Give Your Next Speech With Confidence!

A lot of second language learners I know are intimidated by giving speeches in English. Let’s be honest: A lot of native English speakers are intimidated by giving speeches in English!

Over the years, I’ve probably done a hundred public speaking engagements, so I am familiar with the work that preparation, delivery, and confidence takes. I’ve even given speeches in my second language, Spanish. It can be scary, but in the end, it’s extremely rewarding. I’ve compiled 5 tips to help you when you have to give a speech in English:

1. Build confidence by preparing thoroughly. The more you feel prepared, the less you will worry about the delivery or content of your speech. I have given speeches where I was prepared and ready, and I have given presentations where I was less prepared than I needed to be. I’ll be honest – it will be much easier on you if you come prepared!
2. Realize that you have something important to share. You shouldn’t see your presentation as something that no one wants to listen to. You should see it as a benefit to the people who are listening. Ultimately, you have knowledge or experience that others don’t, and most people are curious for more. Be confident that you can help inform your audience.
3. Include your personal experience in your speech/presentation. The most compelling speeches I’ve ever heard are those where the speaker reveals something about themselves or their background. Audiences love a good story, and you have one to share.
4. Don’t be self-deprecating. There is no faster way to make your audience feel uncomfortable than to belittle your knowledge base or abilities. I’ve seen so many of my students start their speeches by saying, “My English is not very good.” or “I am not that prepared.” It instantly make me doubt the person instead of looking for the positives in what they have to say.
5. Speak up! William Strunk once said, “If you don’t know how to pronounce a word, say it loud!” To which E.B. White added, “Why compound ignorance with inaudibility?” If you speak with volume, you are much more likely to be understood, as well as believed to be confident in what you’re saying. (By the way, you can find this quote, along with 100 others in our free e-book The Power of Language Learning: 101 Inspirational Quotes.)

We do our best to help you, but sometimes we can’t go as in-depth as you need. That is why we have chosen a few courses on Udemy.com that may be helpful as you improve your public speaking skills.

• Learn Effective Public Speaking with Impact ($45)
• Powerful Persuasive Skills for Business Presentations ($97)
• Powerful speaking ($97)
• Public Speaking 101: Learn to Share your Voice! ($24)
• Public Speaking Made Easy ($15)
• Public Speaking: How To Think & Speak More Clearly ($69)
• Speak Up! – Stand Out. ($39)

If you found these 5 English public speaking tips helpful, please share them on your favorite social network.