Top Tips – Speaking a second language in public

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Top 5 Tips to speak with confidence in public

Now that you’ve decided to confront your fear, here is a top 5 tip list for speaking confidently in public:

1. KNOW YOUR MATERIAL – BE PREPARED

Before presenting, make sure you have prepared and practised what you are going to say (a lot). You should know your material so well that it becomes like second nature to you. You could even record yourself beforehand to help prepare for a speech.

2. KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Who is your presentation aimed at? Does what you have to say answer their needs? Relevance is key. Remember this is more about them than you. You must supply your listeners with the information that they require.

3. EYE CONTACT

This is fundamental in all forms of communication. Always make sure you look at the people you are speaking to. If direct eye contact makes you feel uncomfortable, you can look at a person’s eyebrows or forehead. Trust us, you can’t tell the difference, give it a try!

4. GO SLOW

Speaking quickly isn’t a sign of your linguistic prowess. People who talk fast are more difficult to understand and it can make you look nervous. Some experts even suggest speaking slower than normally. It will help you stay calm and make your presentation mush easier to understand.

5. BREATHE

It sounds obvious right? Not always. If you start speaking as soon as you’re on the podium, you look nervous. As veteran Ted Talker Simon Sinek suggests, take a breath before you start. It might feel awkward but it shows your audience you are confident and at ease. Even in conversations, take your time when responding. Indeed, taking time to think often ensures a better quality of response.

So that’s it, you have all the tools you need to face your fears of speaking and improve your presentation skills. Get some expert coaching in ILS’s popular Public Speaking workshop.

Don’t miss out, places are limited on our complimentary 3 hour Human Resources Workshop event. Contact Elena Tagliabue at eventi@ils-milano.com for your free personalised invitation to the next workshop.

Part 3 of 3.

See part 1 and part 2