Public speaking is a mental, emotional, and physical task. Authors who can develop their public speaking skills will have more opportunities to share their story and connect with readers. In this video, established authors and speakers weigh in on how to become a better public speaker.
Mentally, you need to be in the right head space. Nervousness is normal, but it’s important to bite the bullet and just go for it. Practicing your speech multiple times before the big event will give you confidence and a solid idea of what you want to address.
You’ll want to connect with your audience emotionally. Don’t just lecture – tell a story. Stories will keep the audience more engaged and help listeners remember what you said.
Physically, focus on your breathing. Your breath is your engine during public speaking. Take deep breaths and ground yourself. This helps you be present before and during your speech.