Public speaking is the act of delivering a message or speech to a live audience, usually larger than a typical conversation group.
One of the biggest challenges is capturing the audience’s attention. Here are eight essential techniques that can help anyone – even those who struggle with stage fright!
#1 The 5-5-5 Rule
Scan 5 faces; hold each gaze for 5 seconds; repeat every 5 minutes.
#2 The Power Pause
Use dead silence for 3 seconds after key points; it lets your message sink in.
#3 The 3-Part Open
Hook with a question, share a story, then state your promise to the audience.
#4 The Palm-Up Principle
Speaking with open palms signals trustworthiness and openness.
#5 The 90-Second Reset
Feeling nervous? Take 90 seconds of deep breathing to reset your nervous system.
#6 The 2-Minute Story Rule
Keep your audience engaged with stories that are under 2 minutes long.
#7 The Callback Technique
Reference earlier points later in your talk; audiences love meaningful connections.
#8 The Rehearsal Truth
Practice your opening three times more than the rest. Master the first 30 seconds, and you set the tone for a successful talk.
