Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 4: How to give a speech
• Method 2 of 4: How to speak in meetings
• Method 3 of 4: How to talk with people
• Method 4 of 4: How to Exercise Confident Body Language
• Tips

If you're going to be performing in front of a group of people, it's only natural to get excited. Many people are afraid of public speaking, but you can learn to control yourself even in case of anxiety. Stay confident when giving a speech, speaking at a meeting, or talking to friends so that your voice is heard!

Steps

Method 1 of 4: How to give a speech

1. 1 Train before performing. Start by reading your speech out loud without anyone else to practice. When you feel more confident, practice speaking in the presence of close friends or family. Ask for the listener's opinion and repeat the speech several times until you are ready to speak to a group of people.
   • You don't have to perform in front of a large audience right away. Start with one person and gradually build up the number of people present.
   • If possible, use a microphone similar to the one that will be present in the venue.

   Advice: try to record yourself on a voice recorder and listen to the recording to identify weaknesses and places that you need to work on.

   
   
2. 2 Recheck all records and plans you intend to use. Make sure all electronic devices are working properly and all unnecessary alerts are turned off. Review the cards and documents again, and check the order. If necessary, make changes with a pen and a marker to clearly distinguish them in the documents during your presentation.
   • Try to memorize as much information as possible in case you forget some of the notes at home or if you have technical problems.
   • If your speech uses visual aids, be prepared to explain the content of the slides in the event of a projector malfunction.
3. 3 Make it easy warm-up, to relax a little. In moments of excitement, the body tenses. Warm your arms, back, and legs fifteen minutes before performing to relieve tension.
   • When worried, shake your hands to relax.
4. 4 Focus on being able to last 5 minutes. If you have a longer speech to speak, divide the time into five-minute chunks. Memorize the moments of speech that occur every 5 minutes when you practice. This way, you don't have to worry about the whole performance - you just need to focus on the next five minutes.
   • If you can manage to stay calm during the first 5 minutes of the speech, then you will hold out the entire duration of the speech.
5. 5 Speak slowly to get yourself together. Many people talk too quickly during a performance because of anxiety. If you notice that you are starting to rush, pause and take a deep breath to speak more slowly.
   • If you speak too slowly, listeners may find your speech boring.
   • Try to speak at about 190 words per minute to maintain a calm and efficient pace of speech.

   Advice: when you say important ideas, slow down and underline the words so that listeners pay attention.

   
   
6. 6 Continue speaking even in case of problems. Focus on speech instead of potential technical problems.If the microphone is muted, put it aside and try speaking a little louder. If the projector fails, go to the steps that do not require visual aids.
   • There is no need to dwell on technical problems, since they are not for you to solve, but for technical specialists.
   • Do not focus on your excitement, so as not to distract listeners from the main ideas of your speech. Keep talking as if everything is okay.
7. 7 Thank the audience at the end of your talk. Be sure to express gratitude at the beginning and at the end of your speech so that listeners feel important. Gratitude will also demonstrate your confidence and make your speech memorable.
   • Thank everyone who helped you prepare your speech.

Method 2 of 4: How to speak in meetings

1. 1 Prepare a few words before the meeting. If you know the topic of a meeting or appointment, select the issue you want to cover. Write down your thoughts in a notebook that you plan to take with you.
   • Choose topics in which you are knowledgeable enough to avoid embarrassing situations.
   • If the meeting is about a specific issue, consider the options for answers or suggestions that can be voiced at the meeting.
2. 2 Chat with different people in turn before the meeting. Please arrive early so as not to rush or be late. When others start coming to the meeting, exchange a few words to feel confident. So you will already discuss some issues and prepare yourself mentally before speaking in front of everyone present.

   Advice: if a conference call is scheduled, you will not have a one-on-one conversation with people. Make sure you know how the equipment works to avoid discomfort.

   
   
3. 3 Say something in the first 10-15 minutes of the meeting. If you wait a long time for your turn, others may voice your idea. Try to be among the speakers in the first 10-15 minutes so that your voice sounds confident.
   • Even if you don't have new ideas, it is sometimes helpful to validate a previous speaker's point.
4. 4 Ask thought-provoking questions that are relevant to the topic of the meeting. Be attentive when others speak and ask questions if you have doubts about the correctness of the voiced approach. Discuss next steps or other methods that might be more effective. Questions like this will show those present that you are ready to contribute significantly to the discussion and that you love your work.
5. 5 Ask your supervisor or mentor about your participation in the meeting. After the meeting is over, discuss your words with someone you trust. Ask what can be changed in your behavior in meetings. The person can provide valuable advice for the next meeting and tell you if you are not speaking enough or too much.
   • Dialogue with leaders will also show your initiative and desire to improve.

Method 3 of 4: How to talk with people

1. 1 Place yourself in the middle of the group of people you interact with. There is no need to stand on the side and be silent. Try to be in the center to actively participate in the conversation. This will start to be perceived as an important participant in the conversation.
   • When you are not speaking, maintain eye contact and express interest.
2. 2 Try to say something every few minutes. If you haven't said anything for several minutes, make a comment or ask a pertinent question. This can help bring up new topics or steer the conversation in the direction you want.
   • Listen actively to complement other people's thoughts. For example, if the person said they recently watched a new movie, ask them what they think of the movie.
   • If you are feeling stressed, try to be quiet for a while and relax.
   • If you are new to the company of people who know each other well, then try to actively participate in the conversation to become your own.
3. 3 Complement the conversation so you don't sound like a taciturn. Even if you don't set the tone for the conversation, you can still make yourself known. Short exclamations like "Yes, of course" or "It can't be!" allow you to actively participate in the conversation.
   • Talking about trivial matters can help you relax and feel confident.
4. 4 Be persistent if you are ignored. If others communicate with each other and do not pay attention to you, then try to insert comments or express your point of view. Ask questions when discussing an unfamiliar topic.
   • For example, if friends are discussing a movie, you might say, “I watched it too. What do you think of the main character? "

   A warning: do not try to interfere in personal and private conversations, otherwise you will be considered rude and ill-mannered.

Method 4 of 4: How to Exercise Confident Body Language

1. 1 Breathe slowly and deeply in advance. Breathing helps to pull yourself together. Inhale through your nose for five seconds, hold your breath for one second, and exhale through your nose or mouth. Breathe deeply for 2-3 minutes until you relax.
   • There are many applications for phones with different breathing techniques. Find the right one in the app store for your device.
2. 2 Smile often. Smiling makes your voice seem happier and less agitated when speaking in front of a group of people. You will be perceived as confident, open and friendly.
   • Smile only in relevant situations. For example, smiling during a funeral eulogy is not a good idea, but smiling is appropriate when you are telling a funny story.
3. 3 Maintain eye contact. You don't need to look at the wall or at the floor, or people will notice your excitement. Pick a few people and move your gaze one at a time to better communicate your thoughts and connect with those present.
   • If you look at one person for a long time, then he may feel discomfort.
4. 4 Watch your posture and body language. Straighten your back so you don't slouch and look confident. Keep your head straight and straighten your shoulders so that you can take deep breaths and control yourself if necessary.
   • Do not cross your arms so as not to hide from interlocutors.

   Advice: try gesturing when you speak so as not to fiddle with your clothes or hair.

Tips

• Learn from every interaction with large groups of people to grow.
• Always arrive early so as not to rush and worry.
• Choose clothes that are comfortable and appropriate for your occasion so you don't tense up and feel confident.