Speak with Clarity: 7 Guiding Principles of Public Speaking

Here are seven principles of public speaking that I have developed. Keep them in mind the next time presenting before a group- 

7 Guiding Principles of Public Speaking

1. Perception: Stop trying to be a great "public" speaker. People want to listen to someone who is interesting, relaxed, and comfortable. In the routine conversations we have every day, we have no problem being ourselves. Yet too often, when we stand up to give a speech, something changes. We focus on the "public" at the expense of the "speaking." 

2. Perfection: When you make a mistake, no one cares but you. Even the most accomplished public speaker will make a mistake at some point. Just keep in mind that you'll notice more than anyone in your audience. The most important thing a speaker can do after making a mistake is to keep going.

3. Visualization: If you can see it, you can speak it Winners in all aspects of life have this in common: they practice visualization to achieve their goals. Salespeople envision themselves closing the deal; executives picture themselves developing new ventures, athletes close their eyes and imagine themselves making that basket, hitting that home run, or breaking that record. 

4. Discipline: Practice makes perfectly good. Your goal is not to be a perfect public speaker. There is no such thing. Your goal is to be an effective public speaker. Like anything else in life, it takes practice. We too often take communication for granted because we speak to people every day. 

5. Description: Make it personal. Whatever the topic, audiences respond best when speakers personalize their communication. Take every opportunity to put a face on the facts of your presentation. People like to hear about other people's experiences the triumphs, tragedies, and everyday humorous anecdotes that make up their lives. 

6. Inspiration: Speak to serve. For a twist that is sure to take much of the fear out of public speaking, take the focus off of yourself and shift it to your audience. After all, the objective is not to benefit the speaker but to benefit the audience, through teaching, motivation, or entertainment. 

7. Anticipation: Always leave 'em wanting more. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned in my years in communications is that when it comes to public speaking, less is usually more I don't think I've ever left a gathering and heard someone say, "I wish that speaker had spoken longer." On the other hand, I imagine that you probably can't count the times that you've thought, "I'm glad that speech is over. It seemed to go on forever!" So surprise your audience.

Principles of Public Speaking In other words, speaking in public has very little to do with perfection and everything to do with making a human connection with one's audience. If you understand and use the principles of perception, perfection, visualization, discipline, description, inspiration, and anticipation, then you will change how you think about speaking from one of fear and anxiety to one of confidence and effectiveness. Remember that it's not about perfection; it's about being engaging, relatable, and inspiring. What counts is that you keep your focus on serving your audience and leaving them wanting more; in this way, you will be able to present in a way that will resonate with your audience long after you're done speaking.