The 25 Public Speaking Skills Every Speaker Must Have

Andrew, great list. I have enjoyed your blog and look forward to learning from you throughout 2008. I would add the skill of interacting with the crowd before your presentation. This allows the speaker to get a feel of the audience’s mood, learn some names, get some “in the moment” expectations of the program and generally put everyone at ease.

I would also add teaching others to speak and/or actively mentor another speaker. As you know, it is amazing how much you can improve your craft when you have the opportunity to teach someone else.

Thanks!

I would say that the audience interaction piece could probably just be an add-on to number 15. Highlight that the interaction needs to start before the presentation.

I think the mentoring piece could be an add-on to number 24. The mentoring is really just a personal and specific method of doing number 24.

Again, great list!

Great list, Andrew! This is my first time on your site… I’ll come back.

My only comment would be to “stay current.” This could probably be added to the description of a more specific speaking skill you’ve already listed, like “research your topic.” It’s important to be “in the know” with the particular group you are speaking to. It’s one thing to research, it’s another to know what new developments are taking place in the industry or organization you are speaking to.

Thanks again, Andrew. Looks like I’ll be spending a little bit of time on your site.

These are 25 great tips and I think it can already serve as a good book outline. Simple but helpful guide to aspiring public speakers.

Hi, I am a motivation speaker to and for those with learning challenges. I have learned a few things that I was not aware of.

I think public speakers can talk about something they dont know. Not all publlic speakers have to be exactly on key with every speech/talk that they give. Its very interesting to me that every time someone mentions public speaker they automatically think politics when thats not the case at all. Not all speakers have to be invovled in some type of politics. But i do agree when this article said that a public speaker must be a leader i absolutely believe that. Because in order to lead a crowd you in fact must be a leader of your own estiny and have your priorities striaght before trying to help/lead someone with theirs. Also, the thing i like about this article is that it tells you some very good details. Like listen and analyze the other speakers thats very good advice. But overall i think this was a very good article and keep up the good work.

this is really something solid. I am really inspired. I hope you can continue writing like this..

Hi Andrew,
You’ve made a pretty solid list. I agree with most points, but see things differently on a few points.

7. You don’t always need to start strong, but you do need to start appropriately. That is determined by the occasion and the audience. Also, it’s a myth that the audience will remember your opening and closing more than the body of your speech. Each member of the audience will remember the point that is most significant to them.
If the audience doesn’t remember anything at all, you wasted everyone’s time and didn’t prepare your speech properly.

10. Use natural gestures. Punctuating words with gestures often looks contrived if it’s not something you would normally do. It’s quite painful to watch. Gestures have their place, but sometimes a simple head twitch is more powerful that the sweeping of the arms.

Once again, a solid list. Keep up the good work.

Very useful list.

Excellent article and I agree with everything you say. It would be interesting to hear what you thought the top 10 points were in order.
That could kick off an interesting debate perhaps.
All the best
Richard

The spoken words wields great power.It can stir people to mutinies and rebellions.So preparing for public speaking requires some special communication techniques to ensure your audience hear what you say.This blog really helps in it.

Spot on! This is one of the more comprehensive lists I have seen. Any good keynote speaker that you see – be they a celebrity speaker or not – will incorporate most or all of these tips and rules into their actions.

Again, this is a great, great post!

Thank you

Pete

Andrew

I would find #16 the hardest. I guess thats because your most vulnerable. Do you have any ideas on how to be more prepared for tough questions or how to save face when you may not know the answer?

I especially like #24. As I’ve observed excellent speakers I’ve noticed many of the things in your list above. I learn so much from listening to someone who is great. Thanks for this post. Every time I listen to someone speak who isn’t very prepared it reminds me that its so important for all of us to keep improving.