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Most people are anxious before a  public speaking appearance.  Thinking about it elicits butterflies in their stomach. While we often criticize political leaders on social media, we must appreciate the skills they’ve acquired on the way  to reach their positions.Public speaking is one such important skill.

Public speaking is an art. It’s not easy to master unless you are  regularly practicing it. Indira Gandhi, Former Prime Minister of India was one of the greatest public speakers in the world.However,she had a  disastrous  public speaking appearance in the beginning .  

Jesus Christ, Lord Buddha, Prophet Muhammad, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr. and Hitler were exceptional public speakers. Current world leaders, including Obama, Trump, Biden, Modi, Sunak, Emmanuel Macron, Xi Jinping, Putin, Javier Milei and Vladimir Zelensky have mastered this art.With the aid of  this exquisite skill they can easily influence people's ideas and thoughts.

So what are the important things one needs to understand before and after stepping  in front of that microphone which is surrounded by  thousands of  eyes and ears? Here we will address some of the important points one needs to take care of for an  efficient and effective public speaking experience.

1. Thorough Preparation

The first and foremost  important step before any public speaking appearance is thorough preparation. You must invest sufficient time and effort in this crucial phase. 

To capture your audience’s attention, gather unique, useful,relevant and precise  information about the topic.Gather all those information which is not vague and most listeners  are unaware of.

Avoid relying on information which is not from reliable sources. Listeners respect and value your words when you satisfy the following conditions.

Accuracy - Ensure that the information you present is correct and based on your own research.

Know your Audience - Gain a basic unders tanding of your listeners credentials, such as their average age, education level and experience.

Try to Educate and Elevate - Aim to leave the audience better informed about the topic than before your speech.

To arm yourself with such knowledge, explore various sources such as Wikipedia, scientific papers, books, newspapers and other information from reputable channels. 

Validate the information - Discard inaccuracies and build a solid foundation. With this wealth of relevant and useful insights, you can confidently stand before any audience, ready to deliver your impactful message honestly without fear.

Keep your eyes and ears open - There is a treasure trove of valuable information waiting to be discovered out there. All you have to do is to put enough effort.

2. A Warm Introduction

Most public speaking opportunities arrive during community meetings. While speaking in community meetings You must  address  important persons present on the dais. It is important to show them the respect they rightfully deserve. That doesn't mean that you should raise your tone while addressing them. Rather than changing your tone of voice, based on the importance,  address each person once.For instance  you may consider the following order,

1. Chief guest

2. Inaugurating person

3. Other important persons on the Dias.

4. The remaining  audience.

3. An Interesting Preface

A  relevant and interesting Preface to your speech is crucial,it serves as the gateway to engage your listeners and  also helps  them to focus on the topic. Keep the Preface concise, simple and aligned with the subject you’re about to discuss.

Consider the following tips for an effective Preface,

1. Start with a Quotation or a Current social  Issue

Use a thought provoking quotation or reference a recent public issue related to the  topic.

This immediately captures audience attention and sets the tone.

2. Adjust Your Tone

If nervousness creeps in initially, consciously lower your tone and subsequently raise it.Always remember that a calm and confident presence enhances your message.

3. The Head of Your Speech

If  you compare your  speech to the human body, The preface is the same as the human head.

Like a well-proportioned head, your preface should be specific and proportional with the rest of the body.Preface should not be too long.

4. Enthusiasm and Energy  

Present your preface with enthusiasm.

Smile,it's contagious and it will infuse your words with positive energy.

It's good to remember that a captivating preface sets the stage for an engaging speech. 

After thorough preparation and an engaging preface, you’re now ready for the next phase of your speech. As you step onto the stage try  following points.

1. Speak at a Comfortable Pace 

Avoid speaking too fast. Let your words flow naturally from your mouth without hesitation.

Maintain a steady rhythm to ensure clarity.

2. Enunciate Clearly  

Pronounce each word distinctly. Articulate with precision.

Keep your chin up, allowing your expressions to complement your words.

3. Avoid Local Dialects 

Refrain from using regional accents or dialects unless necessary.

If your audience hails from a specific locality, adjust your speech accordingly by using familiar expressions for the locality.

Effective communication lies in choosing the right words and delivering them with confidence. 

With this ends part 1 of the 'Public Speaking Tips and Tricks'.

Thanks for reading.

Hope this will help you someday.