Author: Mahathir

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The Ultimate Guide to Crafting an Engaging Speech

You need a mix of storytelling, emotional connection, and technical skills if you want to create a memorable speech. A speech needs to hold attention, convey ideas clearly, and leave a lasting impression. If you’re delivering a presentation, a well-crafted speech can make a powerful impact. Below, we’ll look into the essential elements of a captivating speech with practical tips and insights.

Know Your Audience and Purpose

Understand Your Audience’s Needs and Interests

One of the first steps to crafting an engaging speech is understanding your audience. An audience-centered approach helps ensure that your content is relevant and engaging. Consider their demographics, interests, and what they hope to gain from your speech. If your audience feels personally addressed, they’re more likely to stay engaged.

For instance, if you’re speaking at a corporate event, your tone should be professional and informative. If you’re speaking at a graduation, a more inspirational and optimistic tone is suitable. You should understand these nuances to help you make your language, examples, and humor match your audience’s expectations.

Define the Purpose of Your Speech

Once you know your audience, define the purpose of your speech. Are you aiming to inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire? Every successful speech has a clear goal. For example, a motivational speech at a charity event should not only inspire but also include a call to action. Establishing your purpose helps guide your content and keeps the speech focused.

MicFront provides tools to help you research and understand your audience better. By analyzing data on audience demographics and interests, MicFront can offer customized tips on language, tone, and approach. MicFront also offers templates and prompts that guide you in clearly defining the purpose of your speech.

Structure Your Speech for Maximum Impact

Craft a Strong Opening

The first 30 seconds of your speech are crucial for capturing attention. A compelling opening could be a personal story, a surprising statistic, or a provocative question. This sets the stage and hooks the audience right from the start. For example, instead of starting with “Thank you for having me,” begin with a powerful statement like, “In the next 15 minutes, I’ll show you how a small change can transform your life.”

Develop a Clear Flow

A clear structure enhances comprehension and retention. A well-structured speech has a beginning, middle, and end, guiding the audience through your ideas smoothly. Use the classic “rule of three,” where you divide your main content into three parts. This structure is memorable and allows you to delve deeper into each point without overwhelming your listeners.

To make transitions smoother, consider using phrases like “Let’s shift our focus to…” or “Now that we’ve discussed X, let’s move to Y.” These connectors help the audience follow along without getting lost.

End with a Strong Conclusion

A memorable closing can make or break a speech. Revisit your main points and end on an inspiring or thought-provoking note. Depending on your purpose, a call to action can be powerful. For instance, if you’re persuading your audience, urge them to take immediate steps or commit to a small action. Ensure your conclusion resonates with the audience, leaving them with a clear takeaway.

MicFront provides templates for structuring speeches, which help you organize your ideas and transitions smoothly. From sample opening lines to suggested connectors for transitions, MicFront gives you practical tools to streamline your structure. MicFront’s “Outline Builder” feature also lets you map out the flow of your speech before you start writing, so you’re clear, concise, and impactful from start to finish.

Use Techniques to Improve Engagement

Make Use of Storytelling

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in a speaker’s arsenal. Stories make abstract ideas concrete, helping your audience connect emotionally. When sharing a story, use sensory language and vivid details to immerse your listeners. For instance, rather than saying “It was a tough time,” describe the scene: “I remember sitting alone in my kitchen at 2 AM, wondering if things would ever get better.”

A well-told story can also act as a memory anchor, helping your audience retain your message long after the speech is over. Make sure your story supports the main theme of your speech for coherence and impact.

Engage with the Audience Through Questions and Humor

Another way to keep your audience engaged is by asking questions, either rhetorical or direct. This invites the audience to think or even participate, creating a dynamic experience. For example, in a motivational speech, you might ask, “When was the last time you took a risk?”

Adding humor is also a powerful engagement tool, but you must read the room and keep it relevant. A light-hearted comment or a funny anecdote can humanize you and make your speech memorable. Remember to keep it appropriate to avoid losing credibility.

Master Your Non-Verbal Cues

Non-verbal cues such as eye contact, gestures, and body language significantly impact how your message is received. Effective use of eye contact shows confidence and builds rapport with the audience. Likewise, gestures help emphasize your points and make your presentation visually engaging. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself to observe your body language and make improvements. You can also read more on how to use your body language to enhance presentation here.

MicFront offers resources to help refine these engagement techniques. The “Story Builder” feature suggests relevant, relatable stories based on your theme, making storytelling easier. MicFront’s feedback tools analyze your speech drafts for humor, readability, and flow. For non-verbal cues, MicFront has video analysis that tracks eye contact and gestures, which give you insights on how to make your delivery more natural and confident.

Conclusion

Crafting an engaging speech is both an art and a science, combining audience awareness, structured content, and compelling engagement techniques. With practice, you can develop a style that’s uniquely yours. However, MicFront offers significant support throughout this journey. By understanding your audience, structuring your content, and enhancing your engagement, MicFront helps you become a more effective, confident speaker.

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5 Proven Techniques to Overcome Stage Fright

Stage fright is also known as performance anxiety, and it affects many people who speak in front of an audience. While the fear of public speaking is natural, it doesn’t have to limit your ability to deliver a powerful performance. With the right techniques, you can transform that fear into confidence and become a better speaker. Here are five proven techniques to help you overcome stage fright and improve your public speaking skills.

Practice Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing and relaxation techniques are essential tools to calm the physical symptoms of stage fright, such as a racing heart, sweaty palms, or shallow breathing. When we experience anxiety, our body reacts by tightening muscles and quickening our breath, which leads to more nervousness. By mastering deep breathing techniques, you can reverse these symptoms and regain control of your body.

Taking slow, deep breaths not only calms your nerves but also helps oxygenate your brain, allowing for clearer thinking and better vocal control. As an organization that emphasizes public speaking training, we encourage individuals to incorporate breathing exercises into their daily routine. This will make it easier to apply them during a speech. Additionally, relaxation techniques like progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and relax each muscle group, can help reduce overall tension before taking the stage.

Visualize Success and Positive Outcomes

Visualization is a powerful mental strategy for overcoming stage fright. By imagining yourself delivering a successful, confident speech, you can trick your brain into believing it has already happened. This mental rehearsal helps reduce anxiety because your mind starts to perceive the event as familiar and manageable.

Visualization isn’t just about seeing yourself on stage; it’s about mentally walking through every aspect of the experience—hearing your voice, feeling the energy in the room, and seeing the audience engaged. Athletes and performers use this technique to prepare for big events, and it works just as well for public speaking. By focusing on positive outcomes rather than fears, you create a mental pathway for success.

At our MicFront speaking events, we guide participants through visualization exercises to help them create detailed mental pictures of themselves succeeding on stage. We emphasize the importance of including emotions and sensations in these visualizations to make them as vivid as possible. Our feedback from participants shows that visualizing a successful presentation boosts their confidence and minimizes the fear of negative outcomes. So they can turn stage fright into excitement.

Prepare Thoroughly and Rehearse Regularly

Preparation is one of the most effective ways to combat stage fright. When you thoroughly know your material, it reduces uncertainty so you can focus on delivering your message rather than worrying about what to say next. Rehearsing regularly helps you become comfortable with the flow of your speech. Doing so makes it second nature by the time you’re in front of an audience.

The more familiar you are with your content, the less room there is for fear to creep in. Preparing well doesn’t just involve memorizing words; it also includes understanding your audience, refining your message, and anticipating potential questions. Confidence comes from knowing that you have all angles covered and are ready for whatever happens.

Our public speaking training programs at MicFront emphasize the importance of both content and delivery. We teach participants how to organize their thoughts, create clear outlines, and rehearse effectively. We often encourage practicing in front of a mirror, recording oneself, or rehearsing in front of friends for feedback. Our structured preparation methods help speakers gain clarity and ease, transforming anxiety into assurance. When you know your material inside out, the fear of forgetting it diminishes significantly.

Focus on the Message, Not Yourself

One of the main reasons people experience stage fright is the fear of judgment. You may be overly focused on how you’ll appear or sound, rather than the value of the message you’re delivering. A shift in focus from yourself to your message can significantly reduce anxiety. When you prioritize what you want to share, the pressure of personal performance fades into the background.

Your audience is there to hear your message, not to judge you. Reminding yourself that the purpose of public speaking is to inform, inspire, or persuade can shift the focus away from your perceived flaws and onto the value you’re providing. This mindset change allows you to connect with your audience more naturally, making your speech more impactful and reducing nervousness.

At MicFront, we help speakers develop a deep connection with their content. Through workshops and coaching, we work with participants to identify their core message and tailor it to their audience’s needs. Once speakers see themselves as conduits for their message, stage fright takes a back seat to effective communication.

Embrace the Audience’s Energy and Engage with Them

One of the best ways to overcome stage fright is to shift your perception of the audience. Instead of seeing them as critics, view them as supporters who are eager to hear what you have to say. Engaging with your audience, making eye contact, and responding to their reactions helps create a positive feedback loop that boosts your confidence.

The energy you receive from the audience can fuel your performance. Make eye contact with a few friendly faces, ask questions, or invite participation to help you turn a one-sided speech into a conversation. This interaction reduces the pressure of delivering a perfect speech and makes the experience more enjoyable for both the speaker and the listeners.

In our public speaking sessions, we teach participants the art of audience engagement. We show how simple techniques like asking questions, using humor, or even acknowledging the audience’s reactions can dissolve the speaker’s fear of judgment. By seeing the audience as allies rather than adversaries, speakers become more comfortable on stage.

Final Thoughts on Overcoming Stage Fright

Stage fright is a common hurdle for many speakers, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent barrier. By making the most of these proven techniques, you can overcome performance anxiety while you deliver powerful, memorable speeches. Each of these strategies can be honed with practice, which turns stage fright into a tool for growth rather than a source of fear. Sign up in public speaking course in Malaysia today in MicFront to conquer your fears

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5 Tips to improve your public speaking skills!

5 tips to improve your
public speaking skills!

Ready to transform your public speaking skills from anxiety-inducing to crowd-pleasing?

Let’s dive into some expert tips that will have you commanding the stage with confidence!

#1: Clear Purpose

Also speak with a clear voice & loud voice for better impact

Your purpose is the foundation of your speech. It’s the reason you’re speaking, and it guides everything you say.

Without a clear purpose, your speech may lack focus, leaving the audience confused or disinterested.

A well-defined purpose gives your speech direction, helping you decide what to include and what to leave out.

It ensures that your message is concise and to the point, which is essential for holding the audience’s attention.

Tip #2: Engaging Introduction

Your delivery is the vehicle through which your message is conveyed to the audience. An engaging delivery can captivate and hold the audience’s attention.

Even the most compelling content can fall flat if not delivered effectively. Engaging delivery techniques can make your speech memorable and impactful.

Make use of body language amplify your speech.

Tip #3: Use Vivid Descriptions

Strike a good balance of descriptions and gestures to hold attention

Vivid descriptions are a storytelling technique that involves using rich and sensory language to create a clear and compelling mental image for your audience.

Vivid descriptions draw your audience into the story by allowing them to see, hear, feel, taste, and smell the events and details you describe. This engagement keeps their attention focused on your narrative.

Tip #4: Memorable Conclusion

The conclusion of your speech is the last impression you leave with your audience. It’s the part they’re likely to remember the most.

A memorable conclusion can reinforce your key message, leave a lasting impact, and create a sense of closure for your speech.

Without a strong conclusion, your speech may feel incomplete, and your audience might miss the main takeaways.

A memorable conclusion will leave a good impression on your audience

Tip #5: Practice!

Use a mirror or record yourself to find areas of improvement

Practice is the cornerstone of becoming an effective and confident public speaker. It’s the process that refines your speech, delivery, and overall performance.

Without practice, even the most well-crafted speech can suffer from lackluster delivery and an increased likelihood of mistakes.

Practice not only improves your confidence but also enhances your ability to connect with the audience and maintain their attention.

These 5 tips will take you far into your public speaking journey.

Remember them, practice often, and may your speech be ever extraordinary!

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Why Public Speaking is Important for Kids

Why Public Speaking is Important for Kids

Public speaking is an essential skill that every child should develop. Being able to confidently express oneself in front of an audience is a skill that not only helps with academic and professional success, but also builds self-confidence and social skills. In this article, we will explore the importance of public speaking for kids and why parents and educators should encourage children to develop this valuable skill.

1. Develops Communication Skills

Public speaking helps children to develop strong communication skills, which are essential for success in all aspects of life. Children learn how to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively, and to present them in a manner that is both engaging and persuasive. This skill is particularly important in today’s world, where effective communication is necessary in almost every industry and profession.

2. Enhances Confidence

Public speaking is a great way to boost a child’s self-confidence. When children are able to speak confidently in front of a group, they become more comfortable with themselves and their abilities. This confidence extends to other areas of their lives, such as:

    • Social Interaction: Confidence enables children to interact with others in a positive and assertive manner. Kids who lack confidence may struggle to make friends or express their needs and feelings. They may feel shy, anxious, or intimidated in social situations, which can make it difficult for them to form healthy relationships.

    • Academic Performance: Confident children are more likely to succeed academically. They are willing to ask questions, participate in class discussions, and seek help when needed. They are also more likely to take risks and try new things, which can lead to greater learning opportunities and academic growth.

    • Emotional Well-being: Confidence plays a significant role in children’s emotional well-being. When kids feel confident, they are less likely to experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues. They are better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks, and are more likely to have a positive outlook on life.

    • Decision-making: Confidence is essential for making decisions. Children who lack confidence may struggle to make choices or second-guess themselves. This can lead to indecisiveness and missed opportunities. Confident kids, on the other hand, are more likely to trust their instincts and make informed decisions.

    • Leadership: Confident children are natural leaders. They are more likely to take charge, delegate tasks, and inspire others. They are also more likely to take on leadership roles in school, sports, or other activities, which can help them develop valuable leadership skills.

3. Improves Critical Thinking Skills

Public speaking requires children to think critically about their message and how best to present it. They must consider their audience, their message, and the desired outcome. Through this process, children learn to analyze and evaluate information, think creatively, and make informed decisions.

4. Builds Leadership Skills

Public speaking is an important leadership skill that children can develop at a young age. As they learn to present their ideas effectively, children also learn how to lead and inspire others. This skill is particularly important in today’s fast-paced world, where leadership skills are highly valued in almost every profession.

5. Prepares for Future Success

Public speaking is a crucial skill for success in both college and the workforce. In college, students are expected to present their ideas and research findings in front of their classmates and professors. Whether it’s presenting a project, delivering a speech, or leading a group discussion, public speaking is a crucial part of college life.

In the workforce, public speaking is an essential skill for professionals in various industries. From sales pitches to conference presentations, professionals are often required to make presentations to clients, colleagues, and superiors. Effective communication is key to success in the workplace, and public speaking is a critical aspect of communication.

By developing public speaking skills at a young age, children are better prepared for these future challenges. Not only does public speaking help children to communicate more effectively, but it also helps to build their confidence and self-esteem.

6. Fosters Creativity

Public speaking encourages children to think creatively and to express their ideas in unique and engaging ways. It allows children to use their imagination to create presentations that are both informative and entertaining. This creativity not only makes public speaking more enjoyable for children, but also helps them to stand out and be remembered by their audience.

In conclusion, public speaking is an essential skill that every child should develop. It enhances communication, critical thinking, leadership, and creativity skills, while also boosting confidence and preparing children for future success. By encouraging children to develop this skill at a young age, parents and educators are setting them up for success in all aspects of life.

If you’d like your child to develop the benefits of Public Speaking, click on this link to get a Free Trial Class today!

About the author: Coach Mahathir was crowned as Number 3 in the World after winning 3rd in the World Championship of Public Speaking in the largest speech contest in the world. With over 30,000 competitors in over 144 countries! Aside from that he co-founded MicFront, a public speaking academy that helps kids, adults and corporate organizations to be better communicators, storytellers and leaders.
Coach Mahathir
Co-Founder & Managing Director of MicFront
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7 Tips to Make Your Presentation Less Boring

7 Tips to Make Your Presentation Less Boring and More Engaging

Let’s be honest. Our attention span has been decreasing and will continue to decrease over time because we live in an information rich world. What this means is our presentations need to stand out and be engaging.

So.. Are you tired of delivering presentations that put your audience to sleep? Do you want to make your presentations more engaging and memorable? If yes, then you are in the right place. In this article, we will share 7 tips to make your presentation less boring and more engaging.

So what are the 7 Tips to make your presentation less boring and more engaging?

1. Start with a Bang

The first few seconds of your presentation are crucial, so make sure you grab your audience’s attention from the start. Start with a thought-provoking question, a startling statistic, or a compelling story that relates to your topic. Click here to find out more techniques to start with a bang.

2. Keep it Simple

Simplicity in your slides, script, points, etc is something to take seriously. One of the biggest mistakes presenters make is trying to cram too much information into their slides. Keep your slides clean, uncluttered, and easy to read. Use bullet points, images, and videos to illustrate your key points.

3. Use Visual Aids

Visual aids such as charts, graphs, and diagrams can help break up the monotony of your presentation and make your content more digestible. Use high-quality images and make sure they are relevant to your topic.

Here’s a big no no when it comes to using visual aids. Avoid cramping too many things into your visual aids, or use low quality images, videos, etc. We live in the 21st century after all! That means people’s attention span and engagement will start to break away when there’s clutter, or when your visual aid looks bad. 

One last thing? Keep in mind that this segment is called visual AIDS. That means it’s supposed to aid you in your presentation and not become the presentation itself, so don’t dump your script onto the slides.

4. Tell Stories

Aristotle outlined one pillar of persuasion as Pathos, or emotional connection. This pillar simply means that people can connect with you easier through the power of stories.

People are naturally drawn to stories, so try to incorporate storytelling into your presentation. Share personal anecdotes or use case studies to illustrate your points. This will help your audience relate to your content on a more personal level.

5. Use Humor

Humor is a great way to keep your audience engaged and interested. Use relevant jokes or clever one-liners to break up the serious tone of your presentation. The best kind of humor is the ones that are personal, and relatable. Avoid telling jokes for the sake of telling it.

Be careful not to overdo it and always keep your humor appropriate for your audience.

6. Engage Your Audience

One mistake that most amateur presenters tend to make is to speak at your audience. This means, making your presentation a one-way street with no participation from the audience nor engagement. Don’t just talk at your audience, engage them in the conversation. Ask questions, encourage participation, and solicit feedback. This will help keep your audience engaged and interested in what you have to say. 

7. Practice, Practice, Practice!

Finally, practice is key when it comes to delivering a compelling presentation. Practice in front of friends or colleagues, and be open to feedback. This will help you identify areas where you can improve and refine your delivery.

Please do not practice in front of a mirror though! Why? Because looking at yourself while you speak is a great distraction to your performance. Try it and I believe you’ll agree with me. Instead, practice in front of a camera and watch the replay. This will help you identify what you need to do to improve, and it also serves as an internalization tool. Which means you can just play your presentation while you’re doing something else so you can subconsciously absorb and internalize your speech.

In conclusion, making a presentation less boring is all about engaging your audience and keeping them interested. By implementing these tips, you can deliver a compelling presentation that will keep your audience on the edge of their seats. So go forth and present with confidence!

If you’re looking for a way to boost your speaking skills further, you may want to check this out.

About the author: Coach Mahathir was crowned as Number 3 in the World after winning 3rd in the World Championship of Public Speaking in the largest speech contest in the world. With over 30,000 competitors in over 144 countries! Aside from that he co-founded MicFront, a public speaking academy that helps kids, adults and corporate organizations to be better communicators, storytellers and leaders.
Coach Mahathir
Co-Founder & Managing Director of MicFront
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why am I scared of public speaking

Why are people scared of Public Speaking?

Public speaking is a common fear for many people. In fact, according to a recent survey, public speaking is ranked as the number one fear, even more than death! Yes, you read that right. People are more scared of public speaking than they are of dying. But why is that? Let’s take a closer look at why public speaking is so scary and what you can do to conquer your fear.

First of all, let’s get one thing straight: public speaking is not a natural activity for most people. We’re not born with the ability to confidently stand up in front of a crowd and deliver a speech. It takes practice, preparation, and a lot of hard work. And let’s face it, most of us would rather be doing something else than practicing our public speaking skills.

Another reason people are scared of public speaking is that it involves putting yourself out there. When you’re standing in front of a crowd, you’re vulnerable. People are looking at you, listening to you, and judging you. It’s natural to feel nervous or self-conscious in this situation. But the truth is, most people in the audience want you to succeed. They’re not there to tear you down or make you look foolish.

Another factor that contributes to public speaking fear is the fear of failure. We all want to do well and make a good impression. But what if we stumble over our words, forget what we’re supposed to say, or just completely bomb? The fear of failure can be paralyzing, but it’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes. Even the most experienced public speakers have had their share of flubs and failures.

So, how can you conquer your fear of public speaking? Here are a few tips:

  1. Practice, practice, practice. The more you practice your speech or presentation, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel.

  2. Prepare thoroughly. Make sure you have a clear outline of what you want to say and any visual aids you’ll be using.

  3. Visualize success. Close your eyes and imagine yourself delivering your speech with confidence and poise.

  4. Focus on your breathing. Take deep breaths before you start speaking to calm your nerves.

  5. Start small. If the thought of speaking in front of a large crowd is too overwhelming, start by speaking in front of a small group of friends or colleagues.
  6. Remember that everyone gets nervous. You’re not alone in feeling scared of public speaking.

World number 3 Public Speaking Winner of 2022, Coach Mahathir from MicFront Academy of Public Speaking said this during an interview. “When I had to speak in front of almost a thousand people in Nashville, USA, I was nervous.. Even to a smaller group of audience locally it makes me nervous too, but that’s the beauty of being nervous because it keeps you on your toes to do your best.”

Psychologists also found that people who have nervousness tends to perform better than those who have too much nervousness or none at all! Cool right?

In conclusion, public speaking may be scary, but it’s also a skill that can be mastered with practice and preparation. By understanding why we’re scared of public speaking and taking steps to overcome our fear, we can become confident and effective communicators. So go out there, grab that microphone, and show the world what you’ve got!

If you’re looking for a Public Speaking expert who can help you overcome your fears of public speaking, whether a kid, adult or a corporation, click here to get started!

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Why my mind goes blank when presenting

Why does my mind "Go Blank" when presenting?

Why does my mind "Go Blank" when presenting?

If you’re reading this right now that means that you are facing one of the most common challenges that people go through. Which is our mind going blank when we give a presentation. To understand how to overcome this challenge we need to identify what is main cause. 

After working with many clients such as Entrepreneurs, CEO’s, Business Leaders, Influencers, Beauty Pageants, and many more I realize that there are several factors that makes our mind go blank when presenting. 

1. Speaking too fast

Sometimes we tend to speak faster than what our brain is able to compute. We then fumble over our words, get nervous, and ultimately leading to our minds going blank. 

2. Seeing the audiences reaction

Let’s be honest. How the audience reacts to our presentation can affect us severely. Imagine doing a stand up comedy, and yet no one laughs at any of your jokes. Wouldn’t that make us feel nervous, and just an emotional wreck? This affects our psyche, and results in our mind going blank.

3. The lack of preparation or familiarity

The lack of rehearsals for our presentation, or not visiting the venue in advance to know our speaking area to familiarize ourselves will cause us to go blank. So the question to ask yourself is… Do you rehearse enough? and did you try to familiarize yourself with the place?

Can you resonate with some of the main causes stated above? Fret not, because there’s always a solution to a problem. Let me introduce two methods to overcoming this challenge.

1. Internal Reflection

Let’s face it the feeling of nervousness is one of the biggest causes of our mind going blank. We need to address and reflect upon our internal state of being to fully understand why we feel that nervousness in the first place.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What am I truly afraid of?
  • What is the worse that could happen?
  • Is what you said for question 2, true?
  • What evidence do you have to support question 3?
  • If I am the audience, what do I want for the speaker?
  • Knowing this, what can I do to overcome this feeling of nervousness?

2. Familiarization

One of the biggest fears that people have is the unknown.  Hence, getting familiar with something definitely helps us be more at ease. The question now is what do we get ourselves familiar with?

1. Presentation
This means you go through your presentation again and again until you are comfortable with the information that you are going to present. This doesn’t mean knowing your presentation word for word, rather how much you have internalized this presentation. Even if things go wrong you’d know how to continue on. 

2. Place
Visit the venue of your presentation early. What I normally do is either visit it 1 day prior or even 1 hour prior to my speaking segment. This helps me to understand where is my speaking area, how comfortable I am with it, and if there are the necessary tools available for me to use. Meaning, is there a whiteboard, projector, clicker, etc. Get to know the place early!

3. People
Now it’s probably close to your presentation time so what you’d want to do is to meet and greet the people who are going to be your audience (if possible). A short introduction about yourself like “Hi, my name is bob, and I’ll be the next speaker. Nice to meet you, what’s your name?” Doing this helps you bridge the gap between speaker and audience. Now they see you as someone they have familiarized with, and so would you. 

1. Internal Reflection

Let’s face it the feeling of nervousness is one of the biggest causes of our mind going blank. We need to address and reflect upon our internal state of being to fully understand why we feel that nervousness in the first place.

Ask yourself the following questions:

  • What am I truly afraid of?
  • What is the worse that could happen?
  • Is what you said for question 2, true?
  • What evidence do you have to support question 3?
  • If I am the audience, what do I want for the speaker?
  • Knowing this, what can I do to overcome this feeling of nervousness?

2. Familiarization

One of the biggest fears that people have is the unknown.  Hence, getting familiar with something definitely helps us be more at ease. The question now is what do we get ourselves familiar with?

1. Presentation
This means you go through your presentation again and again until you are comfortable with the information that you are going to present. This doesn’t mean knowing your presentation word for word, rather how much you have internalized this presentation. Even if things go wrong you’d know how to continue on. 

2. Place
Visit the venue of your presentation early. What I normally do is either visit it 1 day prior or even 1 hour prior to my speaking segment. This helps me to understand where is my speaking area, how comfortable I am with it, and if there are the necessary tools available for me to use. Meaning, is there a whiteboard, projector, clicker, etc. Get to know the place early!

3. People
Now it’s probably close to your presentation time so what you’d want to do is to meet and greet the people who are going to be your audience (if possible). A short introduction about yourself like “Hi, my name is bob, and I’ll be the next speaker. Nice to meet you, what’s your name?” Doing this helps you bridge the gap between speaker and audience. Now they see you as someone they have familiarized with, and so would you. 

I know it’s a scary process to overcome the fear and nervousness when presenting, but remember that your audience doesn’t want to see you fail. More often than you know, they want you to succeed. So before giving your next presentation commit to having an Internal Reflection and remember to Familiarize yourself. All the best, I know you’d do superbly well!

If you’re looking to discover how to take your confidence, and presentation skills to the next level then click on the button below to claim your free speaking assessment with us!

Free Speaking Assessment
Coach Mahatir
Author, & Co-Founder of MicFront
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5 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

5 Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking

Cockroaches? Scary.. but manageable.. 
Snakes? Manageable too..
but Public Speaking? Frightening! 

Based on research done globally an estimate of 75% of the world’s population fears public speaking that means for every 4 people you know, 3 of them have that fear.

If you’re one of them, read on.

There are many ways to tackle on this anxiety and to help propel you to become better in public speaking. In this Public Speaking series let me share with you how to utilize these 5 tips to boost your Public Speaking skills!

Here are my Top 5 Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking:

Tip #1: Competence Comes before Confidence

Most of the time when we are nervous it is due to the lack of familiarity with three things. The People, Place and/or Presentation. Building our competencies in these 3 areas will help you overcome that stage anxiety. 

In order to build familiarity with people you have to meet up with your audience and introduce yourself to them. That way you know them, they know you and you won’t feel like you’re speaking to strangers when you’re on stage. 

For the place, can you visit the venue early so that you know how the layout is like? Can you rehearse on your stage or platform so you won’t feel like you’re standing on a foreign place?

For presentation, it is a question of how much time did you spend rehearsing and practising your content. The more the better!

Tip #2: Change Your Focus from "Me" to "Them"

Let’s face it when we are nervous on stage our main focus will be things like “What if I mess up?”, “What if I look dumb in front of these people?”, “What was the next point again?”, or even “How can I end this quickly!”

These words that you’re telling yourself shifts your focus away from being in the moment. The best presenters in the world are always in the present when they give their presentation because they want to be with their audience. They want to give the best value that they can to their listeners. 

Instead of thinking “How will I look in front of the audience?”, change that to “How can I give the best value to my audience?”

Tip #3: Speak How You Feel

Most of the time when presenters relay information they do it in a readers voice. Flat tone and downright boring. The best kinds of presenters are able to take the most boring information and speak in a way that excites people. Why? That’s because they speak with passion.

Hence in your next presentation instead of using your readers voice, speak how you feel. Every line and point in your speech is conveying an emotion. Speak with that emotion and you will see a drastic change in your presentation.

Tip #4: Practice Communicating with Gestures

Presenters who use more gestures appear more confident, enthusiastic, and energetic. Sometimes it is difficult to know what kind of gestures to use when you present and that’s understandable. Start small, perhaps during a simple conversation with other people use your gestures more often and notice how you’re using them!

Tip #5: Tell Stories

As the saying goes “Facts tell, stories sell!” Stories have the power to connect with people’s emotion and it is one of the most effective presentation hooks ever! Sometimes in your presentation instead of just telling us the numbers, facts and data perhaps you could add a story representing those information. Paint us the picture through stories!

Keep practicing, keep refining and keep improving at least 1% a day!

Remember that no one in the audience wishes you to fail, so do your best with the right mindset, keep practicing, refining and improving! 

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5 ways you can improve your online public speaking performance

HOW TO IMRPOVE YOUR ONLINE PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS

Some of you may be perfectly comfortable giving your public speaking speech in front of a crowd. Online, however? You might find that your usual tricks  do not work quite as well.

Speaking and presenting online is unlike being on stage, you are suddenly met with new challenges and restrictions you would never face otherwise. With this new digital age we have found ourselves thrust into, online presenting has become an important skill we need to master.

 

Can your audience see you? Are they enjoying your presentation? Are you engaging with them enough? Are your hand gestures or body language not getting across as well as you would like? Do you find the framing of a webcam too restrictive?

These are all questions I’m sure at least some of you have asked when giving a presentation or a speech.

Whether you are new to public speaking, or you are just trying to make the most out of this new medium, I would like to share…

5 TIPS THAT WILL BENEFIT YOUR ONLINE PUBLIC SPEAKING SKILLS

TIP NUMBER 1: STAND UP!

When we use our computers, we naturally sit down. It is not too confusing then, that most people tend to give their online speeches sitting down as well.

However, when you are giving a speech in-person, you stand up. Have you ever wondered why?

It is not just for being polite, but when you stand you have a lot more room to work with. You can stretch your hands, you can use your feet. In short, you can be far more expressive when you give a speech on your feet, and this applies for online public speaking as well. Standing gives you more freedom with your body, and this will greatly benefit your speech.

So in your next presentation, try standing, you will will have far more energy and enthusiasm than you had sitting down.

TIP NUMBER 2: FRAME YOURSELF

So now you are on your feet, but where is your camera? Can the audience still see you? How much of your body is visible, and how far are you tilting your head to look at the camera?

Moving your camera and framing yourself is more than just making sure you do not give yourself neck pains. It is also to make sure that your amazing hand gestures and body movements never wander off frame and to ensure you are the focus of the audiences’ screen at all times.

There are 2 things you need to take into consideration when framing yourself for an online presentation:

1) Raise your camera.

Now that you are standing, if your webcam is still on your desk, then you are most likely craning your neck down to look at it. You do not want this. 

Looking down will not only hurt your neck after a long speech, but the angle will look weird for your audience. With the camera pointing up, it looks like you are looking down on your audience. It gives your speech an oppressive feel to it. 

Raise your camera, if you are on a laptop or tablet, raise your device by placing it on boxes and books. Keep your camera level with your eye level, so that you are looking straight at them.

2) Center yourself, and keep your head and arms in frame.

To ensure that you are at the focus to your audience’s screens, you have to frame yourself properly.

Firstly, keep yourself centered. A good trick is to use the rule of 3s, splitting your camera’s image into a 3 by 3 grid, so that you know if you are leaning to close one side or not.

Secondly, ensure that there is a good distance between the top of your head, and the top of your camera’s frame, as well as lift your arms up, give them a little wave to make sure that your hand gestures will not be lost while you deliver your speech. 

Your arms are not visible enough? Move back and give yourself more space. Are you too small that your head barely reaches the top 3rd of your screen? Move forward.

With these steps, you will frame yourself nicely, and you will not have to fear your audience missing out on your facial expressions, hand gestures or body language during your speech.

TIP NUMBER 3: CLEAR YOUR BACKGROUND

This tip is very simple, but equally important, and that is to ensure that your background remains clean, and clear of any obstructions or distractions.

Delivering in your speech in a crowded room is greatly discouraged. Not only can the obstructions be dangerous, accidentally hitting an arm against a shelf while doing your gestures for example. But it can also be very distracting. If your background is your office, and you have an impressive bookshelf behind you, audiences might get distracted, looking at the books behind you and examining what kind of reader you are instead of listening to your speech. 

If you are presenting in a crowded room in your house, a family member might accidentally wander into frame in the background distracting not just the audience, but potentially yourself.

Ideally, the best place to present is somewhere empty and wide enough for your to stand and walk around for a bit. Keep the wall behind you bare, to reduce any distractions.

Of course, you can tweak this rule if it suits your presentation. Maybe you are speaking about a library, or you are speaking as an expert, then you can use your background itself as a prop, and that bookshelf will have a place behind you as you give your talk.

But use this smartly. In most cases, an empty background would be the best for your speech.

TIP NUMBER 4: LOOK AT THE CAMERA

Instintually, when we give a speech, we look at the audience. Whenever anyone teaches you how to do public speaking, looking at your audience is always drilled into us as being something we have to do. Look at them, and maintain eye contact.

But when you are online, looking at your audience is not the same as giving eye contact.

In an online setting, looking at your audience is actually just you looking at your screen. If you want to give your audience that eye contact, you have to look straight at the camera.

Of course, you should not be staring straight at the camera throughout your speech. You need to look at the audience too, to see their reactions, if any are raising their hands to ask a question. 80% of your speech should be spent looking at your camera, to give your audience that ever important eye contact.

TIP NUMBER 5: USE YOUR 3-D SPACE

Our final tip is using your 3-D space around you. When you give your speech, you might find that the space you are given is far more limited than if you were on a stage. Especially in terms of moving left or right. But there is one level of space you can use, one that was briefly mentioned earlier in this blog:

Forwards and backwards.

At Tip Number 2, about framing yourself nicely, I mentioned moving back and forth to find the best position. This can be your starting position, where you will stand for most of your speech. But you can still move around, and you can use this to great effect!

Need to say something loud, or use hand wide sweeping hand gestures that may go out of frame? Step back and make yourself smaller to give yourself more space. Want to emphasise something, or whisper a “secret” to your audience, you can lean closer to the camera to be more intimate or personal with your audience.

Using this 3-D space is great in really making your speeches stand out, as well as being more engaging to your audience. It can be used to such great effect and will greatly bring out more energy out of your speech.

Those were 6 tips to improve your online public speaking Skills! Try these tips next time, whether it be a Toastmasters speech, or an office presentation. You will notice a difference in not just your audience’s engagement, but also how much easier it will be to present online!

Written by Aris Riza bin Noor Baharin

Operations Ninja at Mahathir Academy of Public Speaking

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Instantly Build Confidence To Present To THOUSANDS!​

Instantly build confidence to present to thousands

Presentation can be nerve wrecking!

Presentations are nerve wrecking moments aren’t they? And sometimes people around us would just come up to us and say..

“Hey! It’s alright, just BE CONFIDENT and you’ll do fine!”

How many of you have gotten comments like this? And how many of you found this helpful?
Come on.. be honest. Telling someone to BE CONFIDENT is just a nicer way of telling them to suck it up.

But what if you knew HOW to instantly build your confidence? How would that improve your next performance on stage?
Before we dive into the techniques, I want you to understand that confidence according to oxford dictionary is “The feeling or belief that one can have faith in or rely on something or someone.” 

So the question here is is confidence hard to develop? Is it an in born talent? Answer is NO. Confidence can be built and developed, and it’s not as hard as you think it is. It is even as easy as the things you say, and do!

SO HOW CAN WE INSTANTLY BUILD CONFIDENCE?

TIP #1 "PSYCHOLOGY"

TESTING 

TIP #2 "PHYSIOLOGY"

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TIP #3 "LANGUAGE"

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TIP #4 "ANCHORING"

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