The good news? You don’t need prior experience to become a confident and compelling speaker. With dedication, practice, and a few clever strategies, anyone can master the art of holding an audience’s attention. 

Below, The Presenter Studio team shares some tips to help you on your journey to becoming a great public speaker, even if you’re starting from scratch.

Start off small 

If the idea of speaking in front of a large group makes your palms sweat, don’t worry, you don’t have to dive straight into a keynote address. Begin with small, low-pressure settings. 

Chat with a few friends or family members and ask for their feedback. Join a local club or group, like a book club or community meet-up, where you can share your thoughts in a relaxed environment. These baby steps will help you get comfortable with expressing yourself out loud, laying the groundwork for bigger audiences later.

Develop a structure 

Good public speaking isn’t about winging it, but about structure. 

Even without experience, you can craft a solid talk by following a simple formula: an engaging opening, a clear middle with key points, and a memorable close. 

Start with a story, question, or surprising fact to hook your listeners. Then, organise your main ideas into three digestible points. People tend to remember things in threes. 

Wrap up with a call to action or a thought-provoking takeaway. Practice this framework with everyday topics, like explaining a recipe or sharing a film review, to build your skills.

Learn from the pros 

You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. 

Watch TED Talks, stand-up comedy, or even local speakers at events to see what works. Pay attention to how they use pauses, vary their tone, and connect with the audience. 

You’re not copying their style, think of it as gathering inspiration. 

Note what grabs your attention and try mimicking those techniques in your own practice sessions. Over time, you’ll find your own voice while borrowing from the best.

Practice 

There’s no shortcut here: practice is your golden ticket. 

Record yourself speaking on your phone and play it back. It might feel awkward at first, but you’ll spot areas to improve, like cutting out “ums” or slowing your pace. 

Try rehearsing in front of a mirror to work on your posture and gestures. 

If you’re feeling brave, ask a trusted friend to listen and give honest feedback. The more you practice, the more natural it’ll feel when the real moment arrives.

Consider a course 

If you’re serious about accelerating your progress, Public Speaking Courses can be a game-changer. These structured programmes offer expert guidance, practical exercises, and sometimes even a supportive group to practice with.

Look for local workshops or online options that suit your schedule and budget. While not essential, they’re a brilliant way to gain confidence and polish your skills with professional input.

Deal with nerves 

Everyone gets nervous, it’s human. 

The trick is to channel that energy into enthusiasm.

Before you speak, take slow, deep breaths to steady yourself. Visualise success: picture the audience smiling and clapping. Focus on your message, not your fear.

A handy tip? Find a friendly face in the crowd and imagine you’re just talking to them. With time, those butterflies will feel more like excitement than dread.

Connect with your audience 

A great speaker doesn’t just talk at people, they talk to them. 

Make eye contact, smile, and use simple, relatable language. Ask questions or share a quick anecdote to draw listeners in. Even with no experience, you can build rapport by being genuine. People don’t expect perfection; they want to feel your passion and authenticity.

Wrapping up 

Becoming a good public speaker with no experience is entirely possible. It’s less about natural talent and more about persistence and preparation. 

Start small, learn from others, practice relentlessly, and embrace every opportunity to grow. Before you know it, you’ll be the one captivating the room, no experience required. 

Don’t forget that The Presenter Studio offers a range of presentation skills training courses designed to help you develop your voice and unique presentation style. Get in touch to learn more.