Public Speaking Activities And Exercises To Improve Your Speeches And Presentations

Most of us go weak at the knees just thinking about speaking in public – standing at a podium in front of an audience and trying to give an intelligent and entertaining presentation. However, if you prepare yourself well, there is no reason why you can’t stand up in front of a group of people and talk for as long as they will listen!

Of course, giving a presentation to a large group of people isn’t the only time you may be faced with the daunting task of public speaking – you may find yourself presenting an award to someone, giving a speech at a wedding, or simply speaking during a meeting in the office.

Public speaking activities and exercises will help you to practice and hone your skills so that you can present yourself to an audience and speak with confidence. Unless you are an accomplished public speaker, don’t try to memorize what you want to say – stage fright will overtake a novice and leave you floundering. Make note cards or a “cheat sheet” that highlight the points you want to cover in your talk and don’t be afraid to refer to them throughout your speech.

If you are really concerned about how you will appear to your audience, rehearse your speech in private in front of your video camera. This will help you to correct any flaws in your presentation before you speak in public. Make sure you get a full-length picture so that you can see if you have any mannerisms that may distract the people you are addressing.

As you practice this public speaking activity more and more, you will gain the confidence you need. If you feel comfortable enough, come out from behind the podium and walk from one side of the stage to the other, thus engaging more of the audience.

The first thing you will need to do is to introduce yourself to your listeners and give them a little information about yourself. This will make them warm to you and be more receptive to what you have to say. Thank them all for coming, whatever the occasion.

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