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How to be a picture perfect public speaker

Practice makes perfect. Speech delivery is no exception.

Tracey Edouard

on June 16, 2016

How to be a picture perfect public speaker

Credit: retrorocket / getty images

Mashable's latest #BizChats Twitter chat discussed how to get over the prevalent and equally paralyzing stage fright and instead, develop public speaking skills to serve as an asset in business.

Over the course of an hour, @MashBusiness covered an array of questions, ranging from the best ways to prepare yourself for delivering an effective speech, to ways to eliminate those pesky pre-speech jitters.

Several public speaking experts shared their expertise on the topic including: Adam Grant, Wharton professor, op-ed writer for The New York Times and author of Originals and Give and Take; Amber L. Wright, corporate trainer and public speaking coach; Brian Tracy, chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International; Chris Anderson, curator of the TED conference and author of The Official TED Guide to Public Speaking; Chris Widener, author, leadership and influence expert; and Lauren Ferraro, public speaking coach to CEOs and senior executives.

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Check out highlights from the chat in the Storify below:

Credit: Mashable Composite, John Moore / Getty Images

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View the story "#BizChats: How to be a picture perfect public speaker" on Storify#BizChats: How to be a picture perfect public speakerMashable breaks bondage of stage fright and all it entails when delivering an impactful speech. Storified by Mashable· Wed, Jun 15 2016 21:31:55 So many professionals obsess over trying to deliver the perfect speech. What people fail to realize is that it's nearly impossible to replicate pre-written speeches word-for-word, especially when you take into account the raw emotions you feel when talking to a live audience -- and let's not forget the pre-speech jitters we all battle before we even utter one word.

Public speaking is more than just spewing out the thoughts that stew around in your mind, it's all about who you're presenting your message to. People constantly psyche themselves out based on what they perceive other people are thinking about them. In reality, the time and effort spent worrying about the 'what ifs?' should be focused on the 'how can's?' when looking to inspire an audience with your words.

@mashbusiness and several public speaking experts participated in a #BizChats Twitter chat to discuss how to develop people's public speaking skills and use them as an asset in business. Welcome to #BizChats! Today we’re discussing how to be a brilliant public speaker. Please introduce yourselves!Mashable BusinessA warm welcome to our public speaking experts: @talktoamber, @BrianTracy, @tedchris, @ChrisWidener, & @laurenvoicepro! #BizChatsMashable Business#BizChats tip: Be sure to number your answers according to the question you're answering. (ie., Q1.--> A1., Q2. --> A2., Q3. --> A3.)Mashable Business#BizChats tip #2: Don’t forget to include #BizChats at the end of all your answers to be a part of the conversation!Mashable BusinessQuestion 1:Q1. How can public speaking be an asset in business? #BizChatsMashable Business. @mashbusiness A1 No one can buy from you if don’t tell them who you are, what you do, or what you sell! #BizChatsAmber L. Wright.@mashbusiness A1 And when you tell them, u have to be convincing + likeable. All of that comes w/strong public speaking skills! #BizChatsAmber L. WrightA1. It’s of no use at all… apart from sharing a vision, sparking collaboration, inspiring your team to care... ;) #BizChatsChris AndersonA1. When you speak articulately on a subject, the audience considers you to be an expert on the topic. #BizChatsBrian Tracy@mashbusiness #BizChats Q1 The best thing is that it positions you as an expert in your field. Also allows you to gain new clients.Chris WidenerA1. Effective communication is a cornerstone in business; you are not selling products/services, you are having conversations #bizchatsScope Scribe™A1 @mashbusiness The ability to share your thoughts in a fluent, articulate manner is priceless! Clear thoughts = clear speech. #BizchatsLauren Ferraro@mashbusiness A1 public speaking can be a tool to help ignite the fire of creativity, teamwork, and innovation for your business #BizChatsEric Lee@mashbusiness A1: I love the research & preparation for a speaking engagement - makes you evaluate your own business #BizChatsJennifer BakerA1. Public speaking allows you to reach a new audience who may not have previously heard about you or your business. #BizChatsBrian Tracy@mashbusiness A1. The core of business is building relationships with others. Being a great communicator is imperative for success #BizChatsTracey EdouardQuestion 2:Q2. What are the characteristics of a brilliant public speaker? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA2. A good public speaker has high energy, speaks to the audience about a topic that interests them, & helps solve a problem. #BizChatsBrian Tracy@mashbusiness #BizChats A2: Dynamic, engaging, informative, poignant, clear, concise, and if possible, funny! Take the listener on a ride!Chris Widener. @mashbusiness A2 Authenticity. Honesty. Relatability. #BizChatsAmber L. WrightA2. There’s only one true essential to public speaking. Have something worth saying. #BizChatsChris Anderson@mashbusiness A2: Emotional intelligence: The ability to read an audience & change course, if needed. #BizChatsJennifer Baker@mashbusiness A2. Empathetic, trustworthy, exudes confidence, honest, & emotional. #BizChatsTracey Edouard@mashbusiness A2 Giving, Charismatic and Authentic. A speaker who puts the audience first. #BizChatsLauren Ferraro@mashbusiness confidence, eye contact, clear message, prepared, engaging. #BizChatsSamina SultanaA2 @mashbusiness A Speaker who SHARES with the audience. #BizchatsLauren Ferraro@mashbusiness #BizChats A2 part 2: Learn to tell a great story. Be transparent and authentic. Connect with the audience.Chris Widener@mashbusiness A2 a good listener, articulate in both word & action &visionary scaling from big picture down to a microscopic level #BizChatsEric LeeA2. The best speakers commit to giving, not taking. Don’t boast, sell or promote. Instead GIVE your audience an idea they can use. #BizChatsChris Anderson@mashbusiness A2. A great public speaker should focus on the audience. Explain ideas the audience can use to bring about results. #BizChatsBrian TracyA2 A good public speaker is confident, enthusiastic and has great knowledge of their subject. They assess the audience correctly. #BizChatsTrumpeter MediaQuestion 3:Q3. What are the best ways to prepare yourself for delivering an effective speech? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA3. Two different ways to prepare: Script the full talk. Or speak ‘in the moment’ from bullet-points. Benefits and traps to each! #BizChatsChris Anderson@mashbusiness A3: Ask about the audience. Deliver relevant content for the audience. #BizChatsJennifer BakerA3. Use the 5P's- Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. Practice to group&get feedback #Toastmasters #BizChats https://t.co/wCYlWzuJRQChris Cason@mashbusiness A3 Determine what the audience wants to hear; add what they need to hear; bridge with knowledge & passion #BizChatsRed & BlackA3) Don't just know your topic; know your audience! #BizChatsGary Taylor@mashbusiness A3. Putting yourself in your audience's seat. What do they really NEED? #BizChatsNickie KlugeQ3. Ask yourself “Who is my audience? Who are the people I will be speaking to? What do they know about my subject already?" #BizChatsBrian TracyA3. The answer is there in the question: prepare! Musicians rehearse, athletes practice… “winging it” isn’t a recipe for success. #BizChatsChris Anderson. @mashbusiness A3 Practice out loud. Know your stuff. Believe in your abilities. Trust the value you're bringing. #BizChatsAmber L. Wright@mashbusiness A3 you can research about the topic, about the audience, about anything but listening w/ an open mind can't be beat #BizChatsEric LeeA3 You need to prepare the content, but not word for word. Cue cards with keywords and practice. #BizChats https://t.co/TgBBR4Fjv5Trumpeter MediaA3: Practice. Know your content. And be flexible as things may happen when you're "on." #BizChatsDebra Isaacs Schafer@mashbusiness #BizChats A3: Know your material. Know your audience. Know the outcome you want. Master communication. Deliver results!Chris WidenerA3 Know your subject matter, have someone else edit your presentation, know b/g of those attending your speech. #BizChatsShereeseM, MS/MBA@mashbusiness A3. Plan, prepare & practice before. On day focus on breathing (focuses the mind) & good posture (helps confidence) #BizchatsWonderful Geekette@talktoamber Relax, Relate, Release Whitley Gilbert-style #bizchatsScope Scribe™A3 Windmill your arms as you practice your speech & bounce your knees. You speak with your whole body. also decreases nerves #bizchatsLauren FerraroA3. Plan to be yourself. If you’re creative, be creative. If you’re funny, be funny. (If you’re full of ego, be someone else.) #BizChatsChris AndersonGreat speaker prep question: what do you want the audience to feel? Many speakers say inspired. I prefer surprised + entertained. #BizChatsAdam GrantQuestion 4:Q4. How does the type of audience you’re delivering to impact how you approach your speech? #BizChatsMashable Business@mashbusiness A4. Influences content. Makes a specific, client focused presentation. Know what NOT to say. #bizchatsLauren Ferraro@mashbusiness A4 lecture style, call & response, dialogue, real-time data responses; all of these affect how you'll your message #bizchatsEric LeeA4: General audiences are very different from business, trade or other groups. Your "takeaways" need to be relevant to each. #BizChatsDebra Isaacs SchaferA4: Knowing your audience is *everything.* #BizChatsScotty McScottfaceA4. Customization is essential to provide effective communication to an audience. Know them, what they want to hear, & deliver #bizchatsScope Scribe™A4. A talk is a journey. That means you start where the audience is. Every step of the journey has to be one they WANT to take. #BizChatsChris AndersonA4. Don't talk down to your audience! Tailor your speech to their level of expertise. @mashbusiness #BizChatsElla Dawson. @mashbusiness A4 It’s the most important thing! The audience ALWAYS comes first. It’s all about them and not you. #BizChatsAmber L. Wright@mashbusiness A4. When speaking to certain audiences, send out a questionnaire beforehand to get to know audience better. #BizChatsBrian Tracy@mashbusiness A4. First it establishes the tone and language of the speech. It's also a good indicator of audience engagement. #BizChatsSamina Sultana@mashbusiness A4 Type of audience affects the choice of words, language and tone of the speech #BizChatsAli Davies@mashbusiness #BizChats A4: To really know your audience means they can directly relate and immerse themselves into your presentation.Lonnie Helgerson. A4 Knowing your audience + what their needs are is part of how you can nail it every time you stand up to speak or present. #BizChatsAmber L. WrightQuestion 5:Q5. How do you rid yourself of pre-speech jitters? #BizChatsMashable Business@mashbusiness A5: I know my material and audience! I know what stories and lessons work! It helps that I've given 3000 speeches though!Chris Widener@mashbusiness #BizChats Q5 part 2: I also make sure that the five to ten minutes before I take the stage I am alone so I can focus.Chris Widener@mashbusiness A5. Before speaking, I perform a 7 x 7 x 7 breathing method. Breathe in for 7 sec, hold for 7 sec, exhale for 7 sec. #BizChatsBrian TracyA5. Fear of public speaking is there for a reason: it’s fight or flight! Use that adrenaline to motivate your preparation. #BizChatsChris AndersonA5. breathe with your entire body. Know why you are giving the talk & what you are giving the audience. Take the focus off of you. #BizchatsLauren FerraroA5: Practice. Practice. Practice. And breathe. Inhale the fear, exhale awesome. #BizChatsAmber L. WrightA5. @mashbusiness Start the presentation with a lighthearted joke - get the audience laughing. #BizchatsSue MahA5: Breathe. Smile. Know you're an expert on what you're saying. And that everyone in the audience couldn't "do" you. #BizChatsDebra Isaacs SchaferA5. @mashbusiness Start the presentation with a lighthearted joke - get the audience laughing. #BizchatsMediaTrainingBootCmpA5. Vocal exercises, deep breathing, and movement #bizchatsScope Scribe™@mashbusiness A5. Two words: Power. Poses. #BizChats 😆Tracey EdouardA5: Accept that jitters are normal. Manage your nerves, don’t try to eliminate them. Channel that energy into your presentation! #BizChatsAmber L. WrightA5. Fear of public speaking is there for a reason: it’s fight or flight! Use that adrenaline to motivate your preparation. #BizChatsChris AndersonQuestion 6:Q6. What are the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to public speaking? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA6. Making it all about me, my product, my plans...a talk should be a gift, not a take. Lead with your ego, you’ll lose the crowd. #BizChatsChris AndersonA6. Too.much.content. Get out the red marker! #BizChatsLauren FerraroA6. Poor visual storytelling that does not support your talk. #bizchatsLauren Ferraro@mashbusiness #BizChats A6: They don't know their material. They don't know their audience. Too much content into too little time.Chris WidenerA6. Being too still - standing in just one place or just looking at one spot. Instead, connect with your audience. @mashbusiness #bizchatsSue MahA6 Mistake #3 Relying too heavily on slides or notes. Or having terrible, unsexy slides in general! #BizChatsAmber L. WrightQ6. Most people don't take the time to fully understand their audience before speaking to them. #BizChatsBrian Tracy@mashbusiness A6. Trying to fill dead air with "Ummm..." 🙄 #BizChatsTracey Edouard@mashbusiness A6 Forgetting the key to building a relationship with the audience - not merely having them hear your words #BizChatsRed & Black@mashbusiness #BizChats A6 part 2: One word: PowerPoint! Ugh. Stop it. Please!Chris WidenerA6) Speaking too quickly, and avoiding eye contact. Big no-no's! #BizChatsGary Taylor@mashbusiness Just read and stare at the slides. #BizChats #A6P. ParkkisenniemiA6) Speak articulately & with conviction! Smile and breathe. #BizChatsLikeSo App@mashbusiness A6. Not reading the audience for queues on how your talk is being received #BizChatsNickie KlugeA6 Mistake #2 Focusing on themselves more than the audience. Overestimating their skills and not rehearsing. #BizChatsAmber L. WrightA6: Not paying attention to audience cues (auto-pilot). Failing to be human. Fearing questions (best part when possible). #BizChatsDebra Isaacs SchaferA6. Attempting to 'wing it', not customizing content to the audience, and not engaging the audience #bizchatsScope Scribe™@mashbusiness A6. Not being prepared! This impairs vocal quality, increases nerves & presence of verbal viruses (the ums & ahs) #BizChatsWonderful GeeketteA6 #1 Thinking that they’re not good enough to be great at it! #BizChatsAmber L. WrightQuestion 7:Q7. What apps, tools, products are the best when looking to strengthen public speaking skills? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA7. There’s no product or app that can beat sharing your planned talk with a small group of trusted friends. #BizChatsChris Anderson@mashbusiness A7. Voice or video record yourself giving your speech beforehand. You can do this on almost any phone nowadays. #BizChatsBrian Tracy@mashbusiness A7. A timer, definitely! #BizChatsSamina SultanaA7. Any device to record yourself. Know your habitual patterns that either support or sabotage body language & vocal delivery. #bizchatsLauren FerraroA7. A mobile device to record both your audio and visual is the greatest and simplest tool. Keep It Simple #bizchatsScope Scribe™@mashbusiness I use simple recorders to hear how I sound when I need to make presentations. I easily pick up on my weak spots. #bizchatsLorri Key Barrett@mashbusiness A7. I love the simple iphone Voice Memos app for recording practice speeches. It's an accurate critic :) #BizChatsNickie KlugeA7. I like to rehearse in front of mirror. Watch your facial expressions & body language. Listen to ur intonations. @mashbusiness #BizChatsSue MahA7: A simple clock. And yourself. Nix the podium (it's a barrier). And be yourself. #BizChatsDebra Isaacs SchaferA7 The best tool of all is experience. Exit your comfort zone and put yourself out there! #BizChatsAmber L. WrightQuestion 8:Q8. What final tips do you have for becoming a brilliant public speaker? #BizChatsMashable BusinessA8 Never let the first time you hear your presentation be the day you give it! #BizChatsAmber L. WrightA8. If you can speak with friends over dinner, you can be a public speaker. Have the courage to raise your voice... and good luck! #BizChatsChris AndersonA8 - Enjoy the energy of your audience. Their experience is what makes your talk worth it. @mashbusiness #BizChatsElla DawsonA8. Always ask yourself: Do I have something worth saying? And be honest! If the answer is no, wait until you do. #BizChatsChris AndersonA8 This is a skill, just like learning a new language. You’ll get better at it with time! #BizChatsAmber L. Wright@mashbusiness #BizChats A8: Practice, practice, practice! Make adjustments. Get and take feedback!Chris WidenerA8: Be passionate. People feel it. Show emotion if appropriate. Look at your audience, not through them. And stay for Q's. #BizChatsDebra Isaacs Schafer@mashbusiness A8. Know what you're talking about and be confident in what you're going to say. Engage with your audience & smile. #BizChatsSamina Sultana@mashbusiness It takes 5-7 years to hone your speaking craft. It's an investment, so put in the necessary work to become great. #BizChatsBrian TracyA8. Ask yourself: 'What is the fundamental reason for giving this talk?' #BizChatsLauren Ferraro@mashbusiness A8: Speak, speak, speak. There are no shortcuts. #BizChatsP. Parkkisenniemi@mashbusiness A8 Believe in yourself and your message. Each presentation focus on strengthening your connection with the audience. #BizChatsRed & BlackQ8. Use You - info can be obtained from a myriad of sources yet your perspective, delivery, and finesse make for a unique story #bizchatsScope Scribe™Closing Comments: Thank you for joining today’s #BizChats!Mashable BusinessThanks for having me @mashbusiness! Really enjoyed it. #BizChatsBrian Tracy@mashbusiness Thanks, all. Over and out! #BizChatsChris AndersonThank You @mashbusiness such pleasure learning from all the contributors. #BizChats #publicspeakingLauren Ferraro. @mashbusiness Thank you for the invitation! It was my pleasure to participate with such amazing people! #BizChatsAmber L. Wright@mashbusiness thanks for another great chat! #BizChatsSamina SultanaMashable

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Tracey Edouard

Tracey Edouard is a Social Media Assistant for Mashable, with a primary focus on daily content optimization for Mashable Business & Startups on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter. Since the start of her internship in September 2014, Tracey has created and managed the first-ever #BizChats Twitter chat, a new series which highlights various topics surrounding business. She's a Long Island native and a proud graduate of The Pennsylvania State University (May 2013).