subject: How To Speak Clearly And Confidently [print this page] There are times in your life when you'll be called on to speak in public. This sets tremors going in a lot of people which leads then to asking the question "how to speak clearly and confidently". Here are some ideas that will help you to develop some confidence when you next speak in public.
Rehearse your speech
This applies whether you're merely going to say something more than a couple of words to someone or whether you're about to give a full speech to a group of people. If it's just a few words, rehearsing them in your head can be all that you need. But if it's pages of text, read them through several times beforehand. Ideally out loud.
Speak to one person, even if it's a large event
Most people can speak reasonably confidently on a one-to-one basis. When you're addressing a larger group of people, pretend to yourself that you're talking to just one person. You don't even have to look at them directly (and it may be a good plan not to).
Take your time
This doesn't mean leaving a multi-second gap between each word. But it does mean leaving enough of a pause for each word to manifest individually.
Enunciate your letters
Ouch, I'm sounding like your English teacher here. It really does make a difference if you verbally dot your i's and cross your t's. If you doubt this, listen to a group like the Fleet Foxes and notice how they regularly forget to pronounce the t's and other letters at the end of their words. Then listen to the same song from someone who is trained. Same goes for you - take the time to enunciate your words and letters and everything will become clearer.
Chill
Near enough everyone in your audience will be glad it's not them giving the speech. You're the most critical person by far. Just relax and enjoy it as much as possible!
