Public speaking can be a daunting task for many people. Whether it's a formal presentation, a business pitch, or a toast at a wedding, the thought of speaking in front of an audience can trigger anxiety and nervousness.

However, public speaking is a valuable skill that can help you in your personal and professional life. It can help you communicate your ideas effectively, build your confidence, and enhance your career prospects.

In this article, we'll explore some practical ways to improve your public speaking skills and conquer your fear of speaking in public.

Some interesting facts about public speaking

• The fear of public speaking is also known as Glossophobia. It affects about 75% of the population, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
• Research shows that nonverbal communication, such as body language and tone of voice, accounts for 93% of the impact of a message. Only 7% of the impact is from the actual words used.
• A study by the University of Wolverhampton found that over 90% of employers consider communication skills to be essential when recruiting.
• A study by the University of Missouri found that students who take a public speaking course show significant improvements in their communication skills and self-confidence.
• Research by Harvard University found that people who give effective presentations are seen as more competent, more confident, and more likable than those who don't.

10 Practical Ways to be a better Public Speaker

Public speaking is an essential skill that can help you succeed in many areas of life, from your career to your personal relationships. However, it's also one of the most common fears among people.

The good news is that with practice and dedication, anyone can improve their public speaking skills. In this article, we'll explore ten effective ways to practice and improve your public speaking skills, so you can become a confident and compelling speaker. Whether you're new to public speaking or looking to take your skills to the next level, these tips will help you become a more effective communicator.

1. Practice in front of a mirror

Stand in front of a mirror and practice your speech. Watch your body language, facial expressions, and gestures.

2. Record yourself

Record yourself giving a speech and watch it back. Pay attention to your pacing, tone of voice, and overall delivery.

3. Join a public speaking group

Join a local Toastmasters or other public speaking group. This will give you the opportunity to practice your skills in front of a supportive audience.

4. Practice with a friend

Ask a friend or family member to be your audience and practice your speech in front of them. They can give you feedback on your delivery and help you improve.

5. Use online resources

There are many online resources available that can help you practice your public speaking skills. For example, you can watch TED Talks or join online public speaking groups.

6. Attend workshops or seminars

Attend public speaking workshops or seminars to learn new techniques and gain valuable feedback from experienced speakers.

7. Practice impromptu speaking

Practice speaking on the spot. Pick a topic and give an impromptu speech on it. This will help you become more comfortable speaking off the cuff.

8. Rehearse in different environments

Practice your speech in different environments to become comfortable speaking in any setting. For example, practice in a noisy room or in a large hall.

9. Seek feedback

Ask for feedback from your audience or from a mentor. This will help you identify areas for improvement and become a better speaker.

10. Keep practicing

The more you practice, the better you'll become. Make public speaking a regular part of your routine and practice as often as possible.

When it comes to improving your communication skills, there's no substitute for practice. Just like any other skill, communication requires time, effort, and dedication to master.

Fortunately, advancements in AI have made it possible to have a speaking coach right at your fingertips.
With gabble.ai, you can receive personalized feedback on your speech delivery, pacing, vacabulary and grammar.

Gabble.ai uses advance ML algorithms to analyze your speech patterns and provide you with actionable insights to help you improve. Whether you're practicing for a presentation or just looking to become a more confident speaker, gabble.ai can be a valuable tool to help you achieve your goals.

Learn more about gabble.ai