How to Entertain While Public Speaking

Many people would rather die than have to speak publicly, and very often, the audience would rather die than be sitting there listening to a boring, dry speech/talk. This article will give you some tips on how to speak AND entertain an audience!

Steps

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    If you're new to public speaking, sign up! Sign up to school competitions, or local competitions. This is something that I cannot stress enough. The more speaking experience you have, the better. Line up a row of stuffed toys and give them a speech.
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    Have an interesting Topic Choice.
    • When you pick a topic, keep it entertaining.
    • Pick a topic you enjoy or are interested in! This will make it easier for you to talk about it.
    • There is no evidence to say that a heavy handed topic such as the mating habits of jellyfish is not entertaining. With personal anecdotes and interesting analogies it will work well.
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    Know your topic REALLY WELL. This way, you are able to improvise a bit on the spot, and keep it light, rather than worrying about whether you'll forget the important facts.
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    ACT LIKE YOU'RE JUST TALKING TO YOUR FRIENDS. Make it into a casual conversation, without formalities and stress. This is an important point. Yes, you might be giving a speech loaded with information. So, when you use your own humour in it, the audience will appreciate your speech more! Keep it light! Make a joke.
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    Insert your own personal touch into your speech. Share an anecdote, or make a funny analogy. Tell a story.
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    Have confidence! Practise, practise practise. Get used to your speech before the final presentation. If you don't have confidence in yourself, no one else will.

Tips

  • Dry humour is always entertaining. If you're naturally into that sort of humour, don't hide it. Use your dry brand of humour in your speech - the audience will love it.
  • The key to a good speech is to BE YOURSELF. It looks insincere and fake if you try to assume someone else's speaking style. Just be yourself and talk about your topic.
  • Tone of voice should be casual and friendly.
  • Keep it light and easy! Simple is the way to go if you want to be entertaining.
  • I cannot stress this enough: JUST TALK. Talk away, and pretend that you're talking to someone you are super comfortable with.
  • Be interested in your topic! Give the audience some interesting/fun facts about your topic. Your interest will show, as it will give more spice to your speech.
  • When you write the speech, try writing in dot points to give yourself flexibility to move around and be yourself.

Warnings

  • DON'T give a speech on an empty stomach, or without any sleep, or basically in a stressed state of mind. That will impact upon your speaking.
  • DON'T choose a random topic you have no interest in. Your disinterest will show.

Article Info

Categories: Public Speaking | Speaking