How to Improve Public Speaking: Four Tips that Will Turn You into an Expert Speaker

The great public speakers that you admire and wish you were like weren't born that way. Anyone can become an expert speaker if you are willing to put in the time and effort and follow these four tips on how to improve public speaking.

1. Visualize

Before your speech, imagine yourself standing in front of the others, sharing

with them the information that they desire. Feel good about yourself when you visualize. Don't imagine yourself failing. Know that when the day comes you will be calm, confident, and will succeed.

2. Practice

Can practice make perfect? Not quite, but it will make it close if you practice correctly. Don't feel that you must have your speech and gestures completely memorized. Over-practicing can be as bad as not practicing at all! Spend some of your practice time with preparation. Instead of writing out your entire speech, use notecards to outline the important points of your speech. Practice from these notecards until you are comfortable with the flow of your speech. If possible, practice in front of friends or family a few times. If no one is available to listen to you, turn yourself into your own audience and practice in front of the mirror.

3. Record

Use a camcorder to record yourself giving speeches. This way you will be able to look at your performance objectively. Did you put your hands in your pockets? Did you use filler phrases such as "uh" and "like" too often? Don't worry about the mistakes that you made. If you were already a perfect public speaker you wouldn't have to practice! Be sure to find positive things about your speech giving as well.

Approach someone who is experienced at public speaking and ask if they could give you any pointers after watching a few minutes of the tape. Many people will love to help and will be flattered that you consider them an expert. If you are uncomfortable approaching your expert, have some friends evaluate you instead. If they also want to know how to improve public speaking you can form a group and everyone can record themselves and do a group evaluation.

4. Join a Group

The Toastmasters club started in 1924 and is now a worldwide organization. Nothing will improve your public speaking faster than having access to individuals who have gone down the same path. Don't think that Toastmasters are only for business people. Each club will have a different feel to it. Go to http://www.toastmasters.org to find the club nearest you.

If you follow these four tips on how to improve public speaking, you will find that your speaking skills will be in demand. Soon, people will be asking your advice on how they can become a better public speaker.