Articles MNet Africa Magic NTA STV TVC           Public Speaking     How to Speak Confidently in Public       When rehearsing, practice speaking to the room as if the audience were in front of you. You wouldn't stop part way through and ask to start again in front of an audience, right? Under pressure, how you practice is how you'll perform. Avoid the temptation to speak in front of a mirror or a video camera (it's distracting) and instead focus your energy on what it feels like to present in the moment. Practice speaking with your friend(s) or your parents. Prepare a good plan of speaking. There should be: An opening 3 good middle points; a summary (conclusion) Don't try to speak on too many issues. In addition, don't wander off the topic. Think carefully before you talk. Use silence; it can be a great ally and cause the audience to hang off your next words, wondering what you are about to say. Don't be intimidated by silent moments. Practice a lot beforehand. If it's for a presentation or a speech, the more you practice it, the more it will take on a life of its own and feel more comfortable to deliver. Concentrate on one person. Maybe practise in front of them, so that it feels like you're just talking to them. Connect with your audience. Use feelings and gestures to intensify a point. Just don't overdo the gestures or emotion - a little goes a long way. Don't look directly into people's eyes. Focus on their foreheads or on a place at the back of the audience, just above the heads in the audience. That way you won't feel distracted. Let go of assumptions. Just because an audience is not smiling or nodding in agreement does not mean they aren't listening or feeling positive about your talk. People often do not display encouragement on their faces in an audience situation, so don't seek it. You'll know from the applause level at the end how well you went and by then, the speech is over!