Many times people ask me what it takes to become a good public speaker – well I guess it is the same as with anything else you wish to excel in – It takes Passion! Most people want to be good public speakers not because they truly want to but because this would help them in their professional life. Well – where is the passion then?

I am a decent Public Speaker – not because I am talented but because I have worked hard on this for nearly a decade now. Your wish to excel in Public Speaking needs to be authentic and passionate, only then will you succeed.

So what can you do to improve your Public Speaking skills? First off, it is key to understand that most people are more afraid of public speaking than perishing in an airplane crash… So you are not alone – It is tough but possible!

Below see my humble advice on how you can excel in this intricate task:

• Prepare – Success is in the details of your preparations
• Practice – Stand in front of the mirror and practice what and how you wish to convey your message ( I never go on stage for an appearance without practicing thoroughly – even though I have years of experience)
• Be confident of yourself – No one knows the topic or what you will say better than you – so why worry?
• Nervous – Being nervous prior a stage appearance is good. This sharpens your mind. As soon as you go out on stage – relax, this is what you prepared for and if nothing else – there is now no turning back now, so again – why worry?
• Use your voice to describe your message and the variations of it – Low voice heightens the importance of the message. Loud voice is for effect and crescendo. Listening to a monotonous voice throughout is the death of the message.
• Use your hands and gestures to heighten and bring alive your message – Be Italian!
• Walk on the stage – involve and engage your entire audience, not only from the middle of the stage. Walk and talk at the same time. Stand still for a minute and then walk again… Don´t walk too much and too fast though as this may give a nervous impression.
• Be dramatic – Let go of your inhibitions and dare to shake your head, put your hands to your face, jump, laugh. Of course this needs to be well rehearsed so to fit your message.
• Be spontaneous – This comes with experience but sometimes this is the best part of any message. Say what´s really on your mind even if you did not intend to say it.
• Enjoy yourself – I love to be on stage and talking to people – but only if I have rehearsed and prepared well. Otherwise I am like most others…. looking for an excuse to get off as soon as possible!
• Seek feedback – Ask friends and colleagues for feedback as often as you can. This will help you to continue to improve.