Public speaking is always something that the main character of your favorite sitcom struggles with. "What am I gonna say? I'm gonna clam up! I like totally have butterflies in my stomach right now." People of all different ages and cultures still have trouble with speaking in front of others.
Thankfully, getting up and talking in front of people has never been an issue for me. Being a performer the past 11 years of my life, I gained a lot of experience speaking for large audiences. I have learned what a crowd liked, what didn't work, and how to sense the energy in a room. In my opinion, there are three important elements to public speaking: organization, relaxation, and being personable.
Organization
There is nothing worse than hearing someone speak with no configuration of their ideas. Therefore, avoid tangential thought, unless it proves the point that you are making. My best organizational advice is to stay concise. Having a beginning, middle, and an end will help keep you on track, especially if there is a time limit. Have an intention or focal point of the speech is also beneficial; if your presentation is running long find the parts that are not related to the overall intention and remove those. Write out a bullet point outline and practice with it to keep you focused.
Relaxation
One thing that public speaking classes or guides tend to forget is relaxation. I'm not talking about coming to the presentation in your pajamas; I mean taking a deep breath and centering yourself before you speak. Even I still catch myself speaking fast because of nerves, but I always remind myself to relax: Take a deep breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. I can't tell you how many individuals who speak "a mile a minute" will make me nervous as an audience member. You will be much more captivating and dynamic as a speaker when you are calm and in control of the room.
Personable
If I wanted to listen to a robot speak, I would have just asked Siri to read me a bedtime story. It is so important to let your own personality shine through when giving an oral presentation. Think of the content you're exhibiting as the cake and you are the frosting. Be personable. If you are a comedic person, do not be stone faced; being you is so important. I don't want a bland cake; give me some sprinkles, some frosting designs. Everyone is unique and exciting in their own way, so let every speech you give shine with your individuality.
Remember my three important elements to public speaking: organization, relaxation, and be personable.
