10 Steps for Effective Public Speaking

A promising public speaker often encounters many problems before developing the right presentation. 

However, top speakers striving for excellence do what has to be done to get that perfect presentation. The following are ten effective habits for becoming a successful public speaker.

1. Be determined in your pursuit to be an outstanding spokesperson. Show excellence through your experiences, your studies, and how you customize your material to match your audience.
   
   
2. Be patient in your goal to succeed. Persistence is a must. There is no such thing as overnight success in public speaking. Attend training about effective speaking; or ask someone who has mastered the art of public speaking.
   
   
3. Develop a passion for your topic. Your audience will not want to listen to if you are not passionate about your topic. List the subjects that you love. Then, choose two or three that you can expound.
   
   
4. Be sincere and sensitive towards your audience. Share some of your unfavorable experiences involving your topic. This way your audience perceives you as a real person and they can relate to your subject.
   
   
5. Relate with your audience promptly. Avoid offensive remarks or jokes. State a funny story that is applicable to your subject; cite a quotation or an anecdote to keep their attention. Remember that you only have half a minute to connect to your audience. Use it wisely.
   
   
6. Prepare adequately. Research your topic. Do not throw away old materials that you have used. Organize material logically. Use supporting metaphors or analogies to solidify the message you want to convey.
   
   
7. Reinforce your key points with stories that people relate to. Be a proficient storyteller.
   
   
8. Communicate in ways that will help people learn. In a recent study, 80% of people learn by visual stimulation and only 20% actually learn by listening to the lecture. So do not underestimate the use of visual props and visual aids. Find other ways or tools that can help you achieve 100% of your audience's attention.
   
   
9. Practice. Memorizing your speech is not enough. Try to practice in front of your family or with a friend. Their feedbacks can help you improve the way you deliver your message.
   
   
10. Possess a genuine appreciation in what you do. Remember that not all people have the chance and the courage to speak in front of a large crowd. It is a privilege that is coupled with your responsibility to entertain, educate and persuade your audience.

Public speaking is an art that requires a tremendous amount of skill. However, if you follow the tips listed above and speak at every opportunity that presents itself you will become an expert speaker.