Public speaking – it’s a skill that can open doors and win over crowds.

But it’s not just about talking; it’s about connecting with your audience.

Excellent public speakers don’t just wing it; they practice, polish, and perfect specific strategies to captivate their listeners.

In this article, we’re diving into the 9 key techniques that exceptional public speakers often practice.

Ready to unlock the secrets of public speaking?

Let’s get started.

1) Mastering the art of storytelling

Exceptional public speakers understand the power of storytelling.

Stories captivate audiences, make complex ideas more digestible, and can create an emotional connection between the speaker and the audience.

Consider any memorable speech you’ve heard.

Chances are, it contained a story or two. Why? Because stories are relatable.

They allow listeners to see themselves in the narrative, making the speaker’s message more personal and impactful.

But weaving a captivating tale isn’t something that happens by chance. It’s a skill that needs to be honed.

Great public speakers often practice their stories, refining every detail until it’s just right.

They know exactly when to pause for dramatic effect, how to use their voice to emphasize key points, and which elements of the story will resonate most with their audience.

But remember, authenticity is key. Make sure your story is genuine and relevant. 

2) Embodying confidence

When a speaker steps onto the stage with a sense of self-assuredness, it immediately sets the tone and grabs the audience’s attention.

But let me share a little secret with you – even the most experienced public speakers deal with nerves.

It’s about managing them and not letting them take over.

Let me take you back to my first ever public speaking event.

My palms were sweaty, my heart was racing, and I was terrified of forgetting my lines.

But then I remembered a piece of advice from my mentor: “Fake it until you make it”.

So, that’s exactly what I did. I walked onto that stage as though I owned it.

I projected my voice, maintained eye contact with the audience, and delivered my speech as confidently as I could muster.

The interesting thing was – the more confident I acted, the more confident I started to feel.

That day, I learned a valuable lesson: confidence is not just about feeling secure, it’s about exuding it.

It’s about standing tall, speaking clearly, and owning your space on the stage.

3) Utilizing the power of body language

The spoken word is a powerful tool, but it isn’t the only one that public speakers have at their disposal.

Body language plays a crucial role in delivering a compelling speech.

Great public speakers often practice their body language just as meticulously as they rehearse their speech.

They know how to use their hands to emphasize a point, how a change in posture can command attention, and how maintaining eye contact can build trust with their audience.

So, next time you’re preparing for a speech, don’t just focus on your script. Stand in front of a mirror and observe your body language.

Are you slouching? Are your gestures natural? Is your facial expression in sync with your words? 

4) Mastering the pause

Mastering the art of the pause is a technique that often sets apart good speakers from great ones.

Pauses can serve multiple purposes in a speech. They can create suspense, emphasize a point, and give the audience time to absorb what has been said.

They can also help a speaker catch their breath and gather their thoughts.

But, using pauses effectively requires practice.

It can be tempting to rush through a speech to get it over with, especially when nerves are running high.

However, rushing can leave an audience feeling overwhelmed and confused.

Try incorporating strategic pauses into your delivery.

Experiment with different lengths and placements of pauses to see what works best for your message.

5) Engaging with the audience

Public speaking is not a one-way street. It’s a conversation between the speaker and the audience.

Engaging with your audience makes them feel included and part of your narrative.

How do you do this?

Ask questions, encourage participation, or even share a light-hearted joke.

The goal is to break the ice and make your audience comfortable and receptive.

One technique I’ve found effective is to start by asking a rhetorical question.

This immediately gets the audience thinking and sets the tone for a more interactive session.

But remember, engaging with your audience requires you to be present and attentive.

Pay attention to their reactions, adjust your delivery as needed, and always respect their input.

6) Being authentic and sincere

In the world of public speaking, authenticity speaks louder than eloquence.

People connect with sincerity, and they can often tell when a speaker is being genuine.

Being an effective public speaker isn’t just about using big words or perfect grammar.

It’s about sharing your passion and your truth. It’s about letting your audience see the real you.

Here’s a simple truth: People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.

When you speak from the heart, your audience can feel it. They connect with you on a deeper level, making your message more impactful.

Be vulnerable. Share your successes, but don’t shy away from discussing your failures.

It’s these human moments that make you relatable and memorable to your audience.

7) Adapting to unexpected situations

No matter how much you prepare, public speaking often comes with its fair share of surprises.

A microphone might stop working, your slides might not load, or a question from the audience might catch you off guard.

In my early days of public speaking, I was once delivering a keynote speech when the projector suddenly went off.

The slides I had spent hours preparing were gone, and I had a room full of people waiting for me to continue.

Instead of panicking, I took a deep breath and decided to use this as an opportunity to connect with my audience on a more personal level.

I moved away from the podium, walked closer to the audience, and continued my speech without the slides.

That day, I learned that being adaptable is as important as being prepared.

Things may not always go as planned, but how you handle these unexpected situations can set you apart as a speaker.

8) Using visual aids effectively

Visual aids can be a powerful tool in public speaking.

They can help explain complex ideas, maintain audience interest, and reinforce key points in your speech.

However, using visual aids effectively requires careful planning. It’s not just about throwing together a few slides with bullet points.

It’s about creating visuals that complement your speech, not distract from it.

Consider using images, graphs, or even short videos to illustrate your points. But remember, less is often more when it comes to visuals.

Too much information can overwhelm your audience and detract from your message.

Also, always ensure your visual aids are easy to read and understand. Use large fonts, clear images, and simple language.

9) Practicing relentlessly

Practice is the cornerstone of exceptional public speaking.

It helps you master your content, refine your delivery, and build confidence.

The truth is, the best public speakers are often the ones who have spent the most time in rehearsal.

Practicing your speech allows you to iron out any kinks in your narrative, perfect your timing, and become comfortable with your material.

It’s also an opportunity to experiment with different techniques and see what works best for you.

But remember, practicing doesn’t just mean repeating your speech in front of a mirror.

It also means seeking feedback, recording yourself and watching it back, and even practicing in front of a small audience.

So, don’t neglect this crucial step. Practice might not make perfect, but it certainly brings you closer to it.

This is the single most important thing to remember on your journey to becoming an excellent public speaker.

Final thoughts: Public speaking is an art

The art of public speaking is much more than just delivering a speech.

It’s about connecting with your audience, sharing a message, and leaving a lasting impact.

These nine key techniques are not just habits; they’re stepping stones to becoming an excellent public speaker.

They foster connection, build trust, and enhance your influence.

But remember, like any art form, public speaking takes time to master. There are no shortcuts or quick fixes.

It requires practice, patience, and a willingness to learn from each experience.

As the famous Greek philosopher Aristotle once said, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”

So keep practicing. Keep refining. And most importantly, keep sharing your unique voice and message with the world.

Because that’s the real power of public speaking.