Got a presentation or speech coming up? Need a quick refresher on the dos and don’ts of public speaking? We got you covered.

DO:

✅ Know your audience and the occasion. Tailor your speech accordingly. You don’t want to crack jokes at a funeral or memorial event.

✅ Be yourself. This will help you connect with your audience on a deeper level, making them feel at ease and engaged.

✅ Use positive body language and eye contact. Stand upright, lean slightly forward, and make eye contact with various sections of your audience to keep them invested in your speech.

✅ Encourage interaction. A great way to keep your audience engaged is by asking them questions. This instantly alerts them and makes them put their phones down.

✅ Be adaptive and flexible. Unexpected situations or questions may arise. If you don’t know the answer, stay composed and say, “That’s a great question! I’d need to research a bit more and get back to you. Does anyone in the audience have insights on this?” This showcases honesty and credibility.

✅ Use props wisely. Visual aids can enhance understanding, but don’t clutter your slides. Keep them simple, clear, and focused so they support, rather than distract from, your speech.

✅ Practice well. There’s no substitute for good ol’ practice. A well-rehearsed speech always outshines an unprepared one.

✅ Keep track of your time. You don’t want to delay other speakers or bore the audience with an overly long speech. Stick to your allotted time.

DON’T:

❌ Talk too fast. Slow down, my fren. Speaking at a controlled pace gives you authority and allows your audience to absorb your words. But don’t drag it out—keep an even rhythm.

❌ Read directly from a script. This makes you sound robotic. Instead, jot down key points to guide you. The same goes for slides—don’t just read them word for word.

❌ Pace excessively or fidget. A natural, purposeful movement is fine, but constantly walking back and forth or fidgeting can be distracting. Stay composed and practice controlled breathing.

❌ Overuse filler words. Words like uhh, umm, err, so, like make your speech cluttered. Instead, pause and slow down when gathering your thoughts.

❌ Fear criticism. Always seek constructive feedback—it helps you grow. Accept it with an open mind and filter out what’s useful.

❌ Lie. Nothing destroys credibility faster than getting caught in a lie. If someone calls you out, you’ll instantly lose respect. Always be honest.

❌ Over-rehearse. While practice is crucial, over-practicing can make your speech sound lifeless and mechanical. Aim for a balance where you’re prepared but still sound natural.

Final Thoughts:

Hey, stay sharp and stay hungry. If you’ve read this far, you’re already ahead of the game. Believe in yourself, apply these tips, and you’ll crush it. See ya around!