There is no getting around the fact that a speaker needs to have a social level. Even though they don’t have to be social all the time, getting stuck between strangers should not necessarily be an awkward position. And while some speakers are born with a natural talent to captivate their audience, some are made through practice and determination.
So, if you don’t fit the bill of a natural speaker and you can use some advice, this is how to look good and feel strong as a public speaker.
Do Your Best To Prepare
Professionals make things look easy, for the most part. Actors, construction workers, hairstylists, these are professions that require experience and preparation. The job of a speaker is no different. It is your job to take center stage and convey a message. Whether it’s supposed to be educational, entertaining, or as part of a conference, you have to prepare properly.
This means go through your material and get comfortable with it. Because if you are not sure about remembering all the key elements, it will cause doubt and fear. And these are the last emotions you need while standing in front of a bunch of strangers.
Take Extra Time For Grooming
When you look good, you feel good. As superficial as it might sound, it’s the truth. You smile with confidence if you have healthy teeth while combing your hair helps to put the spring back in your step. Thus, if you are going to be a strong and confident speaker, you have to look good.
This doesn’t mean you have to pull out something extravagant or flashy. Instead, provide the image of confidence. Show your audience that you respect them by showing up looking decent. At the same time, show you have respect for yourself. The result? The audience will already meet you halfway.
Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Being a strong speaker doesn’t mean you just practice during live presentations or in private. If the opportunity presents itself to speak on demand and in public, give it shot. Of course, you don’t have to give a star performance. The idea is to get used to situations outside of your comfort zone.
No matter how much you prepare, anything can go wrong. And you need to be comfortable with unexpected situations if you want to consider yourself a strong speaker.
Maintain A Healthy Routine
Another way you can maintain looking good and feeling strong as a speaker is by implementing healthy routines. For example, paying more attention to your diet would be a good start. You want to feel energetic and ready to take on the day – every day. Additionally, try to stay fit. Just three or four times a week of getting your heart pumping can do wonders for your quality of life.
Every experienced speaker will tell you that communication is based more on body language than it is on the words you’re saying. And you want your body language to represent that of a strong speaker.
Connect With The Audience
As a final tip on how to look good and feel strong as a speaker, always try to connect with the audience. If possible, make them part of the presentation or whatever it is you’ve been hired to be the speaker for. This helps to make the audience feel invested. More importantly, they will be more open-minded to enjoying your presentation.
There are no strict rules when it comes to being a good speaker in general. Everything depends on your strengths and weaknesses, and how hard you are willing to work on getting better every time.