Public speaking is a valuable skill commonly used in both life and work. Many American universities emphasize the development of students’ public speaking abilities. In U.S. universities, students often face the task of presenting in front of the class, and during graduation season, outstanding graduates are invited to deliver speeches. Many people are familiar with TED Talks, where individuals share their discoveries, achievements, ideals, and ambitions, influencing millions of global listeners through their speeches.
In the common perception, public speaking is associated with confident individuals who are comfortable showcasing themselves. However, for introverted individuals who prefer quietness, solitude, introspection, and avoid social interactions and group activities, public speaking may seem like an insurmountable barrier.
When introverted individuals hear “public speaking,” their anxiety levels may skyrocket. The thought of facing a crowd and meeting gazes from all directions can make them feel lost and panicked. So, is it true that introverted individuals cannot become excellent public speakers?
Don’t worry; public speaking skills can be cultivated. For introverts, here are eight public speaking techniques you should know. I’ll also introduce some activities and organizations that provide more opportunities to practice these skills!
Be Nervous, but Don’t Be Afraid:
Everyone experiences increased heart rate, tense muscles, blurred vision, and elevated breathing when speaking or performing on stage. It’s a normal reaction to stress. However, there’s no need to excessively worry and be anxious. Instead of dwelling on awkward moments or anticipating negative outcomes, try to relax your mind. Find a quiet place, spend a few minutes doing deep breathing to calm yourself, and reflect on past successes or moments of pride to boost your confidence.
Continuous Practice:
Prepare, prepare, prepare. Most dazzling and passionate speeches on stage are not impromptu. Behind every speech, there is a significant amount of preparation and practice. To confidently and captivatingly deliver a speech, thorough preparation is essential. Start by writing down everything you want to say, and then rehearse it like a play. Learn and feel every word of your speech, just like a primary school student memorizing a poem. Practice in front of a mirror, observe your performance, and understand where to pause, add humor, or engage the audience. The more you practice, the less you’ll rely on a written memo. Review your script while taking a shower or after a shower, repeating it until the words naturally flow from your mouth.
Bring Notes:
If your professor allows it, bring notes. Glance down occasionally to review all the points you want to make. Carrying notes is not considered foolish or unprofessional; in fact, even some famous speakers use notes. It’s better to have a small cheat sheet than to stand on stage, forget your lines, and distract the audience with nervousness(quotes from usms.ac.ma).
Keep it Simple:
Don’t complicate things. When delivering a public speech, meet all the requirements or express all the points you want to convey in a way that feels comfortable for you. You don’t need to turn it into a TED Talk and feel the pressure to behave in a specific way, use certain language, or speak with different tones. Keep it simple and be yourself. If you enjoy humor, share some jokes; if you like storytelling, share your stories. Audiences appreciate a genuine and sincere speaker, and authenticity cannot be faked. Be yourself in a simple and straightforward manner.
Dress to Impress:
Choose an outfit that makes you feel comfortable and confident. Physical comfort is crucial when facing anxiety-inducing situations, as being comfortable helps you relax. Selecting clothing that makes you feel at ease and confident will keep you calm and prevent worries about visible nervousness like sweating. Choose a clean, tidy outfit that suits your style, leaving a positive impression on the audience.
Maintain Good Body Language:
Invest time in developing your body language. Even if you’re nervous, stand up straight, relax your shoulders, and exude confidence. Don’t be afraid to use gestures. Positive body language builds trust with the audience, helps maintain their attention, and directs your thoughts in a positive direction.
Fake It Till You Make It:
There are two types of speakers in the world: nervous speakers and self-deceptive speakers who pretend not to be nervous. When it comes to public speaking, nervousness is a common issue. The first step in pretending not to be nervous is to smile. Smiling can improve your mood, trick your brain into thinking you’re relaxed, and leave a positive impression on the audience. Additionally, slow down your speech. The speed at which a person speaks reflects their level of nervousness. Anxious individuals often speak rapidly, making the audience uncomfortable. Remind yourself to slow down your pace when on stage. Slowing down not only reduces your heart rate and anxiety but also gives the audience a chance to truly listen and digest your words, making your speech more resonant.
Be Loud and Proud:
Don’t hide your voice; be loud and proud. If you’ve ever experienced the embarrassment of being called upon in class, only to be told, “I can’t hear what she’s saying!” due to speaking too softly, you know the feeling of being self-conscious. To improve your public speaking skills, don’t keep your voice hidden. Learn to project your voice and express yourself loudly. When delivering important speeches, don’t be afraid to raise your voice, as a louder voice can enhance your confidence.
Many people believe that introverted individuals are destined to perform poorly in public speaking. However, the ability to speak well does not have a direct correlation with personality traits. Extroverted individuals are not necessarily excellent speakers, and introverted individuals are not necessarily bad speakers. Public speaking is a skill that can be learned and must be continuously practiced. Introverted individuals can excel at public speaking by learning how to leverage their unique strengths. Many introverts, with their focus on information delivery and consideration for the audience’s feelings, can deliver captivating speeches.
As Mahatma Gandhi said, “My shyness has been in reality my shield and buckler. It has allowed me to grow. It has helped me in my discernment of truth.” Shyness can be a unique advantage that, when harnessed properly, contributes to personal growth.
It’s easier said than done, and you might find these suggestions either cliché or overwhelming. However, they are simple and effective methods for improving public speaking. You don’t need to implement all the suggestions immediately. Public speaking is a skill that takes time to develop and progress. After each attempt, assess what you did well and where you can improve.
In addition to the above suggestions, you can also find other like-minded individuals to practice public speaking. Many universities offer activities such as:
Model United Nations (MUN):
MUN is a simulation where students role-play as diplomats, discussing and debating international issues in a format similar to the United Nations. It helps students articulate their viewpoints and engage in policy debates and voting.
Debate Team:
Debate teams engage in spoken arguments to defend or oppose a proposition. It’s an opportunity for students to improve their oral communication skills, critical thinking, and persuasion abilities.
Mock Trial:
Mock trials simulate legal proceedings, allowing students to participate in trial rehearsals and compete in a legal setting. It’s particularly suitable for students interested in law.
Beyond these common activities, you can explore whether there are:
Toastmasters:
Toastmasters International is a global organization that focuses on developing public speaking and leadership skills. Clubs meet regularly, providing members with opportunities for impromptu and prepared speeches, as well as constructive feedback.
The Moth Salon Events:
The Moth is a non-profit organization that emphasizes storytelling. Individuals share compelling stories on stage, enhancing both presentation and storytelling skills. Similar organizations may exist in various locations worldwide.
Stand-up Comedy:
Stand-up comedy involves a solo performer delivering humorous anecdotes, jokes, and stories to entertain the audience. It’s a challenging but rewarding option for those comfortable with comedic expression(quotes from usms).
Improv:
Improv, or improvisational theater, is a form of unscripted performance where actors create scenes spontaneously. It’s a relaxed and enjoyable way to enhance confidence and performance style.
Public speaking is one of the most important soft skills. Once you enter the workforce, you may forget the knowledge from textbooks or theoretical concepts learned in lectures. However, regardless of your industry or position, you will inevitably need public speaking skills. Therefore, start practicing this skill early on.
Remember, step out of your comfort zone to experience growth. Good luck!