subject: Try Some Public Speaking Exercises for Practice [print this page] If you'd like to improve your public presentations, then find some public speaking excercises in the article below. Don't forget that the key to improving your public speaking skills is to practice.
You'll get the most out of these exercises if you practice them often, and make a real effort even if they seem trivial. Getting better at even the smallest aspect of public speaking can really give your presentations more impact.
Introduce Someone Else
By putting together a very short "speech" that introduces another speaker, you can repeatedly practice your skills without having to put together a long presentation. Getting comfortable to say a few words about someone else is a good start.
Put a Speech Together Bit By Bit
Practice writing and speaking the individual parts of a speech. Write some openings. Write some closings. Write about one major point. Write a rebuttal of one part of an opponent's argument. Get used to building the different parts of a speech and delivering them.
Read a Famous Speech
You don't need to practice with your own words. Choose an inspiring speech and read it as though it were yours. Not having to worry about the words means you can concentrate on your delivery. This is one exercise that has been around for centuries, as many classical orators used to practice with other people's speeches.
Introduce Yourself
Talking about yourself should be easy since it's a topic you know well. Put together a short presentation about yourself, to introduce you to a group. You could even try this one without any notes. Another variation of this exercise is to promote your business, if you have one.
Using Motivational Quotes
Again, use another person's words to help you put a speech together for practice. Put together a short speech filled with inspirational quotes and comments, and you'll find it a breeze to present.
Tell Some Jokes
Get some of your favorite jokes together, and give a presentation intended to make everyone laugh. Obviously, it's not a serious exercise on a formal topic but just a chance to see how easy it is to lighten the mood when giving a speech. All presentations can use a joke or two.
