7 Tips on Public Speaking for Students

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I remember that when I was in school, specifically in 10th grade/Second, public speaking was a "Big Deal" for me, as I would get very nervous every spell I heard the words "public speaking" to give my presentation. I know that fear of public speaking is common in people of all ages. In my point, it didn't take long for the usual symptoms to appear: sweaty hands, weak knees, and heavy arms (thankfully, no vomit on my sweater), but I was on the verge of losing my footing because it was so hard for me.

All that's to tell you is that I have come a long way in overwhelming my shyness. That's why I decided today to give you my seven good tips for public speaking that you can use to overcome your fears to secure your next presentation in the future.

1. Read a lot.

Read tons of books related to your course topics to keep up with current issues. By making a habit of reading often, you will expand your vocabulary without realizing it. In addition, reading broadens our knowledge and allows us to see things from different perspectives. Nowadays, students and teachers tend to be interested in a heavy speech, which brings a new understanding or value to the listener. Reading also makes a person feel more confident. That's because she can talk about any topic of conversation, as she knows different types of fields.

2. To have good speaking practice.

Before you present to the class, you need to practice your speaking and diction so that your voice is clear. Stand in front of a mirror or hold your phone and start giving your presentation naturally. This way, you will be able to feel all your weaknesses, gestures, and everything you need to improve about yourself to make a good presentation. Remember that a speaker needs to make sure that the listener can grasp the sentence he or she has communicated without having to ask questions about what the speaker is trying to say. This is why it is especially important when it comes to one-way public communication. In addition, a good voice and good articulation make your presentation pleasant to hear. It is also important to choose easy and effective phrases so that your sentences are easy to understand and direct. You can practice by talking to others often about your presentation. Tell your friends or family what you found fascinating before you go to present your work to the class, so they can give you feedback. When you are in front of the room: try to impress them by talking about your work as clearly as possible so that they can immediately imagine and understand your purpose. In your presentation, you need to develop an ongoing storyline so that it is related to your work and keeps them interested. In short, be clear and describe the facts clearly in your presentation.

3. Expression and body language

Have you ever had an annoying experience listening to a speaker at a conference or seminar because she focuses only on the words spoken without some expression and with a stiff posture? I'm sure many of you have experienced this. Talking is not just about the words or the sound you make (verbal). Communication split into two, namely verbal communication and non-verbal communication. Verbal communication is communication in the building of words, sounds, or texts. While non-verbal communication is more about body posture, intonation, facial expressions/mimics, body gestures, appearance, symbols used, and so on. Verbal communication represents only 7% of communication, while non-verbal communication represents 93%. That's why communication is not limited to words. It is limited to actions, so when you are in front of the classroom, you must look cool and especially avoid shaking in front of the room.

4. Lack of preparation. 

Most students feel nervous because of a lack of preparation, including a lack of understanding of the topic, either because they underestimate the topic or cause they don't master it. Mastery of the topic is important, and it also affects your credibility as a speaker. Your classmates will quickly judge whether you understand the topic or not, and they also have the right to listen to you or not. Therefore, you need to make sure that you have a good grasp and understanding of your topic.

5. Giving a good impression of yourself.

To make a good impression on your classmates, you ought to make foolproof that you have prepared your presentation well before you tell it in front of them. Therefore, I strongly encourage you to wear attractive but appropriate clothing and sport a smile that will make a positive impression and generate enthusiasm among your classmates. The first three minutes of your presentation are crucial to showing your credibility as a speaker. If you can capture the awareness of the class in the first 3 minutes, they will continue to listen because they already have a sense of interest in you.

6. Knowing the audience.

Since you already know your target audience (students), you can use a technique to address and adapt to them, as each audience has different characteristics, and that's up to you to find a way to convince your fellow students in your presentation. For example, a message that shows why it is more profitable to be a plumber than a security guard. Of course, the exhibit will be more appropriate for students than other target audiences, but the message may not be of great interest to some. Other careers will probably appeal to them more. A person tends to feel compatible with something that suits them. To make the message more readily accepted, you must convince your audience and get to know them.

7. Practice regularly.

Finally, keep practicing. People can speak in public because they are used to it. They can do it well because they practice. That means participating in activities where you have to speak in public, which means getting in the habit of speaking in front of your friends, family, and even a mirror is a fine place to start. As you get used to saying, without realizing it, your speaking skills will improve over time. You should also enroll. In additional courses, such as certified communication training, to further develop your skills and earn a certificate that will help establish your credibility as a skilled speaker. 

Note: Public speaking is learned through public speaking and learning from your mistakes.

What if my public speaking tips for students don't work for you?

If my tips on public speaking for students don't work for you. The most effective way is to seek the services of a professional expert in the field. Due to this, I recommend a psychologist or hypnotherapist if you are not satisfied with their advice.

Why do I recommend a doctor?

Answer: Because it is usually due to a past trauma.

I am a (former) hypnotherapist, so I can tell you about the causes of my fear of public speaking based on some of the clients I have treated:

• As a child, I received a strict parental education, and if I made a mistake, I was harshly scolded. If I did well, I was not praised. You must always do your best and not tolerate any errors. Especially if you make a mistake, you are physically and verbally punished.
• His classmates snicker when he speaks in public. In school, it's faultlessly normal for students to talk in front of the class to get marks for their presentations. However, there are times when the student makes mistakes. If at that time, the child makes a mistake and mocked by her peers (especially if the teacher also participates in this humiliation), it will be deeply traumatic.
• The fact of not being accepted in social circles, of being often mistreated by his friends, and the lack of appreciation of his relatives can make him not trust everything, including if he wants to appear in public.

If the student tries to speak in public, his subconscious has already shown him a sign of the potential danger that covers him. It is as if the subconscious mind is saying, "If you make a mistake, people will laugh at you," "The humiliation you will suffer from your relatives is nothing compared to the humiliation of the public, do not shame them," and so on. However, the purpose of the subconscious is good. It keeps the subject out of trouble. But unfortunately, this becomes counterproductive. Therefore, to eliminate such trauma, one must seek professional services. You can't do it alone.

What if I don't have access to or the ability to use professional services?

If you are one of those people who do not have access to professionals. Here is another way I suggest you use to overcome your shyness, but you need a lot of courage to do it. Before you speak in public, tell your classmates that you are nervous, to be honest, you are anxious, you are afraid that you will talk badly, and there will be errors, clumsiness, and weaknesses. In short, ask them to forgive you if they notice any mistakes in your presentation. That way, even if you don't say it, the audience doesn't care, and if you make a mistake, the audience will understand. That reminds your subconscious that it's okay to make mistakes, so take it easy.

Advice: Keep your head up, and never stop learning and trying. I'm sure you'll get there as I did!