Strong communication skills can open doors to better career opportunities, strengthen personal relationships, and boost your self-confidence. This will lead to a more fulfilling life.

Public speaking is not just about performing in front of a crowd of people. It is so much more.

In fact, according to hrnews, the majority of people consider job interviews, dates, wedding speeches and talking to authority figures to be stressful.

If you improve your public speaking skills, chances are that your life will improve in other areas, too. Continue reading this guide to discover how to develop your public speaking skills.

Essential tips for effective public speaking

If you have a fear of public speaking, you are not the only one.

Even the strongest of leaders experience stage fright. However, if you want to know how to get better at public speaking, there are certain strategies that can help you become more confident.

Use the space

It does not matter if you are preparing a wedding speech or delivering a presentation. Moving naturally as you speak helps release nervous energy and keeps your audience engaged.

Natural gestures you may wish to include are:

• Making eye contact with the audience
• Stepping out from behind a podium
• Walking on stage
• Pointing at the visual aid

According to SlideGenius, getting closer to your audience will help them feel more connected to your message. Not only this, but your movement might improve the perception of your speech as it will make your audience more present and focused.

No one wants to listen to a robot. Movement, smiles, and natural reactions make your delivery more human and relatable.

To avoid pitfalls, try to find out information about the venue prior to your presentation. Will there be equipment for you to use? Does it work? Is there a microphone?

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you prepare better.

Be passionate and enthusiastic

Nobody likes a boring speech.

If you are not excited about your topic, your audience will not be either. Find an angle that fascinates you and let that energy shine through — enthusiasm is contagious.

Even if your topic is not thrilling on the surface, find a part of it that excites you — then share that passion. Enthusiasm is contagious.

Use humour

Humour can transform even the driest presentations into memorable experiences. If you are naturally funny–good news! Inject this humour into your speech. Remember that jokes need to be appropriate for the audience and setting.

Share light jokes, visual gags, or personal anecdotes where relevant. If you are not naturally funny, funny stories still work — especially if you are the character in them.

Audiences feel connected with people who are not afraid to be human.

Use surprise

A surprising fact, a jaw-dropping statistic, or an unexpected twist can make your message unforgettable. Research shows that surprise helps people become more concentrated and engaged.

So, when is the best time to surprise your audience? In general, either the beginning or the ending of the presentation is the best.

If you have a great punchline – leave for the end of your presentation, as chances are that your audience will end up remembering it.

Use conversational tone

Try to speak like you are having a conversation with your audience.

Unless you are a politician, chances are that your speech does not have to be very formal. A conversational tone will help your audience digest the information better, and it will keep them engaged for longer.

If you are unsure as to what tone to use, speak in front of a mirror. Then slowly move on to practicing with a small group of people, who can be your family or friends.

As your biggest champions, they will have your biggest interest in heart. These audience members will provide you with feedback, which will help you develop self-confidence and improve public speaking.

Show some vulnerability

Showing some vulnerability will bring the audience closer to you as they will be able to relate to you more.

If you tell an embarrassing story about yourself, your audience will be more keen to trust you. Pay attention to how your audience reacts as it can help you develop your skills and adjust your presentation.

Finish on a high note

Choose something truly unexpected — a powerful punchline, stat, or twist. Save it for just the right moment, like the close of your talk, to leave a lasting impression.

Always remember to thank your audience for taking the time to listen to you. If possible, including a question and answer session is also a good idea.