5 secrets to rock Public Speaking 2/2

This is part two. Click here for part one.

3. Don't be afraid to make pauses

A pause has different functions in a speech:

• It helps the audience to process what you said. 
• It helps you to lower the filters again (ever surprised looked up in a lecture when it was suddenly quiet?)
• It helps you to 'slow down' your speech

For practice, look at the watch and make a three second pause while practicing your speech. Sounds easy? You will see, three seconds feel like an eternity if you're standing in front of an audience. But it's worth it! You will have everyone's attention after these three seconds!

4. Modulate your voice

In order not to lose the attention of your audience in the first place, don't just speak monotonely. It makes your audience fall asleep and then not even your three second pause will save you!

Source: Giphy.com

So: Modulate your voice!
Talk quietly and loudly, fast and slowly and stress single words. Just adjust your speaking to the content of your speech (but keep your natural voice!).

5. Use your body language

You won't believe it, but only 7% of our total communication is words! 38% is tone and 55% is body language. You see, body language is a very important part of a speech. How to integrate your body into your speech?

It's easy. Just act naturally. When you talk to your friends, you automatically use body language. Try to apply that to your speech. Of course, there are DO's and DON'T's with body language:

DO stress what you say with your gestures!

DO NOT cross your arms (it appears defensive)!

DO make eye contact (don't stare at them creepily though)!

DO NOT put your hands into your pockets!

Also, use the room! Walk around (but don't pace like a caged tiger!), change positions. Your audience will follow you! 

I hope this helps you at your next presentation. Just try to focus on these things and practice, practice, practice. You will see that you will get better and your audience will look forward to your next speech!