The Basic Tools of Public Speaking
December 5th, 2008
By: Jim Casasa
The basic tools of public speaking will help your speech, voice, and communication skill. You are most likely doing some of these already. It is the one you are not doing that can make the difference.
Here is a list of tools to have well before you do any speaking. They will assist you in making stronger, clearer, and more effective public speaking presentations. They are easy to use, and easy not to use. Apply them to make a difference in your speaking ability.
Tip one. Always have a notepad and pen available. Public speaking is part art and that art is creativity. Use a notepad to write down your creative ideas which will make up the content of your speech.
Tip two. Use a tape recorder to tape your voice. This is one of the best public speaking tools ever invented! An audio recording shows you a true picture of your voice. It shows your strengths and weaknesses.
Tip three. Have a good dictionary handy. Before you say your speech you will write it out in full. A dictionary helps with spelling errors.
Tip four. Have a good thesaurus ready. Skillful word choices make what you say sound interesting to the listener.
Tip five. Slowly yet steadily build a small library on the English language. Metaphors, quotations, and verse all enrich your skill and speaking ability.
Tip six. Speak as often as you can. Confidence grows when a skill is used. It is an upward spiral. The more you do public speaking the better you get at it.
Tip seven. Before an important speech drink squeezed lemon juice in some warm water. I got this one from professional public speakers. It helps keep your voice clear if you have to speak continuously for an extended period of time.
These basic tools of public speaking will help you. Maybe you only need one or two of the tips listed. Speaking is like sending a man to the moon. You are only successful if you have the basics covered. Now that you have the basic public speaking tools you can reach as high and be as successful with public speaking as you want to be.
Posted by: Janet Schlarbaum, Pennsylvania