Public speaking is a vital skill in both personal and professional lives. Any speaker needs it, and it doesn’t matter if they’re addressing a live audience or speaking on Zoom (or other virtual platforms). Mastering the art of persuasion (it’s called ‘art’ for a reason) can make your presentations extremely powerful.
We are ready to arm you with some essential tips to improve your public speaking skills for both online and offline settings.
Since the pandemic, online presentations have become an integral part of the business landscape, and we have to use a nuanced approach while preparing for online vs. offline public speech.
Offline speaking relies heavily on physical presence, body language, and real-time audience feedback, while online speech requires managing technology, maintaining virtual engagement, and adapting to shorter attention spans. In our article, we’ll break down these nuances to make sure that your message is delivered effectively in both contexts.
Improving Your Public Speaking: Tips
1. Know Your Audience
Understanding your audience’s demographics, interests, and expectations can help tailor your message. If you’re speaking at a business conference, using industry-specific jargon might be appropriate. That’s the way to connect with the audience, make them believe that you are one of them and understand their needs and challenges.
Online tip: If you’re dealing with an online audience, you are more likely to deal with a more diverse group (international audience, diverse backgrounds, etc.). Get ready for that additional challenge.
Example
How can we leave out Steve Jobs when talking about the art of public speaking? He always knew his audience. In his 2007 iPhone launch presentation, Jobs made sure that both tech enthusiasts and casual consumers could follow along and get excited about the product.
That iPhone is history, but the iconic presentation has become a textbook on effective public speaking.
Steve Jobs set a very high bar, and Apple has tried to keep up ever since. We have done some research and wrote an article comparing Apple and Google’s presentation styles. Check it out, you may find it helpful.
2. Structure Your Presentation and Deliver a Strong Opening
You need to capture your audience’s attention from the start with a powerful quote, a surprising fact, or a compelling story.
A clear structure helps keep your audience engaged. Organize the main points and conclude with a powerful summary. Use all visual aids, like slides, charts, and props. We at Wonderslide can offer our assistance in the form of a custom AI that will help you improve your presentation or craft a new one.
Online tip: Structure remains crucial, but attention spans can be shorter online. People are distracted more easily if they are at home. You’ll have to work a little harder here. Break your presentation into smaller segments and use multimedia elements like videos, animations, and interactive slides to maintain interest. Check out our article on webinar presentation tips.
Example
In his TED Talk, Simon Sinek, a world-renowned author and speaker on business leadership, starts with the question, “How do you explain why some people are able to achieve things that seem to defy all the assumptions?” This hooks the audience immediately.
In general, TED Talks are well-known for their structured and efficient presentations.
3. Practice Effective Body Language
Every successful public speaker will agree: non-verbal cues, like eye contact, gestures, and posture are paramount and will impact your credibility and connection with the audience. How can you master effective body language? Practice, practice, and practice!
Rehearse your speech multiple times, record it, and watch yourself to see the flaws in your conduct. Show the recording to some knowledgeable folks or professionals to get valuable feedback. You may use more advanced methods like voice assistants, too.
Online tip: Body language still matters, but the focus shifts to your upper body. Maintain eye contact with the camera to create a sense of connection and use hand gestures to emphasize points. Ensure good lighting and a tidy background to present yourself professionally.
Example
Former President Barack Obama is celebrated for his effective body language. His eye contact, confident posture, and deliberate gestures have become integral parts of his public speaking style. He was also famous for his strategic pauses during presentations. The power of a pause should never be underestimated.
4. Utilize Storytelling
Never dismiss a good story. Stories make your message memorable and relatable. Share personal anecdotes, case studies, or historical examples to illustrate your points. Make sure your stories are relevant to your audience and the topic.
Online tip: Online platforms often allow for multimedia integration, making your stories more dynamic.
Example
An iconic example is Steve Jobs’s Commencement Address at Stanford about “connecting the dots.” The graduates listened to it, holding their breaths. An incredibly powerful performance.
5. Manage Nervousness
Practice deep breathing exercises, visualize success, and start with a friendly greeting to calm your nerves. It will help if you visit the venue beforehand to feel more comfortable.
Example
Warren Buffett, despite being one of the most successful investors, was once terrified of public speaking. He overcame his fear through practice and by taking a public speaking course, showing that even the most anxious speakers can improve.
6. Engage Your Audience and be Authentic
Ask questions, encourage participation, and use humor to keep your audience engaged. Make eye contact, smile, and use inclusive language like “we” and “us.” You’ll create a bond with your audience. Physical presence brings spontaneity and energy.
Be yourself and speak with sincerity. Authenticity builds trust and rapport with your audience.
Online tip: Engagement can be challenging online, but tools like polls, chat functions, and breakout rooms can help. Encourage participants to use reaction features and engage in discussions.
Example
Tony Robbins, a famous US entrepreneur and coach, often interacts directly with the audience during his presentations. He asks questions and invites them to share experiences, making his sessions lively and interactive. His energetic and genuine speaking style helps him connect deeply with his audience.
7. Handle Q&A Sessions Effectively and Handle Mistakes Gracefully
Prepare for potential questions in advance, and remain calm and composed. If you don’t know an answer, it’s okay to admit it and offer to follow up later.
If you make a mistake, stay calm and composed. Admit it with humor or a quick correction, and move on. Showing vulnerability is a great tool for establishing a deep connection with the audience.
Online tip: Q&A sessions online can be managed through chat functions or special Q&A tools. Repeat the question for clarity and answer concisely.
Example
During his annual shareholder meetings, Jeff Bezos is known for his composed and thorough responses to questions, demonstrating transparency and confidence (that’s the talk in town at least).
8. Learn to Delegate
In our day and age, time is probably the most valuable commodity. You’ll need it to, among other things, improve your public speaking skills. How can you use it in the most productive way? By simply delegating some tasks to others, like your assistants or, even better, your AI assistants, for example, to Wonderslide. You’ll be able to save hours and hours of your precious time by entrusting us with the creation and improvement of your presentation.
To sum it up…
Improving your public speaking skills, whether online or offline has a great impact on your speech or presentation.
By practicing these tips and learning from successful speakers, you can master the art of persuasion and become a compelling public speaker.