How to improve your public speaking
When you stand in front of an audience you communicate with more than your voice.
Your posture, the movement of your hands, and your eyes is all part of the message you are sending to the audience.
It’s extremely easy to focus on your manuscript throughout your presentation.
The feeling of loosing track of where you are in your script and not knowing what to say next is terrifying. Many public speakers write out their speeches word for word and just read it to the group.
So the question is – where do you look during your speech?
Some public speakers prefer look at a spot at the back of the room. Looking at the faces makes them nervous. This is better than staring down at your script the whole time. After all – projection is a big part of getting your message out there.
Even if you are using a microphone your voice will be clearer if you speak “out” into the crowd rather than down to your script. So – there is some value to this approach.
However, making eye contact with your audience is the most effective way you can get your message across. Eye contact will create a bond with the person you are looking at. This will make I t easier to get your message across. And that is what you got up there to do in the first place.
Eye contact keeps your audience attentive. You should move your eyes from audience member to audience member and speak to directly to each person you have conatct with. That eye contact will actually be felt by everyone close to that individual and it rivets the listener to you. By becoming skilled at using eye contact as you speak to a crowd, you are taking control. And having control is a big key to success in public speaking.