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16 Public Speaking Tips for Students

Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

Aron Janssen, MD is board certified in child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry and is the vice chair of child and adolescent psychiatry Northwestern University.

Public speaking tips for students aim to reduce anxiety that can interfere with giving presentations or speeches in class. These tips can also be helpful for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD)   who have difficulty speaking in front of a group or telling a story among friends.

Public Speaking Tips

If you have SAD and need to give a speech  in elementary school, high school, college, or university, it helps to be as prepared as possible . Beyond preparation, however, there are strategies that you can use to reduce anxiety and fight the urge to stay home with a fake illness.

Even great speakers practice their speeches beforehand. Practice out loud with a recording device or video camera and then watch yourself to see how you can improve. If you are feeling brave, practice in front of a friend or family member and ask for feedback.

• Talk about what you know : If possible, choose a topic for your speech or presentation that you know a lot about and love. Your passion for the topic will be felt by the audience, and you will feel less anxious knowing that you have a lot of experience to draw from when other students ask you questions.
• Concentrate on your message : When you focus on the task at hand, anxiety is less likely to get out of control. Concentrate on the main message of your speech or presentation and make it your goal to deliver that message to the other students in your class.
• Grab the audience's attention : Most of your fellow classmates will pay attention for at least the first 20 seconds; grab their attention during those early moments. Start with an interesting fact or a story that relates to your topic.
• Have one main message : Focus on one central theme and your classmates will learn more. Tie different parts of your talk to the main theme to support your overall message. Trying to cover too much ground can leave other students feeling overwhelmed.

Tell Stories

Stories catch the attention of other students and deliver a message in a more meaningful way than facts and figures. Whenever possible, use a story to illustrate a point in your talk.

Being prepared to speak in public can also be important if you have social anxiety disorder. Feeling confident and prepared to give your speech may help lessen your feelings of anxiety. Some of the things that you can do to prepare include:

• Visit the room : If you have access to the classroom where you will be speaking outside of class hours, take the time to visit in advance and get used to standing at the front of the room. Make arrangements for any audio-visual equipment and practice standing in the exact spot where you will deliver your speech.
• Rack up experience : Volunteer to speak in front of your class as often as possible. Be the first one to raise your hand when a question is asked. Your confidence will grow with every public speaking experience.
• Observe other speakers : Take the time to watch other speakers who are good at what they do. Practice imitating their style and confidence.
• Organize your talk : Every speech should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Structure your talk so that the other students know what to expect.

Manage Your Anxiety

Taking steps to deal with your feelings of anxiety can also make public speaking easier. Some of the things that you can do:

• Tell someone about your anxiety : If you are speaking in front of a high school or college class, meet with your teacher or professor and describe your public speaking fears . If you're in elementary or high school, share your fears with your parents, a teacher, or a guidance counselor. Sometimes sharing how you feel can make it easier to overcome stage fright.
• Visualize confidence : Visualize yourself confidently delivering your speech. Imagine feeling free of anxiety and engaging the students in your class. Although this may seem like a stretch for you now, visualization is a powerful tool for changing the way that you feel. Elite athletes use this strategy to improve performance in competitions.
• Find a friendly face : If you are feeling anxious, find one of your friends in class (or someone who seems friendly) and imagine that you are speaking only to that person.

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Maintain Perspective

Remember that other students are on your side. Think about a time when you have been an audience member and the student delivering the speech or presentation was noticeably nervous. Did you think less of that student? More likely, you felt sympathetic and wanted to make that person more comfortable by smiling or nodding.

Remember—other students generally want you to succeed and feel comfortable. If for some reason the audience is not on your side or you experience bullying or social exclusion, be sure to discuss this with a parent, teacher, or guidance counselor.

Be Confident

Sometimes just knowing what makes a good speech can help you feel more confident. Focus on some of the following elements and practice them before you have to speak in public.

• Develop your own style : In addition to imitating good speakers, work on developing your own personal style as a public speaker. Integrate your own personality into your speaking style and you will feel more comfortable in front of the class. Telling personal stories that tie into your theme are a great way to let other students get to know you better.
• Avoid filler words : Words such as "basically", "well", and "um" don't add anything to your speech. Practice being silent when you feel the urge to use one of these words.
• Vary your tone, volume, and speed : Interesting speakers vary the pitch (high versus low), volume (loud versus soft), and speed (fast versus slow) of their words. Doing so keeps your classmates interested and engaged in what you say.
• Make the audience laugh : Laughter is a great way to relax both you and the other students in your class, and telling jokes can be a great icebreaker at the beginning of a speech. Practice the timing and delivery of your jokes beforehand and ask a friend for feedback. Be sure that they are appropriate for your class before you begin.
• Smile : If all else fails, smile. Your fellow classmates will perceive you like a warm speaker and be more receptive to what you have to say.

Don't Apologize

If you make a mistake, don't offer apologies. Chances are that your classmates didn't notice anyway. Unless you need to correct a fact or figure, there is no point dwelling on errors that probably only you noticed.

If you make a mistake because your hands or shaking, or something similar, try to make light of the situation by saying something like, "I wasn't this nervous when I woke up this morning!" This can help to break the tension of the moment.

A Word From Verywell

It's natural to feel frightened the first time you have to speak in front of your class. However, if you fear continues, interferes with your daily life and keeps you awake at night, it may be helpful to see someone about your anxiety.

Try talking to a parent, teacher, or counselor about how you have been feeling. If that doesn't get you anywhere, ask to make an appointment with your doctor. Severe public speaking anxiety is a true disorder that can improve with treatment .

Spence SH, Rapee RM. The etiology of social anxiety disorder: An evidence-based model . Behav Res Ther. 2016;86:50-67. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2016.06.007

By Arlin Cuncic, MA Arlin Cuncic, MA, is the author of The Anxiety Workbook and founder of the website About Social Anxiety. She has a Master's degree in clinical psychology.

10 Tips for Improving Your Public Speaking Skills

Few are immune to the fear of public speaking. Marjorie North offers 10 tips for speakers to calm the nerves and deliverable memorable orations.

Marjorie North

Snakes? Fine. Flying? No problem. Public speaking? Yikes! Just thinking about public speaking — routinely described as one of the greatest (and most common) fears — can make your palms sweat. But there are many ways to tackle this anxiety and learn to deliver a memorable speech.

In part one of this series,  Mastering the Basics of Communication , I shared strategies to improve how you communicate. In part two, How to Communicate More Effectively in the Workplace , I examined how to apply these techniques as you interact with colleagues and supervisors in the workplace. For the third and final part of this series, I’m providing you with public speaking tips that will help reduce your anxiety, dispel myths, and improve your performance.

Here Are My 10 Tips for Public Speaking:

1. nervousness is normal. practice and prepare.

All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts and trembling hands. Do not associate these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good. The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat also makes you more alert and ready to give your best performance.

The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take the time to go over your notes several times. Once you have become comfortable with the material, practice — a lot. Videotape yourself, or get a friend to critique your performance.

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2. Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You.

Before you begin to craft your message, consider who the message is intended for. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organization pattern, and motivational statement.

3. Organize Your Material in the Most Effective Manner to Attain Your Purpose.

Create the framework for your speech. Write down the topic, general purpose, specific purpose, central idea, and main points. Make sure to grab the audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds.

4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It.

Keep the focus on the audience. Gauge their reactions, adjust your message, and stay flexible. Delivering a canned speech will guarantee that you lose the attention of or confuse even the most devoted listeners.

5. Let Your Personality Come Through.

Be yourself, don’t become a talking head — in any type of communication. You will establish better credibility if your personality shines through, and your audience will trust what you have to say if they can see you as a real person.

6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language.

Inject a funny anecdote in your presentation, and you will certainly grab your audience’s attention. Audiences generally like a personal touch in a speech. A story can provide that.

7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Work from an Outline.

Reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can serve to jog your memory and keep you on task.

8. Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively. Omit Nervous Gestures.

Nonverbal communication carries most of the message. Good delivery does not call attention to itself, but instead conveys the speaker’s ideas clearly and without distraction.

9. Grab Attention at the Beginning, and Close with a Dynamic End.

Do you enjoy hearing a speech start with “Today I’m going to talk to you about X”? Most people don’t. Instead, use a startling statistic, an interesting anecdote, or concise quotation. Conclude your speech with a summary and a strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.

10. Use Audiovisual Aids Wisely.

Too many can break the direct connection to the audience, so use them sparingly. They should enhance or clarify your content, or capture and maintain your audience’s attention.

Practice Does Not Make Perfect

Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects you to be perfect. However, putting in the requisite time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.

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About the Author

North is a consultant for political candidates, physicians, and lawyers, and runs a private practice specializing in public speaking, and executive communication skills. Previously, she was the clinical director in the department of speech and language pathology and audiology at Northeastern University.

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Tips for High School Students to Give a Great Speech in Class

Sooner or later, everyone will have to deliver a speech. For some people, the setting may be formal, such as a wedding, fundraising event, or political rally. For others, the occasion will be smaller and more casual, like a family reunion, a sports banquet or a club meeting. Whether the presentation is short and amusing or long and inspiring, the speaker should know how to engage the audience. By following time-honored tips for giving a speech in class, high school students can build their communication skills and gain confidence when they stand before an audience.

This article will describe five important tips that help high school students conquer their nerves so they can speak with passion and poise:

• Know the Audience
• Stick to the Topic
• Honor Time Limits
• Rely on Natural Strengths
• Ask for Feedback

Why Do High School Students Need to Practice Giving a Speech in Class?

Teachers frequently assign oral presentations, either individually or as part of a group project. Accordingly, the goal is twofold: to disseminate information clearly and to engage the audience.

Learning to communicate well takes time and effort, so high school students should take advantage of opportunities to speak in public. Indeed, students can draw from many helpful tips for giving a speech in class.

Additionally, giving a speech in class can help high school students develop essential interpersonal skills, or “soft skills.” Young people need these skills as they enter adulthood, especially when they enter the workplace. Increasingly, employers expect their workers to be competent communicators; in other words, all professionals should practice active listening, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management.

Although giving a speech in class may seem like a relatively minor task, it enhances the students’ soft skills, especially active listening, critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management. 

Whenever high school students craft a speech, they must plan every part of the presentation. They will evaluate their topic critically and organize their thoughts logically. They should anticipate objections, and they must respect time limits. 

Additionally, students must consider whether they will incorporate visual aids, when and how they will gesture or move, and when to modulate their voice. Consequently, giving a speech in class encompasses far more than a single assignment; it becomes a path to personal growth and responsibility.

As an independent, single-sex school, Marlborough encourages high school students to give speeches in various subjects. For instance, students in our History and Social Sciences classes have recurring opportunities to present their views in culturally-relevant courses, such as Honors Humanities Seminar: Theories & Politics of Race, Contemporary Asian Studies, and Presidential Elections .

Tips for Giving a Speech in Class

As often as possible, high school students should embrace challenges, and public speaking is an excellent way to do just that. Giving a speech in class forces students out of their comfort zone, especially if they must take a stand on a social issue. 

With practice, students learn to face their insecurities, quell their anxiety, and respond articulately to opposition; as a result, they develop resilience, conviction, and eloquence.

Thus, the following tips for giving a speech in class can empower and embolden high school students.

1.    Know the Audience

Before diving into piles of research materials, high school students should consider the audience and the occasion for the speech. Prudent students should ask a few questions:

• Am I speaking to peers, adults, or both?
• How big is the audience?
• What is the context for my speech?

One of the most important tips for giving a speech regards the size of the audience. An intimate setting may lend itself to a relaxed, conversational tone; by contrast, an auditorium generally requires more structure, increased volume, and deliberate, visible movement so that people in the back of the room can follow the presentation easily.

At Marlborough, high school students give a series of speeches in advanced classes, such the Honors Capstone Program in Entrepreneurship . These students research and launch products or services to target markets after developing a business plan; then, they pitch their idea to a panel of investors during Marlborough’s SPARC Tank.

2.    Stick to the Topic

Young orators will not have time to cover every aspect of the topic; instead, students should narrow their focus and compose an articulate thesis statement that serves as a roadmap for the entire presentation.

Then, the speakers should identify two or three central points they can explain within their allotted time. High school students must remember that every part of the speech must support their thesis, which means that the presenters must stay on topic. While it may be tempting to include interesting backstories or humorous anecdotes, students must discern whether those details advance the argument.

Although tips for giving a speech in class vary, the Dale Carnegie adage works for many presentations: “Tell the audience what you’re going to say, say it; then tell them what you’ve said.” The idea behind this maxim is that the audience has a short period of time to hear and process what the speaker is saying. The speaker should follow a logical outline, repeat crucial points, and direct the audience towards a clear objective; that way, the audience can track the argument and form an opinion about the topic.

At Marlborough, high school students present speeches in classes that prepare them for life in the 21st century, including The Honors English Seminar: Gender & Sexuality, Social Psychology, Computer Science Projects, and Computer Science Projects Honors.

3. Honor Time Limits

In 2006, TED Talks took the world of public speaking by storm, and their prototype altered the way people make presentations. TED organizers limited speeches to 18 minutes, the ideal time that audiences can process information without feeling overwhelmed; today, many TED Talks come in under six minutes.

According to an analysis of the TED Talk model , high school students can easily streamline presentations and still connect to the audience. Here are four essential tips for giving a speech in class:

• Tell three stories that stir the imagination and rouse the heart.
• Practice relentlessly. One TED speaker rehearsed her speech 200 times before presenting it.
• Introduce something new, whether it be an unusual fact, a new application, or a fresh perspective.
• Let photographs, art, animations, and graphics help tell the story; avoid copy-heavy slides that no one will read.

At Marlborough, we encourage our students to give speeches and presentations in classes and at school-sponsored activities, including Modern World History Honors, AP Art History, Improvisational Techniques . In addition, students can join our award-winning Debate Club , where they learn the art of negotiation and persuasion.

4.    Rely on Natural Strengths

In researching the TED Talk phenomenon , Forbes contributor, Carmine Gallo, concluded that efficacious speakers rely on their humanity to win over an audience. Here are three more tips for giving a speech in class:

• Be willing to elicit a range of emotions, including joy, fear, shock, or surprise.
• Understand that respectful humor surpasses the common joke; anecdotes and personal experiences often ease tension and create a powerful bond with the audience.
• Embrace mistakes; vulnerability and imperfection help the audience relate to a speaker.

When high school students lower their guard and speak from the heart, they allow their audience to join them on a journey of discovery.

During a speech, the audience might laugh, stand, applaud, even cry. If that happens, speakers should pause briefly. If necessary, students can thank the audience or gesture that they are ready to continue the presentation.

At Marlborough, students have opportunities to develop their public speaking skills in extracurricular activities, such as Class Council, All-School Council, the Student Equity & Inclusion Council, the Arts Council, and the Community Outreach Council .

5.    Ask for Feedback

Perhaps one of the most important tips for giving a speech in class involves feedback. High school students should rehearse the presentation in its entirety before an audience of one or two people.

If possible, students should practice in the venue where they will be speaking; that way, they get a feel for the size and acoustics of the room.

The listeners should sit at the back of the room to gauge whether they can hear the speaker clearly. They should not interrupt the speaker; instead, they can use hand signals to indicate when the student needs to speak louder or slow the pacing.

When high school students fidget, pace, or sway back and forth, their listeners can indicate that they need to modify the behavior. Normally, rocking, tugging on sleeves, playing with hair, jingling keys, or thrusting hands in pockets are signs of nerves, and ample practice can train the student to notice — and correct — distracting habits.

Furthermore, listeners can cue the speakers regarding eye contact and gestures. High school students should avoid gazing above the heads of audience members. Eye contact holds the audience accountable for listening and gives a speaker the chance to check if the audience is tracking the argument properly.

High school students should mentally divide the audience into thirds, scanning each section as they speak. The movement should feel deliberate. During the rehearsal, listeners can prompt the speaker to look at each part of the room.

Lastly, listeners should also help high school students avoid “filler words,” such as “uh, um, like, or you know.” These phrases and other, vague references to “stuff” and “things” can hurt credibility. Since teenagers frequently default to “fillers” when they speak, they must train themselves to filter their speech in a formal presentation. Listeners can raise a hand each time the student uses a distracting word or phrase, helping the speaker become more self-aware.

At Marlborough, our students understand that public speaking skills prepare them for adulthood. Thus, they give motivating speeches in class; one exciting example is the Honors Capstone Program in Justice , where high school students urge peers and adults to advocate for positive and lasting change.

Why Choose Marlborough?

Marlborough serves girls in grades 7 through 12. We are a private, college-preparatory secondary school, conveniently located in the heart of Los Angeles, California.  

Our goal is to ignite intellectual inquiry and to build the problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and communication skills that our students will need to innovate, invent, and lead in college and beyond.

If you want your daughter to become a curious, agile thinker, consider Marlborough. Our innovative program can help your daughter build confidence and poise. By offering tips that promote public speaking skills in high school, she can feel prepared for college and beyond.

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Public Speaking Activities for Secondary Students

Read on for six public speaking activities. Then, sign up for a free download of the activities that you can hopefully use in diverse ways, even as public speaking games. 

I earned an endorsement in “speech” for my teaching license. (I’m in Illinois.) In college, I took extra communication courses and observed high school speech classes. Plenty of my extracurricular activities (plus my classes) required me to prepare and deliver speeches. When I started teaching, I had experienced public speaking activities as a student and a teacher observer.

Still, I felt underprepared to teach public speaking. I had zero speech activities for high school students. My first year of teaching, I thought materials were lacking on the Internet, from textbooks, from anywhere (and I searched). This was pre-TpT and I was sinking or swimming. My textbook for the class was about sixty years old, and I had no teacher edition.

That first year I did lots of paddling, but over the years I grew confident in teaching a speech class. I developed fun impromptu speech activities and other speech activities for high school students.

That isn’t to say that I didn’t make mistakes ; I made plenty. Through messy lessons, too-short of lessons, and confused students, I learned to provide structure for students without squashing them. I realized how much preparation was needed. I changed basic rubrics to rubrics that encouraged students to set goals and take ownership of their improvement. Scaffolding and modeling became part of my class.

So! I improved and reflected. After years of teaching public speaking, I crafted ideas for what would help young speakers. Hopefully, these activities help your speech classes too.

What are some ice-breaker exercises that can be used in a public speaking activity?

Some ice-breaker exercises that can be used in public speaking activities include “Two Truths and a Lie,” where participants share two true statements and one false statement about themselves, and “Would You Rather,” where participants are asked to choose between two options and explain their choice.

What about public speaking games?

Sometimes, structure helps young speakers, so I created these public speaking activities to address common areas of concern with high schoolers. Most students fear the nature of a speech class, use too many fillers when speaking, and focus on one area, such as volume and forget about the rest: non-verbal communication, tone, eye contact, etc.

Through coaching speech, spending many weekends at speech tournaments, and teaching public speaking, I created these public speaking activities. I’ve seen variations of these or adapted these from activities geared toward younger students. These speech activities should work well with high school students, but you can modify them for middle school or college speech classes.

These are included in my public speaking unit as well because they can be used numerous times.

Fillers can distract an audience from hearing a really well-developed speech. First, not all fillers are bad. We naturally pause and add fillers. The abundance of fillers, however, can be distracting.

Sometimes speech students are unaware that they use fillers. Other times, students become nervous, pause, and fill the empty time with a filler. Talk with students about the reasons why fillers occur and if they have a time they rely on one. Showing compassion and understanding about a common problem during speeches will relax students, and they will be more likely to work on eliminating an abundance of fillers.

After showing compassion, play public speaking games to address filler words.

Before starting, choose your topic and write a list of common fillers that don’t positively add to spoken communication: um, yeah, like, uh. Ask students to contribute to the list. I normally write the list so that students can consult it.

Instruct students to speak for 30 seconds (vary the time if necessary) and not use any fillers. Students should realize how easily fillers creep into their speech. NOW! Everyone uses some fillers, and fillers can make public speaking natural. However, too many fillers can distract audiences.

Each student will give a short speech for 30 seconds. The topic isn’t too important. You can choose one for the entire class or allow students to choose.

Students must restart their speech if they use a filler. Some students will try to pause and draw out the speech by not speaking, but most students speak at a normal pace. Overall, the audience is compassionate toward the speaker because everyone realizes the difficulty of not relying on these words.

This activity is perfect after the first formal speech. Students need to decompress, but they also need to eliminate fillers. When I ask students to write goals for their future speeches, eliminating fillers is a common goal.

2. Nonverbal practice

Nonverbal communication matters. To help students experience that, ask them to perform an activity where the focus is nonverbal communication.

Students will line up in alphabetical order only using nonverbal communication. I have students line up by order of their middle names since they typically know everyone’s last names. They experiment with different forms of nonverbal communication and have fun. Most often they make a capital letter with their fingers. If some students know middle names, they will switch classmates around.

The real practice is when students realize many of them have a middle name that starts with the same letter. “A” is a common one. Then students must figure out how to communicate the second letters of Aarron, Ann, Alice, and Abraham. I will say I’ve never had a class line up correctly.

This activity is the perfect introduction to nonverbal communication. As students continue through the semester, they’ll be able to focus on purposeful movements that emphasize their points. This nonverbal activity breaks the ice as you start to work on nonverbal communication. I never plan on this nonverbal practice becoming a public speaking game, but it often does.

3. One goal

Speeches can overwhelm students. Help students focus on one goal. The best part about the “one goal” activity is that students choose their focus which creates less work for you and buy-in for students.

As students continue with class, ask them what area they see as the greatest potential for improvement. Brainstorm areas as a class. There is no right or wrong! Students normally list eye contact, proper volume level, appropriate nonverbal communication, and natural movement. Then let students decide what they desire to improve.

Students will individually decide what they want to improve in their speaking—they will each have a goal. Some students want to work on eye contact, others want to balance their volume, others want to stop fidgeting. Then I divide students into small groups. Students will practice the current speech they are creating, receiving constructive feedback when they need to correct an action to meet their goal. Their group will also tell them when they did well and moved toward meeting their goal.

(This is a bit like #1 but fillers are such a huge issue with high school orators that it gets its own activity.) I normally do this activity later in the year after students are comfortable with each other. I also don’t do this activity if I feel a class may not give meaningful feedback. Finally, I share with students that improving in an area is part of most jobs. In teaching, for example, teachers often record themselves and reflect on the video later. They then develop goals for improvement in their profession. (Sometimes it is a public speaking goal!)

This activity works well to meet individual goals and to build classroom community. My speech rubrics contain a spot for consideration on improvement of a goal. Plus, the art of reflection will serve students in any field or career, so I stress that message to them. This focused practice works well because it encourages students to work on a goal in which the teacher had very little involvement.

4. M&M/ Skittles

Who doesn’t like candy? With this fun exercise, students share information about a topic. You’ll get students talking in a low-stress, engaging way.

This candy activity is fun and quick. Bring a large bag of small candies like M&M or Skittles to class. Ask students to take as many pieces of candy as they like, but stress not to eat the candies yet. Pass the bag around. Then, students must tell a fact about themselves for each piece of candy. 15 pieces of candy? 15 facts.

This also works with review. 5 pieces of candy? Review 5 facts with the class concerning public speaking terms. After speaking, students may eat their candy. I’ve used a similar process in other classes to review material.

This activity works well as a review or as a first day of school activity. Students are publicly speaking in their speech class on the first day of school without any feedback or real regulations. Since the process is fun, their first experience in class is a positive one. Plus, the candy aspect lends itself to making a public speaking game.

5. Impromptu

Most speeches in real life are actually impromptu speeches. Interviews, business meetings, and proposal presentations require people to think quickly and to speak eloquently, all while proving their point. Body language matters too!

Activate prior knowledge with a bit of an anticipatory set. Ask students about a time they gave an impromptu speech (even though they did not probably label it “impromptu” at the time!). Most people can relate to the frustration of having ideas but not conveying them well. Many times, people think of what they should have said days later! Students probably face this frustration. Acknowledge that feeling, share they you’ve experienced it too, and supply a solution.

Thinking and speaking on your feet might come naturally to some people. With practice, even those who struggle to articulate their ideas under pressure can improve.

Have students organize a speech quickly by delivering an impromptu speech. Often I would ask a class to write a topic on a piece of paper. (Sometimes I would say that the topic needed to be persuasive or informative—but it always needed to be clean.) Students would write their topic, add it to a box, and draw from a box. The topics were great because I didn’t make them and because students knew they had the potential to draw their own.

After drawing, provide 30 seconds to outline their speech. Then, students will talk about the topic for one minute. As the school year continued, I would increase the speaking time.

Older students who have been in class for a bit will probably organize their speech with a general introductory statement, two concepts, and a concluding statement. (That varies, of course.) If students struggle with the format, create a quick outline they can apply to their topics.

Students enjoy creating their own topics and learn to speak on the spot in a mature, organized manner. At first, students groan about impromptu speaking. This area is actually where I see the most growth. Students gain confidence that they can think and speak quickly, and they start to enjoy the process.

Tone matters! Many adults don’t realize the tone that they convey shapes their communication. We should certainly work with our students concerning tone so that they are aware of its power. Not only can the wrong tone hurt speakers, but the right tone can also emphasize their message.

Define “tone” for students. Brainstorm times that students know their tone has affected them. (Normally students share stories about times they were in trouble with their parents for having the wrong tone.) Then think of times that the right tone conveyed the correct message. Students might struggle to come up with examples for best use of tone. Oftentimes, a tone that matches a speaker’s message doesn’t stand out, and that is probably because the tone was woven into the message so well.

Experiment with tone with students. Put students into groups, and assign a speaker. (Everyone will have the chance to be a speaker.) Give the speaker a list of emotions and a list of generic statements. Then ask the speaker to choose a question and an emotion that conveys tone.

Finally, the rest of the group must decide the speaker’s tone. This opportunity allows for discussion about intentional tone and miscommunication. You’ll want to circulate as students practice this.

Public speaking activities can be engaging and memorable. Students might be nervous about giving speeches, so provide a variety of opportunities for them to practice. As you build a classroom community, these activities easily can become public speaking games.

Work on material slowly and purposefully. By helping students see success with public speaking, they will gain more confidence in your speech class and in life. Soon, your speech activities for high school students will be personalized and fit your community.

As you incorporate these public speaking games and activities into your speech units, you’ll discover that they are easily adaptable. Plus, you’ll find the perfect timing for each exercise. Teaching public speaking requires experimentation and reflection. I hope these help!

Would you like these public speaking activities at your fingertips? Download these six lesson plans (plus many more!) when you sign up for library access.

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How to Prepare for an Oral Report

• Writing Research Papers
• Writing Essays
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

If the thought of giving an oral report makes you queasy, you're not alone. People of all ages and occupations—even those with public speaking experience—feel the same way. The good news is that you can do a number of things to prepare and feel calmer during your talk. Just follow the tips below to gear up for a super performance.

Tips for Presenting

As with many things in life, delivering an oral report will be much easier if you take time to prepare for it. Preparation will give you confidence and help you focus on what matters when you're finally in the spotlight.

• Write your report to be heard, not read. There is a difference between words that are meant to be heard in your head and words that are meant to be heard out loud. You'll see this once you begin to practice what you've written, as some sentences will sound choppy or too formal.
• Practice your report out loud. This is very important. There will be some phrases that you will stumble over, even though they look simple. Read out loud when you practice and make changes to any phrases that stop your flow.
• On the morning of your report, eat something but don't drink soda. Carbonated beverages will give you dry mouth, and caffeine will affect your nerves and make you jittery. Stick to water or juice instead.
• Dress appropriately and in layers. You never know whether the room will be hot or cold. Either could give you the shakes, so prepare for both.
• Once you stand up, take a moment to gather your thoughts or relax. Don't be afraid to give yourself a silent pause before you begin. Look through your paper for a moment. If your heart is beating hard, this will give it an opportunity to calm down. If you do this right, it actually looks very professional, too.
• If you start to speak and your voice is shaky, take a pause. Clear your throat. Take a few relaxing breaths and start again.
• Focus on someone at the back of the room. This has a calming effect on some speakers. It may feel weird, but it doesn't look weird.
• Take the stage. Pretend you're a professional on TV. This gives confidence.
• Prepare an "I don't know" answer if people will be asking questions. Don't be afraid to say you don't know. You can say something like, "That is a great question. I'll look into that."
• Have a good ending line. Avoid an awkward moment in the end by preparing a strong conclusion. Don't back away, mumbling "Well, I guess that's all."

Other Advice

More generally, you can prepare for an oral report by deeply researching your topic and practicing your speech before a mirror or video camera.

• Know your topic well. If you feel confident about your knowledge, you will feel confident when it comes time to share that knowledge with others.
• If possible, make a practice video and watch yourself to see how you sound. Pay attention to your posture and tone of voice. If you have any nervous tics—such as saying "um" or "ah"—try to reduce them as much as you can.
• Don't pick the day of your report to experiment with a new style. It may give you an extra reason to feel nervous in front of a crowd.
• Walk up to your speaking location early to give your nerves time to calm down.
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• Our Mission

Strategies for Supporting Students’ Speaking and Listening Skills

Many students struggle with these skills, which are tied to academic success. Here are a few ways to teach them explicitly.

Many students struggle with speaking and listening skills and the ability to work together in the classroom—vital social skills that are also important in academic learning .

In our district, we noticed a particular decline in speaking and listening skills in response to remote and hybrid learning and subsequently took an intentional, district-wide approach to supporting student discourse that has contributed to significant academic gains.

By facilitating professional development, inviting instructional coaches into our school, selecting curricula that centers student talk, and exploring teaching tools such as sentence starters (e.g., “I agree with you because…,” “Can you tell me more about that...,” and “I know a different way to solve that...”), we promote accountable, respectful dialogue in and outside of the classroom.

If you, too, are looking for specific, systematic steps to get the conversation going in your classroom, here are a few ideas to help get you started.

Create book clubs or literary circles

Pair students based on their interest in a topic, not by their reading levels, and get them talking to each other and the class about the books they enjoy. Provide supports like audio versions of a text if needed, to make the groupings more equitable.

You might ask students to offer a book review upon completing a book, but to do so verbally instead of in written form to boost speaking and listening skills. You can also encourage a question-and-answer session about the book, in which a student reader is considered an expert and is interviewed by their peers to keep the conversation going.

In a recent classroom visit, I saw students involved in literary circles based on student choice. Students chose a book that they found interesting after learning about books during a “book tasting”—an activity in which students walked around the classroom and surveyed information about books that were appropriate for their grade level, presented on different tables. 

I returned to the classroom after students dove into the books. The teacher and co-teacher took turns rotating between the groups and asked students open-ended questions about themes and content. The discussion was inspiring, and after teachers posed the initial question, students were able to lead, direct, and continue the conversation organically—an ability that we attribute to the students’ ability to choose the books that they found most compelling.

Get started with Socratic seminars in any subject

To make Socratic seminars dynamic and engaging, you can start by writing open-ended questions on a soccer ball. Then, simply start tossing the ball around the room. The student who catches the ball reads aloud the question that is facing them and responds.

This activity incorporates kinesthetic engagement into the curriculum and works well across subjects. You can find examples of open-ended questions to adapt to your particular unit or lesson topic and write them on the ball. For an added challenge, you might invite students to brainstorm open-ended questions for inclusion in this activity, too, facilitating discussion about what types of questions best support critical thinking and discourse.

Teach about Accountable Talk

Accountable talk is an approach to scaffolding responsible, responsive dialogue in the classroom; often, teachers need to model productive discourse explicitly at first, such as using and talking about insightful open-ended questions or sentence frames, but a gradual release of responsibility can then help students succeed in independent discourse.

Reward students with small incentives when you first roll out accountable talk in the classroom. One teacher in our district uses stickers when he hears students using the accountable talk sentence stems that he displays on his board. 

Students can then turn these stickers in for a homework pass when they reach a certain number, incorporating an element of gamification that makes speaking and listening an explicit and continuous consideration in the classroom.

Make it equitable

Even when promoting speaking and listening skills with students, it’s important to ensure that the loudest voices don‘t crowd out the others. Collaborative, group-based, or project-based learning are great ways to spark student conversations in an equitable way. 

One way to do this is to make sure that everyone has a role in the group and to explicitly teach kids how to work together. The more students are able to collaborate and practice speaking academically and respectfully with one another, the more natural it becomes for them to have productive discussions. 

Rearrange the furniture

Flexible furniture allows teachers to group students in different ways and create comfortable learning environments that lead to conversation. Our State Department of Education is funding classroom redesigns in several schools to support flexibility; some will get desks with built-in whiteboards, and others will have chairs with wheels to help students make small groups. Lego walls and STEM-related items will encourage students to work collaboratively. Search for similar grants or funding opportunities in your district to make flexible seating accessible to all, supporting students’ speaking and listening skills by extension.

46 Powerful Opening Lines for a Class Presentation

Hrideep barot.

• Public Speaking

Class presentations can be extremely stressful. The way you open your presentation will determine the way the rest of your presentation goes and how it is accepted by the audience. To make things easier for you, here is a list of powerful opening lines for a Class Presentation.

Before we get into the opening lines, here are some pointers to ensure your presentation has a good structure that will keep the audience engaged.

How to structure a good presentation

State the relevance and purpose to the audience, identify a core message, divide your presentation into three parts, use a simple and clear structure, use engaging and relevant slides, practice and rehearse your delivery, q & a session.

Determine the purpose of your presentation. What do you want your audience to learn or take away from it? Consider the knowledge level, interests, and expectations of your audience. This will help you tailor your content appropriately. Explain why the information is important or relevant to your audience

Identify a single central message that you would like to communicate to your audience. Then build your presentation around that core message. Select a clear and focused topic that aligns with the objectives of the assignment or class.

A presentation can be divided into three parts: an introduction detailing the purpose and structure of the talk; a body covering the main points; and a conclusion summarizing and highlighting the significance of your talk.

A good presentation structure means analyzing the core message of your presentation. Decide on a key message you want to impart to the audience, and then craft an engaging way of delivering it.

Design engaging and suitable slides that support your message and help your audience understand your presentation. Use rhetorical questions, anecdotes, or interactive elements to keep the audience engaged. Incorporate relevant visuals or multimedia to illustrate critical points. Ensure they are clear and legible, and add value to your presentation.

Practice your presentation beforehand to ensure that you can deliver it confidently and effectively.

Invite questions from the audience. Be prepared to respond thoughtfully.

Cite your sources if applicable. This adds credibility to your presentation. In fact, provide any recommended readings or resources for further exploration.

You can divide your presentation in the following manner-

Introduction:.

• Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement, question, or anecdote related to your topic.
• Presentation Statement : Clearly state the main purpose or argument of your presentation.
• Preview : Provide an overview of what you’ll be covering in the presentation.
• Each main point should be a separate section or slide.
• Present one key idea per slide or section.
• Provide evidence, examples, and supporting details for each point.
• Use visuals like images, graphs, or charts to enhance understanding.

Conclusion:

• Summary : Summarize the main points.
• Restate Thesis : Remind the audience of your main argument.
• Closing Statement : Provide a clear and impactful closing statement.

Structuring a class presentation effectively involves careful planning and organization. By following these steps, you can create a well-structured class presentation that effectively delivers your message and engages your audience.

Here are some additional tips for structuring your class presentation:

• Keep it simple: Don’t try to cram too much information into your presentation. Focus on the most important points you want to communicate.
• Use a variety of presentation techniques : This could include storytelling, humor, and interactive activities.
• Be clear and concise : Avoid using jargon and technical language that your audience may not understand.
• End powerfully: Leave your audience with a memorable thought or call to action.

By following these tips, you can create a class presentation that is informative, engaging, and memorable.

A powerful opening sets the tone for your class presentation and grabs your audience’s attention. Moving ahead to the main part of the article, here is a list of things you can incorporate to make your opening lines for a class presentation rather memorable.

Opening Lines for a class presentation

Ask a rhetorical question, use a startling statistic or fact, quote someone, make a provocative statement, interactive opening, visual description, make historical reference.

This is a great way to grab the audience’s attention and get them thinking about your topic. For example: “Have you ever wondered how the internet works?” or “What are the ethical implications of artificial intelligence?”

1. “Have you ever wondered why [topic] affects each and every one of us?”

2. “What if I told you that [startling fact or statistic]?”

Stories are a great way to connect with your audience and make your presentation more memorable. For example, you could tell a story about a personal experience related to your topic, or a story that illustrates a key point you want to make.

3. “Let me take you back to [a specific moment in time related to your topic].”

4. “I’d like to share a personal story that illustrates the importance of [topic].

This is a great way to grab the audience’s attention and make them want to learn more. For example: “Did you know that 90% of all data has been created in the past two years?” or “One in three people will experience depression at some point in their lives.”

5. “Did you know that [shocking statistic]?”

6. “It might surprise you to learn that [eye-opening fact].”

This is a great way to add credibility to your presentation. For example: “According to Albert Einstein, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.'” or “A recent study by Harvard University found that people who meditate regularly are more likely to be happy and successful.”

7. “As [famous figure] once said, ‘ [relevant quote].'”

8. “As Neil Armstrong once said, “That’s one small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind.” I believe space exploration is essential for the development of mankind.”

This is a great way to get the audience’s attention and make them think about your topic in a new way. For example: “The future of work is remote.” or “Artificial intelligence will revolutionize every industry.”

9. “Today, I’m here to challenge how we think about [topic].”

10. “Let’s consider a perspective on [topic] that might be different from what you’ve heard before.”

Other than these, there are certainly other ways of opening your presentation such as:

This is a great way to engage the audience from the beginning of the presentation. This will help keep the audience hooked and trigger their thought process too.

11. “I’d like to begin with a quick exercise. Raise your hand if [question-related to your topic].”

A visual description will help the audience to draw things from their imagination and will keep them engrossed in what you have to say after.

12. “Close your eyes for a moment and imagine [vivid scene related to your topic].”

Humor can never go wrong if you know the audience you are dealing with. A good laugh will always make your presentation go a lot smoother and easier.

13. “They say that [humorous twist on your topic]. But today, we’ll uncover the real story.”

Pick up a historical fact or reference that is quite common or that you can prove happened. This helps engage your audience and they would want to know how is that reference relevant in the context of your topic.

14. “In [specific time period], [relevant historical event] changed the course of [topic].”

Stating something and immediately countering your own statement will confuse the audience into listening to you more keenly. Which is why it serves the purpose of having your audience’s attention.

15. “While most people think [common misconception], the reality is quite different.”

Remember to choose an opening that aligns with your topic and style, and be sure to transition smoothly from your opening into the main content of your presentation. Additionally, practice your opening to ensure you deliver it confidently and engagingly.

Now, let’s look at some examples of opening lines for specific topics of class presentation

Opening lines for specific topics of a class presentation

Climate change, globalization and its effects, mental health awareness, artificial intelligence, gender equality, entrepreneurship, space exploration, cybersecurity, diversity and inclusion, the benefits of reading, the dangers of smoking.

• The challenges of poverty

The importance of recycling

16. “The world is on fire. Or at least it feels that way. The Amazon rainforest is burning, the Arctic is melting, and the Great Barrier Reef is dying. But we can still make a difference.”

17. “Imagine a world where our coastal cities are submerged, and our weather patterns become increasingly erratic.”

18. “In the next few minutes, we’ll confront a reality that demands our immediate attention: the accelerating crisis of climate change.”

19. “Today, our actions in one corner of the globe can have ripple effects thousands of miles away. The world truly is a web of interconnectedness.”

20. “As we discuss globalization, let’s remember that it’s not just about economics. It’s about cultures converging, traditions evolving, and societies adapting.”

21. “We all have mental health. Just like we have physical health. But why is it that we’re so afraid to talk about it? Why is it that we treat mental illness as a taboo topic?”

22. “Close your eyes and think about a time when you or someone you know faced a mental health challenge. It’s more common than you might think.”

23. “Mental health is just as important as physical health, but it is often overlooked.”

24. “One in five adults in the United States experiences mental illness each year.”

25. “Mental health problems can impact anyone, regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic status.”

26. “Imagine a world where machines can think and learn like humans. A world where robots can do our jobs, and self-driving cars can take us anywhere we want to go. This is the world of artificial intelligence.”

27. “From self-driving cars to virtual personal assistants, the rise of artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we live and work.”

28. “Today, we stand on the precipice of an era where machines can not only think but learn and adapt.”

29. “It’s time to talk about gender equality. It’s time to talk about the fact that women still earn less than men, that they are underrepresented in leadership positions, and that they face discrimination and harassment on a daily basis.”

30. “What do Steve Jobs, Mark Zuckerberg, and Elon Musk have in common? They’re all entrepreneurs who started with nothing and built billion-dollar companies. But what does it take to be a successful entrepreneur?”

31. “The cosmos, with its vastness and mysteries, has beckoned explorers and dreamers for centuries. Today, we’re on the cusp of new frontiers.”

32. “As we look up at the night sky, it’s important to remember that each star represents a potential world, waiting to be discovered.”

33. “In an era where our lives are increasingly intertwined with technology, the battleground for our security has shifted to the digital realm.”

34. “Picture this: a breach in cybersecurity can lead to consequences as real and impactful as a physical break-in.”

35. “Diversity isn’t just about ticking boxes on a checklist. It’s about recognizing the richness that comes from embracing different perspectives and experiences.”

36. “In this room, we each bring a unique story and perspective. Together, we have the power to shape a more inclusive world.”

37. “Diversity and inclusion lead to innovation and creativity.”

38. “Reading can improve your vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills.”

39. “Reading can help you to learn about different cultures and perspectives.”

40. “Smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.”

41. “Smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other serious health problems.”

42. “Secondhand smoke is just as dangerous as smoking itself.”

 The challenges of poverty

43. “Poverty is a complex problem that affects millions of people around the world.”

44. “Poverty can lead to hunger, homelessness, and lack of access to education and healthcare.”

45. “We all have a role to play in fighting poverty.”

46. “Did you know that it takes 700 years for a plastic bag to decompose?”

These opening lines can be used as inspiration to create your own powerful opening line for your class presentation. Make sure it sets the tone for the rest of your presentation.

These opening lines are designed to capture attention and provide a strong foundation for your presentation on these specific topics. Remember to follow through with compelling content and a strong conclusion to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

List of other resources for you

As a college student, presentations carry a lot of weight, so How to Give a Presentation in Class as a College Student

As talked about, organizing your presentation is essential, hence Presentation Structures: Everything You Need To Organize Your Talk

Sometimes, you can have a lot of content and not know what to remove, 14 Techniques To Ensure Audience Engagement Through Long Presentations

Doing things at the last minute is not okay, unless and until you know how to get it done effectively. Help! I Have A Presentation Tomorrow & I Am Not Prepared

Sometimes you would not have someone around to practice your presentation, and for that Have A Presentation Coming Up. Here’s How You Can Practice It By Yourself

I hope this is helpful. When choosing an opening line for your presentation, be sure to consider your audience and what you want to achieve with your presentation. You can always try to get in touch with a professional to get advice on your presentation structure and how you present it. For this, check out our personalized coaching services !

Enroll in our transformative 1:1 Coaching Program

Schedule a call with our expert communication coach to know if this program would be the right fit for you

High-Stakes Presentations: Strategies for Engaging and Influencing Senior Leaders

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Lost Voice? Here’s How to Recover Sore Throat and Speak Again

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

“How To” Speech Topics, Ideas & Examples

Amanda Green was born in a small town in the west of Scotland, where everyone knows everyone. I joined the Toastmasters 15 years ago, and I served in nearly every office in the club since then. I love helping others gain confidence and skills they can apply in every day life.

Want to speak in front of an audience but are terrified of freezing or being boring? I know the feeling. If you’ve ever had to give a “how-to” speech, you know that it can be incredibly intimidating. It also entails coming up with how-to speech ideas and creative examples.

After all, how will they finish listening if the audience isn’t hooked by what you’re saying right away? To help ease your worries (and inspire those ideas!), here’s everything you need on “how-to” speeches: topics, samples & potential pitfalls — so read ahead!

Writing a How-to Speech

The speaker needs to consider several important factors when preparing to give a how-to speech. The how-to speech should identify the problem that needs to be resolved, explain how the problem can be fixed with a step-by-step approach, and list any potential obstacles the audience may face.

It is also important for speakers to choose how-to speech topics that are of interest or relevance to their target audience. This will ensure maximum engagement and retention throughout the speech.

How-to Speech Ideas That Are Funny

When it comes to funny “how-to” speeches, the possibilities are endless! Whether talking about how to make a perfect paper airplane or how to be the life of the party, humor can enhance your presentation and help keep your audience engaged.

Try using puns, silly props, or even anecdotes that provide insight into the process while still making people laugh. The goal is to not only impart valuable knowledge but also entertain your listener.

With some creativity, you can develop a humorous speech that achieves a comedic effect and explains its topic.

Can We Write Your Speech?

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Interesting How-to Topics

When asked to present a speech, many people immediately search for the most interesting ideas for a how-to speech. From tidying up after the biggest mess to baking a delicious cake, speeches about how to do something can be informative and entertaining.

While it may seem challenging to come up with fresh ideas, an infinite number of topics could be used. Some great suggestions include teaching viewers how to create a simple budget plan , explaining plant-based diets and their benefits, explaining how to instruct others effectively, or even how to ace an interview.

No matter what topic you go with, remember that the important thing is to be passionate and provide audiences with detailed instructions. When done correctly, choosing an interesting “how-to” topic for your speech will surely have your audience applauding in no time!

Choosing a Demonstration Speech Topic

Choosing a demonstration speech topic may seem daunting, but it can be simple and enjoyable with the right guidance. Identifying the topics appropriate for a demonstration speech is the first step in navigating this process.

Demonstration topics should be grounded in facts and provide pertinent knowledge about your expertise or interest. They should also focus on something that can be demonstrated in a tangible way, such as making a craft or performing an experiment.

• Your Interests

Choosing engaging good how-to speech topics based on one’s interests can be daunting yet rewarding. Taking the time to reflect on potential topics and thinking carefully about what topics truly interest you is fundamental to assembling a captivating presentation.

As such, it is paramount to begin by reflecting upon your hobbies and leisure activity ideas that you find most intriguing, as well as any activities or tasks you feel passionate about sharing with others.

Additionally, curating ideas from other media sources, such as newspaper articles or magazines, helps provide further insight into new and novel subjects or angles that can motivate your research process.

Only through this deliberate effort to understand our interests and apply them creatively towards developing a worthwhile “how-to” speech topic can we find the contentment of presenting a presentation with which listeners will engage.

• Who the Speech Is For

Choosing a “how-to” speech topic is critical in delivering an effective presentation. When selecting your topic, it’s important to keep the audience in mind.

Decide who your speech is for and make sure it is relevant to their interests. Select something specific that can benefit them or be beneficial in a general sense. Choose something the audience wants to learn about and that you are comfortable presenting. This will ensure your presentation skills are on display, as well as your knowledge about the topic.

Ensure your topic has enough depth for you to use additional research as support. This will strengthen the content of your presentation and demonstrate personal effort.

Ultimately, with careful consideration of who your speech is addressed to, you can craft a “how-to” topic that adds value both for yourself and your audience.

• The Setting of the Speech

Choosing a “how-to” speech topic based on the setting of the speech is an important step in preparing for an effective presentation.

It is essential to consider the purpose of the speech, the audience’s interests and needs, and any limitations or restrictions that may be present to construct an appropriate topic and choose relevant information to include.

Anticipating questions or topics of interest related to the audience is helpful when selecting a relevant topic.

• The Time You’ve Got to Prepare the Speech

Deciding on a “how-to” speech topic can be daunting. But the task becomes much more manageable, considering how much time you have to prepare for the presentation. Start by narrowing down the possibilities based on how much time you have.

If you have more time to prepare, opt for something more challenging. If you have only a short amount of time, choose a simpler topic.

Once you have determined the complexity level and estimated preparation time, consider your interests to find a topic that is both engaging to yourself and hopefully your audience.

As with any speech or presentation, researching and practicing before the actual event will greatly benefit your delivery and engagement with your audience.

Although finalizing a speech topic for a “how-to” presentation can be stressful, understanding constraints and utilizing interests will help make this process easier.

• The Time You’ve Got to Give the Speech

When selecting a “how-to” speech topic, the amount of time you have to give the presentation should be considered. It is wise to carefully analyze the time frame constraints of the assignment and assess which topics can be thoroughly explored in the allocated duration.

Attempting to cover too much material within a limited timeframe may lead to rushed communication and limit your opportunity to expand on the subject matter. Instead, select a focus that allows space for further discussion but remains concise enough to explore properly within your allotted time.

It is also advantageous to choose a topic that naturally interests you. This will heighten enthusiasm and engagement throughout your presentation, thus helping create an impactful delivery. Doing so will ensure you stay on track and avoid exceeding the assigned timeframe.

• The Guidelines for Assessment

When choosing a “how-to” speech topic, it is important to ensure that the topic meets all of the guidelines for assessment. It is a good idea to consider current and relevant topics, informative, interesting, and new, demonstrating the speaker’s understanding of their subject matter.

Choosing a topic with an appropriate difficulty level can help ensure that your speech will be comprehensive and engaging for your audience.

Demonstrative Speech Topics

Selecting topics for speeches comes down to choosing something you both know and can present effectively. As you brainstorm possible show-and-tell ideas, narrow the topics until you arrive at one that is interesting to you and your audience and fulfills all criteria needed for an effective demonstration presentation.

Once you’ve chosen a successful topic, preparing the speech will become much simpler, allowing you to demonstrate confidently and successfully.

Here are some easy demonstrative speech ideas for how-to.

Animals/Pets

Giving a speech to educate an audience about how to care for animals/pets can be an enriching experience.

It is important to research and thoroughly understand the topic to provide the audience with accurate and applicable information. This will entail researching different animal species and their specific characteristics, needs, and behaviors.

Moreover, ample time must be allocated for preparation so all aspects of proper pet-keeping can be explained clearly and confidently.

Topics ideas could range from a persuasive speech on how to pick the best breed to an informative speech on pet health. 

Gardens/Yards

Talking about creating and maintaining a garden or a yard requires proper preparation to ensure that the information relayed is accurate and beneficial. Researching various gardening elements beforehand will provide a strong base for discerning audiences to build on.

Be sure to present topics such as plant selection, design ideas, pest prevention, watering methods, and other environmental factors in an organized fashion that is easy for your listeners to follow.

Offering clear instructions throughout the speech with examples showing the steps in action can help ensure that your audience walks away feeling confident about their newly acquired knowledge.

Topics could cover how to identify poisonous plants, how to get rid of garden pests, how to make an indoor herb garden, and even how to make garden art. 

To give an effective “how-to” speech about crafts, the speaker should start by introducing themselves and properly framing the topic. They should provide a brief overview of what the audience will learn in their presentation and then begin with the most basic information, slowly building up to more complex concepts.

Crafting often has visual aid speech topics. At every stage of presenting, visuals should be provided for illustration. Visuals could range from diagrams or step-by-step photographs showing how a craft is made to video or actual physical models.

Once all of this information has been presented, the speaker should summarize the key points covered and allow time for questions from the audience before concluding their presentation.

Games/Sports

Giving a “how-to” speech about games/sports is an excellent way to share knowledge and teach important concepts. It requires the speaker to do comprehensive research and prepare in advance.

To give an effective “how-to” speech, start by introducing the game/sport accurately and make sure to tailor the presentation for your specific audience. Additionally, focus on one topic at a time, explain each step with vivid examples, and use visuals like charts or diagrams if possible.

Once you have covered all steps necessary for playing the game/sport, end the speech concisely and provide resources that can be used after the presentation.

Topics here could range from how to perfect your golf swing to even how to teach basketball.

Food And More

Delivering a successful “how-to” speech about food and drinks requires careful preparation. First, it is important to do research on the topic so that you have an understanding of the background information.

Once this has been accomplished, the next step should be to focus on a specific field within the topic and craft your presentation around this selected focus. Be sure to collect illustrations, charts, or photographs relevant to your chosen material, as these visual elements can make all the difference in bringing your words to life.

How to Structure a How-to Speech

Structuring a “how-to” speech can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. Firstly, you should brainstorm the steps needed to accomplish your desired outcome with as much detail as possible. Secondly, organize the steps in chronological order.

This will give the rhythm of your speech a natural flow. Then, begin by introducing yourself and the topic by providing background information on why it is important.

Following completion of the step-by-step instructions, summarize what was just explained and explain why it matters in general terms. Finally, address any foreseeable issues and offer solutions to avoid them.

How-to Speech Template

A “how-to” speech template is an effective method to prepare a speech. This is especially useful when speaking on topics that may be largely unfamiliar to the audience, as it provides a straightforward structure for organizing the material.

The basic format of this type of speech involves:

• Introducing the topic.
• Describing the purpose and benefits of knowing more about it.
• Decomposing the subject matter into easily digestible sections.
• Concluding with a summary and reflection on what has been covered.

Additionally, including visual aids and personal anecdotes can further add interest and clarity to speeches, helping ensure everyone remains engaged throughout the presentation. Use this blank demonstration speech outline to craft your own any time!

To Sum It Up

Giving a great how-to speech is mostly about choosing the right topic. As how-to speeches often require visuals such as PowerPoint slides and handouts, these should be reviewed pre-speech to guarantee smooth delivery during the presentation itself. Speaking confidently and clearly while allowing time for questions and feedback is also essential in delivering an effective how-to speech.

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How to Prepare for a Speech in Class?

If you’re giving a speech in class, you may not know what your audience wants to hear. When preparing for a speech, try to think about what your audience wants, and work toward making sure the information you present aligns with their expectations. If you’re giving a political speech, for example, you may have a point of view that you’d like to express. Your audience may be more interested in learning about what the party would do once in power.

Analyze your audience

When giving a speech to a group of people, it’s a good idea to analyze your audience before giving a speech. Performing this analysis beforehand will help you to better understand your audience and their motivation. In this way, you can tailor your speech to their needs and expectations. Here are some tips for doing so:

Research your audience. Doing so will allow you to understand their attitudes, demographics, and values. By doing so, you’ll be able to determine the kind of topics and language that are most appropriate. The audience’s perspective can also help you to choose a suitable topic. For example, if you’re addressing a class full of middle school students, you might want to focus on a specific topic that focuses on the group’s values.

The demographics of your audience are also important. While it is important to understand your audience, try to avoid stereotyping. Stereotypes are fixed ideas about a group that doesn’t take into account individual differences. Stereotypes also lead to flawed reasoning. The best way to avoid this is to learn about your audience as thoroughly as you can. Then, try to avoid making assumptions about their age, gender, and race.

You should try to learn as much as you can about your audience before delivering a speech. Getting a better understanding of your audience will help you customize your message and make it more effective. By collecting data, you’ll be able to determine which words, structures, and language are most appropriate for your target audience. Identifying the audience is essential for creating a winning speech. You can also use this information to tailor your speech to their needs and interests.

It’s also important to know your audience’s values. If you’re addressing a city council committee, for example, you will likely know a lot about the needs and problems of children. If, however, your audience is a mix of genders, you may need to make certain adjustments to your topic in order to avoid polarizing the crowd. You’ll also need to make sure your audience understands the topic you’re talking about.

Write a good speaking outline

How to Write a Good Speaking Outline for a Class Speech? It’s important to write out an outline that lays out the content of your talk and outlines where you will put your supporting material. Typically, organized speeches have between two and five main points and a sub-point for supporting material. Each main point should be preceded by Roman numerals, and sub-points are listed in capital letters followed by lowercase letters. Outline your speech with your main points and sub-points, dividing each one into a sub-point.

Your outline should be categorized by point so that each point is related to the other. Then, use parallelism, which is the practice of beginning and ending sentences in a similar way. This method adds clarity to your speaking and shows your attention to a full-sentence outline. The important thing is to avoid sounding boring by following these tips. And don’t forget to label your parts.

Your outline should also include a key message. Your audience should understand what you’re trying to convey. A key message or point should be at the top of your speech, and supporting slides should support this message. Don’t forget that the key is to make your audience feel engaged and interested in what you’re saying. Once you have outlined your speech, you’ll be able to make sure your slides support the point you’re trying to make.

Creating an outline forces you to think about the most important points and sub-points of your speech. Outlines are also useful for brainstorming ideas. Some people even use index cards with phrases and keywords on them, as it acts as a visual aid for memory. The outline should be concise, and it should also include a summary of your main points, conclusion, and introduction. Outlines are often shorter than full speeches, so they can fit easily on cue cards.

An effective speaking outline should be written in key phrases and words. You’ll have the opportunity to pause or change slides easily if necessary. Using full-sentence outline can make the speaker appear unprepared. You’ll also have trouble remembering words and will lose your place. Outlines are also noisy and don’t look as polished as cards. So, use a good outline for a class speech.

Write a good speaking script

Before you start writing your speech, you should know what your topic will be. If you have a speech that involves complex ideas, then you should know the audience you are speaking to. A good speech script should be concise and easy to read. It should contain the information that the audience will need to understand what you are saying. You should also avoid complicated words like “lower-cost alternative to traditional plans” because it’s hard to say.

You can start by introducing a person you admire. You should introduce him or her and discuss their physical and personal characteristics. Then, you should give another trait or two relating to the topic. Remember to use gestures and a confident posture. In the final minute of your speech, you should ask your audience if they have any questions or would like to know more about the subject. In the end, you should give two minutes to the class to share feedback and ask questions.

After you have the main points down, you can go back and check if you have any repetition or off-topic remarks. Then, you can condense your speech to make it shorter. Remember that time is of the essence here. If you have a strict time limit, you can use words to minutes converter to get an idea of how long your speech will be. You won’t get an exact number, but you can get a fair idea.

A good speech should have a variety of topics and ideas. Each point should be made in a short, interesting, and persuasive way. Remember, you should always write in the first person, not the third or fourth person, because the audience is likely to lose interest in the middle of your speech. Remember that it is also important to have a few points that are made well and you can make them stronger if you use them properly.

Before you write your speech, think about the audience. Will you be talking to an imaginary audience or addressing a real one? What are your main points and how will you make them clear? If you are giving a speech to a class of teachers, consider whether this audience is representative of the entire school. Try to think about who you are speaking to and the topics that will make the audience want to learn more about them.

Practice your speech

Practicing your speech in class is an important part of the preparation process. While you can read it from a script or on a computer, this is not the most effective way to prepare. Instead, practice it in the same room where you will deliver the speech. It is also important to stand up and project your voice. You should also avoid reading your speech out loud from a computer screen. You will sound robotic if you do not stand up and project your voice properly.

It’s helpful to practice your speech in front of a mirror or recording. A different audience can pick up on your mistakes better than the audience. For best results, choose a speech topic you’re passionate about. This way, you’ll be less nervous when the time comes to answer questions. Practice your speech in front of a mirror, so that you can hear yourself and adjust accordingly. Practice on topics that you enjoy to avoid speaking too dry or boring.

A great tip for giving speeches in front of a large crowd is to practice on a stage. It will give you more confidence and lessen anxiety. You don’t have to stay on the podium throughout your speech; you can change positions at any time. You should also prepare a set of answers to questions from the audience. After the speech, a presentation ends with the final point, followed by questions and answers. Once you’ve practiced in class, you can deliver a much better speech.

Remember that rehearsing your speech will give you more confidence in the material and help you deliver it well. Although the end goal of rehearsing is to spot mistakes and make adjustments, you will also be able to identify any distractions in your delivery. So, rehearse in class to boost your self-confidence. If you’re comfortable with your speech material, it will show in the delivery.

Another great tip for giving speeches in class is to follow the guidelines and time limits for each speech. In many cases, students will be given a specific time limit, and if they go over, points will be deducted. A good rule of thumb is six minutes for a speech and a further sixty seconds at the beginning and end for transitions. This way, you won’t get too stressed out in your speech, and your audience will be able to focus on the content.

Related posts:

• How to Prepare for a Speech?
• Importance of Preparation in Public Speaking
• Importance of Practice in Public Speaking
• Why is it Important to Plan Your Speech?

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10-minute demonstration speech topics

100 + short 3-10 minute how to speech ideas

By:  Susan Dugdale  

If you've been asked to put together a 10 minute, or less, demonstration speech for your speech class, look these 'how-to' ideas over. They're perfect for preparing short show and tell presentations to teach a new task succinctly and quickly.

Use the quick links below to get around the page easily. The topics are arranged in four batches. Begin with 'Why demonstrate something simple and ordinary?'. It could save you a lot of time!

What's on this page

Why demonstrate something simple and ordinary.

• 25 10-minute demonstration speech topics

25 ideas for short how-to speeches

26 topics for show-and-tell speeches.

• 32 demonstrative topics for 3 to 10-minute speeches

How plan and prepare your demonstration speech

• Get an adaptable printable demonstrative speech outline

Other topics for demonstration speeches

Before you settle on a topic, please don't overlook demonstrating a skill or a process you regard as commonplace.

If we already know how to do something competently, we have an understandable tendency to dismiss whatever it is as far too simple, and too ordinary to turn it into a demonstration speech.

And yet, that assumption can be so wrong.

There are audiences who will want to know how to do some of the things we do so efficiently and easily, that we forget we had to learn how to do them in the first place!  Many of those things are on this list.

For instance, a group of people who don’t spend a lot of time online, could find why and how to set up a safe password valuable knowledge to have. It might stop them from being hacked!

Likewise teaching people who intend to explore the great outdoors, and haven't had much prior experience, how to use a portable gas stove safely is extremely useful.

Or showing parents of children with long hair how to plait it. That will save a lot of time and tears when it comes to brushing.

And I'll always be grateful to the person who showed me how to give medicine to my beloved cat, without being scratched to bits!

Think about your audience. What would be useful for them to know? Sharing something of real benefit and value will help keep them actively interested.  *

* For more on how to choose a great demonstration speech topic .

Return to Top

25 3 to 10-minute demonstration speech topics

Once you’ve got your topic be sure to collect a printable demonstration speech outline to help you prepare your speech. You’ll find the link for that at the foot of the page. The outline will help you efficiently plan, organize and deliver a well-structured speech.

Now here's the first batch of the 100, and more, topics. 

• How to set up a safe password
• How to avoid ID theft
• How to use Google docs well
• How to set up Google analytics on a website quickly
• How to create a simple presentation using Microsoft Powerpoint or Apple Keynote
• How to back up your important files
• How to set up a wifi connection
• How to report online bullying
• How to fill out online forms well
• How to clear cookies off your computer
• How to identify and report spam
• How to set up a Spotify account
• How to use online banking
• How to use a credit card responsibly
• How to use online grocery shopping to save
• How to defend yourself against a random personal physical attack
• How to pack a travel bag efficiently
• How to help someone who is choking
• How to lift heavy objects without damaging yourself
• How to make a perfect cup of tea
• How to shop for groceries efficiently in a supermarket
• How to use a dryer to make your own dried fruit
• How to can vegetables safely
• How to freeze excess produce
• How to make perfect fruit jam

• How to chop vegetables safely and quickly
• How to carve a chicken, turkey...
• How to store raw chicken in the fridge safely
• How to prepare a simple healthy meal from basic ingredients
• How to plan an affordable weekly dinner menu
• How to iron a shirt
• How to tie a neck tie
• How to sort laundry, use a washing machine and dry your clothes
• How to hand wash delicate fabrics
• How to use a knife and fork correctly
• How to use a pair of chop sticks properly
• How to know what cutlery to use when you’re at a formal dinner party
• How to plait long hair
• How to brush a long-haired dog or cat well
• How to brush your teeth correctly
• How to do a press up correctly
• How to choose a haircut to suit your face shape
• How to a jacket to suit your body shape
• How to dress well on a limited budget
• How to make a simple healthy dessert
• How to ice a cake simply and effectively
• How to upcycle a tee shirt
• How to mend a fallen hem
• How to sew on a button
• How to make a bookcase from recycled materials

• How make a simple personal budget
• How to grow kitchen herbs in a window box
• How to escape from a sinking car
• How to use a blanket to move heavy objects
• How to sharpen a knife
• How use a thermometer correctly
• How to use a compass
• How read a simple topographical map
• How to use a portable gas stove safely out of doors
• How to put out a stove top fire
• How to change a light bulb
• How to clear a blocked sink
• How to clean a bathroom well
• How to make a bed
• How to use the local public transport system
• How to hold a baby properly
• How to change a baby’s diaper
• How to dress a baby
• How to dress a wound
• How to make an emergency call
• How to administer first aid for burns
• How to treat hypothermia
• How to handle frostbite
• How to handle someone having a seizure
• How to use CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
• How to shine a pair of shoes

32 demonstrative topics for 10-minute speeches

• How to book a taxicab
• How to arrange flowers in a vase
• How to sow flower or vegetable seeds
• How to re-pot an indoor plant
• How to take a cutting from a plant
• How to prune a rose
• How to dry or press flowers
• How to forage for edible plants
• How to set a mouse trap
• How to make good lecture notes
• How to set a meeting agenda
• How to run a meeting efficiently
• How to read body language – what shows a person is unsure, shy, angry, confident...
• How to effectively and easily join a conversation between people you don’t know at a gathering
• How to make a personalized greeting card – birthday, wedding, anniversary, Christmas...
• How to make paper flowers
• How to make touchstones for children
• How to make a personalized birthday crown
• How to make colorful party bunting
• How to make a yarn ball
• How to make finger puppets
• How to felt wool balls for a garland
• How to decoupage a box, tray...
• How to make a pasta necklace
• How to make personalized pencil and pen holders from tin cans
• How to mend a tear in a favorite piece of clothing
• How to organize your wardrobe, kitchen counter, pantry...
• How to give medicine to a cat or a dog safely
• How to see a situation from another person’s point of view
• How to encourage and practice creative thinking
• How to make a friendship bracelet
• How to make a family pinboard

To be really effective you'll want to plan and prepare your 'how-to' speech thoroughly - even if you know the subject inside out!

Demonstration speeches that haven't been thought through and practiced carefully have a nasty habit of suddenly sliding sideways super-fast. Then what you want to happen and what actually does are miles apart - two quite different things. 

To avoid that read  planning, preparation & delivery of your demonstration speech . 

Get the printable demonstration speech outline 

Click the link to access to printable demonstration speech outline .  (It goes to the same page on planning and preparation linked to above. While you are there be sure to read the FAQs, especially the information about cue cards. If you haven't given a demonstration speech before you'll find it useful.)

If you've not found the how-to speech idea you want here, here's the link to access four more pages of demonstration speech topics . Collectively, that's 100s of suggestions! They include soft skills: the skills we need to communicate well with each other.

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5 Transformative Public Speaking Classes to Empower Your Voice

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There you are, under the spotlight, like a deer caught in headlights. Beads of sweat start to form on your temples. Your mouth has gone all cotton-y. And you’re desperately trying to remember that ever-so-popular tip—imagine the audience naked, was it?

Oh, the joys of public speaking…Well, more like the fear of it. 

But there’s a solution that can turn your anxiety into confidence and your shaky voice into powerful communication. 

It’s no secret, really. But it is something that can absolutely help you conquer your fears and become a captivating speaker—and that’s public speaking classes.

“ Ohhh… ” you might say, thinking that it was more like a magic spell to “ abracadabra! ” the fear out of you.

Before you dive into disappointment, understand this: fear touches us all. But, as Lisa Nichols , CEO of Motivating the Masses and trainer of Mindvalley’s Speak and Inspire Quest, says, “ It’s what you do with it that will make the difference in your world .”

5 Best Public Speaking Classes at Mindvalley

Feeling tongue-tied on stage or in front of a group is a bummer. But what’s an even bigger bummer is not knowing what to do about it. 

Learning how to amp up your effective communication skills can be a game changer, not only for your professional prowess but for your personal one too. And the great thing is, there are online classes for public speaking available at Mindvalley. (Granted, they’re not your typical desk-and-chair learning environment, but what is “class,” really, other than a course or lecture?)

These classes are your passport to mastering the art of talking in front of people. Here’s a list of Mindvalley’s free public speaking classes, handpicked just for you.

1. How to Use Your Voice So People Listen | Lisa Nichols

There’s something captivating about learning from someone who’s been through the anxiety. Their valuable lessons are not only motivating but also mesmerizing and genuine.

That’s the magic of Lisa Nichols, whose own public speaking journey led her to turn her fear into fuel . A force to be reckoned with, it’s her wisdom bombs, wrapped in humor and inspiration, that make you want to embrace your unique path and confront your jitters head-on.

Because when it comes to learning how to start a speech with Lisa as your guide, it’s much more profound than public speaking; it’s about sparking a fire in you.

Class Duration: 40 minutes

What You’ll Learn:

• Unleash the power of your voice and language, fulfilling your deepest desires.
• Discover a powerful tool to measure the impact that will show you the true effectiveness of your communication skills.
• Master the art of crafting words that bring value and inspiration.
• …and much more.

About the Trainer: Lisa Nichols is a renowned speaking coach, having been featured on Oprah, the Steve Harvey Show, The Secret , and much more. Her journey, from humble beginnings to her influential work with teens and her role as a leading public speaking coach, shows the magnitude of her ability to connect with audiences. Through her impactful presence, she has made a lasting difference in the lives of millions worldwide.

What Students Say:

“ What I was hoping to learn was how to speak authentically from the Whole Self (Feeling Heart and Thinking Mind) in a way that is truthful and impactful to get my colorful message out to those who need to hear it now. 

But what I received was exactly this and sooooo much more: the foundation of authentic speaking is based upon a loving intimacy with myself and those closest to me. ” — Corry MacDonald , creative healer (art therapist/energy healer/artist)

Learn from Lisa Nichols on The Mindvalley Show:

2. Master the Art of Public Speaking and Storytelling | Eric Edmeades

If you’re looking for tips on how to be a public speaker , this class with Eric Edmeades is an absolute goldmine, if there ever was one. 

The reality is, it’s not as easy as, “ Get on up there and just start talking .” After all, public speaking is part performance and part information. There are verbal, vocal, and facial cues to consider. 

That’s where Eric’s class comes in.

From mastering your charisma pattern to harnessing the power of proper breathing, he equips you with invaluable techniques to excel in public speaking. What’s more, he empowers you to captivate any audience with confidence and finesse. 

Class duration: 70 minutes

• Adapt your communication style to connect with different preferences and engage your audience effectively.
• Master the techniques to captivate your audience by gradually increasing intensity and building up to a powerful delivery.
• Discover how your beliefs can transform your perception and open doors to new opportunities.

About the Trainer: Eric Edmeades is an accomplished entrepreneur, author, and mentor known for his exceptional success in various industries and his dedication to empowering others. Through his Mindvalley quests, Business Freedom Blueprint and WILDFIT , Eric has transformed thousands of lives, helping entrepreneurs achieve financial and lifestyle freedom.

“ Eric is unique among trainers. He knows what to say and when to say it to get you to open up and let your stories out. 

While Eric is a master storyteller, he is also an even better teacher, trainer, and coach. Having been a professional speaker for many years, I was truly surprised by how much I learned in just five days with Eric. ” — Nicolai Moltke-Leth , former special forces soldier, adventure racer, and founder of True North

Learn from Eric Edmeades on Mindvalley’s YouTube channel:

3. How to Increase Your Confidence and Inner Joy In Under 60 Minutes | Paul McKenna

Fear of public speaking , consider yourself warned. With the help of Paul McKenna , a renowned hypnotherapist and trainer of Mindvalley’s Total Self-Confidence Quest, it’s going to be all about building confidence.

There’s visualization. There’s learning to embrace the belief in “luck.” And there’s even “time travel” involved.

Learning from Paul is like learning from a master magician who holds the key to your unwavering confidence. And with it comes renewed optimism and fearlessness to captivate any audience, whether it’s one or one thousand.

Class duration: 55 minutes

• Explore the power of embracing moments of emotional intensity as transformative opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
• Increase your confidence by adopting three specific postures .
• Discover the 80/20 rule and its connection to success.

About the Trainer: Paul McKenna, PhD., is recognized as a leading self-help guru, having worked with influential figures like Ellen DeGeneres and David Bowie. He’s also an internationally acclaimed bestselling author whose transformative techniques rooted in hypnosis and Neuro-Linguistic Programming have positively impacted millions of lives worldwide. His books have been translated into 32 languages and sold over 10 million copies.

“I have been extremely self-critical, and my own self-doubt was my biggest saboteur. But now, with the help of Paul’s techniques, I have been able to tame my inner critic and learn the true meaning of CONSTRUCTIVE criticism .” — Shruti Shailajan , self-empowerment coach

Listen to the wisdom bombs from Paul McKenna:

4. How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Build Confidence | Florencia Andres

There’s no doubt that being confident is beneficial. Research even suggests that it leads to improved mental health, higher success, and better relationships. And when all eyes are on you, having a high sense of self-esteem is super helpful.

That’s what Florencia Andres , a mindset coach and trainer of Mindvalley’s Confianza Total Quest (in Spanish), can help you with. While this particular class (in English) is for building your confidence, it’s a topic that’s at the heart of all public speaking classes.

Class duration: 85 minutes

• Discover how to embrace the power of self-belief and nurture your confidence.
• Learn to create a ritual to reinforce your intentions .
• Increase your accountability and motivation.

About the Trainer: Florencia Andres, along with her mother Veronica, made history as the first trainers of a Mindvalley Quest to host in their native Spanish, offering the highly successful Confianza Total to Mindvalley Members. Their four bestselling books, including Confianza Total and Todo es posible have collectively sold over half a million copies and earned them the prestigious “Gold Book Award,” making them trailblazing women in the literary world.

“ Antes del curso estaba como dormida y gracias al curso y a todas las herramientas, estrategias, aportes y comentarios del grupo, los vivos y la luz que irradian y comparten Vero y Flor, desperté y tomé consciencia de lo que siempre fui, soy y puedo llegar a ser .” — Lucila Mazzini

(Before the course I was asleep and thanks to the course and all the tools, strategies, contributions, and comments from the group, the living and the light that Vero and Flor radiate and share, I woke up and became aware of what I always was, am and can reach to be.)

Gain more insights from Florencia Andres:

5. Unleash Your Super Brain to Learn Faster | Jim Kwik

You may have experienced this before: you’re up on stage, and your mind goes completely blank. It’s, no doubt, something that’s very common—but it’s totally embarrassing .

Speaking, body language, and building confidence are, for sure, the basis of what you’d learn in any of the given public speaking classes. But what about when it comes to memorizing what you’re going to say when you’re in the spotlight?

Jim Kwik , a brain performance coach and trainer of Mindvalley’s Superbrain Quest, has the tools and hacks you need to remember anything. Sooo…. memorize a speech ? Check. 

Class duration: 60 minutes

• Understand why it’s important to “learn how to learn fast.”
• Discover tips for fast learning .
• Learn hacks to remember anything .
• …and much more.

About the Trainer: From being called “the boy with the broken brain,” Jim Kwik has transformed into the foremost authority on enhancing memory and optimizing brain performance. He serves as a formidable Brain Coach to Hollywood celebrities, prestigious universities, Fortune 500 companies, and renowned entrepreneurs such as Peter Diamandis, Richard Branson, and Elon Musk.

“ I have learned so much; my memory got better, my morning routine got more structure, and I could follow through better because I knew the ‘why’ behind all of these new things that I have started to do .” — Milica Lazovic , opera singer

Learn more about how to amp up your brain power with Jim Kwik:

4 Public Speaking Tips to Build Your Confidence

Talking in front of people takes guts. And even the bravest of the brave get anxious now and again. 

In fact, nearly 75% of us suffer from speech anxiety . And while public speaking classes can help you go in-depth, sometimes go-to tips can be helpful to communicate your message effectively. 

Here are some of them for you to check out:

1. Be prepared for public speaking

Have you ever heard that the best offense is a good defense? This is especially true for public speaking.

The more you’re able to prepare for your public speaking event, the better. No matter the occasion—meeting, presentation, or speech—being well prepared will help you feel confident, composed, and ready to go.

Rehearse what you’re going to say. Know your subject well. Prepare for any questions that may be asked. Have your notes written on cards to prompt you if you get stuck.

Do anything and everything you can to ensure that you’re prepared before you speak. The act of preparing for the event will instill a powerful boost of confidence. 

2. Slow down your delivery

When we’re nervous, it shows, and not just in our pounding hearts and sweaty palms. Nervous speakers tend to speak rapidly, and trying to decipher what’s being said can turn into a confusing, befuddling challenge for the audience.

Do yourself a favor and slow down. Take a deep breath before you begin to speak. Compose your thoughts. Internally remind yourself: slow down, slow down, slow down.

Speak at a pace slow enough that you’re not tripping over your words. And by doing so, your delivery will keep you focused and relaxed.

Instead of rushing your way through your speech, hurtling toward the end of the presentation at a breakneck pace, try to take your time. You’ll notice the difference in the way you feel as you’re speaking. And your audience will notice, too.

3. Change your fearful perspective

Overcoming our fears is oftentimes a matter of challenging our preconceived notions and perspectives. Many of us, when struggling with social or speech anxiety, tend to frame ideas of public speaking in terms of what frightens us or makes us nervous.

We don’t like speaking in front of others because it makes us uncomfortable. We’re anxious. Nervous. Afraid.

However, what if you tried reframing those same states as something slightly different? Simply tweaking the ideas that surround public speaking—just a little—so that they turn into something else.

Fear becomes excitement. Nervousness becomes anticipation.

Instead of saying that public speaking makes us nervous, we can say that public speaking makes us excited. Believe it or not, many of the physiological indicators of excitement mirror those of nervousness.

It’s all a matter of perspective.

4. Be honest, genuine, and personal

Of all the effective public speaking tips, this one is perhaps the most important. It, at its heart, is all about connecting with others.

You want to be able to reach other people in such a way that your message sticks. Whatever it is you’re talking about, you must find a way to help others connect to the topic or issue at hand.

The best way to do this? Be honest, and don’t shy away from getting vulnerable.

People connect more easily with others when they’re being open, honest, and genuine. And if you’re trying too hard to sell something or come off as deceitful or manipulative, people will pick up on it.

Tell the honest-to-goodness truth. Stick to the facts, but don’t be afraid to be real. Try telling a personal story or providing anecdotal evidence to help your cause.

People will empathize more with your message if they can connect with you on an intimate, personal level.

Frequently Asked Questions

With piqued interest come frequently asked questions. Here are a few that people have sought: 

What are public speaking classes?

Public speaking classes are educational programs or courses specifically designed to help individuals develop and enhance their public speaking skills. And they’re typically set up to cover various aspects of effective communication:

• Speech delivery,
• Body language,
• Vocal projection,
• Overcoming stage fright, and
• Structuring compelling presentations. 

Taking public speaking classes can help you become more confident. Additionally, you’ll also be able to express ideas better, connect with the audience, and deliver powerful speeches or presentations.

How much do public speaking classes cost?

The cost of public speaking classes varies; it can range anywhere from the $200s (like this introductory Harvard-based course on edX) to the thousands (like this advanced course from Harvard). 

The thing is, it really depends on several factors:

• Duration of the program,
• Reputation and expertise of the instructor or institution,
• Level of customization or personalization, and
• The additional resources or materials provided.

Now, you may ask, “ How do public speaking online classes work at Mindvalley? ” When you join as a Member, you have access to various quests that can absolutely help you with your public speaking skills. These include those of Lisa Nichols, Eric Edmeades, Paul McKenna, Florencia Andres, Jim Kwik, and so many more.

The lessons are typically 20–30 minutes long—bite-sized enough so that they don’t get overwhelming. And you can either take it with other members or choose to go at your own pace. 

Furthermore, learning is better when you have an accountability group. And that’s where the Mindvalley community comes in. 

As a Member, you’ll be learning alongside like-minded individuals. It’s like Eni Selfo, head of community management at Mindvalley, says, “ When you are on a journey where you are transforming yourself, change cannot be sustained in the long term unless you have a community of people around you who are aligned with that change .”

Bonus: What’s great about the quests is that, if you have children, these quests can act as public speaking classes for kids.

Why take public speaking classes?

“ Every time I open my mouth ,” says Lisa in her Mindvalley Quest, “ I’m responsible for what I say and I’m responsible for how it lands .”

That holds true for any size audience—one or thousands. And while it can help you with the obvious (the fear of public speaking, of course), there are additional benefits to taking public speaking classes:

• It helps you convey your message clearly and engage audiences. This, in turn, can leave a lasting impact.
• It enhances your career prospects. Because effective communication is a highly valued professional skill, presentations, meetings, and job interviews can be done with ease.
• It fosters personal growth. Learning how to communicate better helps boost your self-esteem, cultivate your storytelling skills, and empower you to share your ideas and passions with others.

“ There are so many techniques I am walking away with that have changed how I communicate in my personal and professional relationships ,” says life coach Kristine Razinska , who has taken Mindvalley’s Speak and Inspire Quest.

And when you decide to mic up, you may just find yourself confident and able to spread your message impactfully.

Step Into the Spotlight

“ When you change, ‘you’ is just one person ,” says Lisa. “ But when you become a force to be reckoned with, then your voice permeates over 800 people or so .”

That’s the kind of impression you can leave when you learn how to transform your communication skills. And if you need help getting there, you can turn to the experts at Mindvalley, including:

• Lisa Nichols, who, in the Speak and Inspire Quest , will guide you to awaken the powerful communicator in you.
• Eric Edmeades, who, in the Business Freedom Blueprint Quest , will teach you how to deliver powerful talks that could change lives.
• Paul McKenna, who, in the Total Self-Confidence Quest , will provide you with the tools and techniques to be bold and have the courage to be the legend you are.

You can sign up for a free Mindvalley account and sample the first few lessons of their quests. What’s more, you’ll have access to daily selected meditations that’ll bolster your great orator journey.

Now embrace the power of your voice. Unleash your potential. Become a force to be reckoned with. 

• Try Mindvalley for Free

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Tatiana Azman

How we reviewed this article

Is high self-esteem beneficial revisiting a classic question, an urban legend called: “the 7/38/55 ratio rule”, you might also like.

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Mindvalley is committed to providing reliable and trustworthy content. 

We rely heavily on evidence-based sources, including peer-reviewed studies and insights from recognized experts in various personal growth fields. Our goal is to keep the information we share both current and factual. 

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100 Ways on How to Greet Your Classmates When Presenting a Speech

100 Ways on How to Greet your Classmates When Presenting a Speech:

Greeting your audience before delivering a speech in class is a crucial component of effective communication. A well-crafted greeting sets the tone for your presentation and establishes rapport with your classmates, making them feel acknowledged and valued. Engaging your audience from the outset helps to create a positive atmosphere conducive to learning, as it promotes attentiveness and receptiveness to your ideas. Moreover, a warm and personable greeting humanizes the speaker, fostering a connection between you and your audience , which is essential for maintaining their interest and encouraging active participation. In summary, a well-thought-out greeting lays the foundation for a successful speech, as it captures the audience’s attention, builds trust, and fosters an environment that encourages meaningful interaction and learning.

#100 Ways on How to Greet Your Classmates When Presenting a Speech

The quick guide below is very useful for the following:

• greetings for reporting in class
• greetings for group reporting in class
• greetings for the speech in school
• formal greetings for speeches in school

A simple but effective way to greet your audience in a speech in class is to start with a “Good [morning/afternoon/evening],” followed by “ladies and gentlemen,” or “fellow students,” and then briefly introduce yourself. Here’s an example:

“Good morning, fellow students. My name is [Your Name], and today I’ll be talking to you about [Topic].” Source: Distinctionpass.com

Remember, your opening sets the tone for your entire presentation, so make it engaging and relevant to your audience.

Here are 100 examples of ways to greet your classmates, each followed by a brief introduction to help you begin your speech:

• Good morning, everyone! Today, I’d like to share with you some insights on…
• Hello, dear classmates! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of…
• Hey there, friends! Are you ready to explore the topic of…
• Greetings, fellow students! Join me as we discuss…
• Salutations, my peers! I’m excited to present my findings on…
• Hi, classmates! I’ve prepared something interesting for you about…
• Aloha, everyone! Let’s take a journey through the history of…
• Bonjour, mes amis! Today, we’ll be delving into the captivating story of…
• Hola, compañeros! Allow me to introduce you to the amazing world of…
• Ciao, amici! Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating aspects of…
• Namaste, dear friends! Together, let’s uncover the secrets of…
• Howdy, folks! Gather ’round as we explore the ins and outs of…
• G’day, mates! Today, I’ve got some intriguing information on…
• Hey, everyone! I can’t wait to share with you some of the latest developments in…
• Greetings, esteemed classmates! I’d like to present my research on…
• Hello, fellow scholars! Join me today as we delve into the topic of…
• Warmest greetings, dear colleagues! I’m here to share my perspective on…
• Good day, classmates! Today, we’re going to explore the many facets of…
• Hi there, fellow learners! I’m eager to discuss the concept of…
• Greetings, comrades! Let’s take a look at the ever-evolving field of…
• Hello, everyone! Are you ready to dive into the wonders of…
• Hi, fellow students! Let’s take a moment to discuss the importance of…
• Greetings, peers! Today, I want to introduce you to the incredible world of…
• Hey, friends! I’m excited to share my knowledge on…
• Good morning, everyone! It’s time to explore the remarkable story of…
• Hello, fellow classmates! Let’s dive into the topic of…
• Hey there, colleagues! Are you ready to embark on an adventure through…
• Greetings, fellow thinkers! Let’s take a closer look at the various aspects of…
• Salutations, classmates! I’m excited to discuss the latest advancements in…
• Hi, everyone! Today, I’d like to talk about a subject that’s close to my heart:…
• Hey, dear classmates! Let’s dive into the fascinating world of…
• Hello, friends! Are you ready to discover the secrets of…
• Greetings, fellow knowledge-seekers! Let’s take a journey into the realm of…
• Salutations, esteemed classmates! Today, I’ll be discussing the intriguing world of…
• Hi there, peers! Let’s embark on an exploration of…
• Hey, everyone! I can’t wait to discuss the amazing world of…
• Greetings, fellow adventurers! Join me as we delve into the captivating story of…
• Hello, classmates! Today, we’ll be discussing the incredible impact of…
• Hey there, fellow students! Are you ready to explore the significance of…
• Greetings, peers! Let’s take a moment to delve into the fascinating aspects of…
• Salutations, dear classmates! Today, I’m excited to share with you some of the latest discoveries in…
• Hello, fellow learners! Let’s take a closer look at the ever-changing world of…
• Greetings, everyone! Today, we’ll be examining the many challenges faced by…
• Hey, friends! Let’s take a deep dive into the exciting realm of…
• Good morning, fellow students! Join me as we explore the fascinating world of…
• Hello, dear peers! Today, we’ll be discussing the importance of…
• Hey, classmates! Are you ready to uncover the mysteries of…
• Greetings, fellow enthusiasts! Let’s take a journey through the intricacies of…
• Salutations, colleagues! I’m excited to present my thoughts on…
• Hi, everyone! Today, we’ll be looking at the remarkable achievements of…
• Hey, dear friends! Let’s dive into the fascinating realm of…
• Hello, fellow classmates! Are you ready to learn about the wonders of…
• Greetings, fellow explorers! Let’s embark on a journey through the world of…
• Salutations, peers! Today, I’d like to discuss the intriguing aspects of…
• Hi, fellow students! Let’s take a closer look at the remarkable world of…
• Hey, everyone! I can’t wait to share my experiences with…
• Greetings, colleagues! Join me as we discuss the captivating story of…
• Hello, classmates! Today, we’ll be delving into the amazing world of…
• Hey there, fellow learners! Are you ready to explore the fascinating realm of…
• Greetings, dear friends! Let’s take a moment to examine the various aspects of…
• Salutations, esteemed classmates! Today, I’ll be discussing the incredible world of…
• Hi there, peers! Let’s embark on a journey into the realm of…
• Hey, everyone! I can’t wait to share my insights on…
• Greetings, fellow thinkers! Join me as we delve into the captivating story of…
• Hello, classmates! Today, we’ll be exploring the inspiring world of…
• Hey there, fellow students! Are you ready to discover the importance of…
• Greetings, peers! Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating aspects of…
• Salutations, classmates! I’m excited to present my findings on…
• Hi, everyone! Today, I’d like to share some of the latest developments in…
• Hey, dear classmates! Let’s dive into the exciting world of…
• Hello, friends! Are you ready to explore the incredible realm of…
• Greetings, fellow knowledge-seekers! Let’s take a journey through the history of…
• Salutations, esteemed peers! Today, I’ll be discussing the intriguing world of…
• Hi there, fellow learners! Let’s embark on an exploration of…

Self-introduction greetings for speech in school

For a school speech, here are a few friendly and engaging self-introduction greetings you can use:

• “Good [morning/afternoon], everyone! I’m [Your Name], and I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with you all today.”
• “Hello, [School Name]! I’m [Your Name], and it’s a pleasure to be here with you today to share some thoughts and ideas.”
• “Greetings, fellow students and teachers! I’m [Your Name], and I’m excited to dive into today’s topic with you.”
• “Hi everyone, I’m [Your Name]. I’m one of you, a student here at [School Name], and I’m looking forward to discussing something really important with you today.”
• “Welcome, everyone! I’m [Your Name] from [Your Grade/Class], and I can’t wait to get started and explore our topic together today.”

Choose one that feels the most natural to you, and it will surely set a positive tone for your speech!

Remember, the key to an engaging introduction is to connect with your audience and create a sense of excitement about your topic. The more interested your classmates are in your subject, the more likely they are to listen attentively and learn from your presentation.

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35 Ways to Start a Speech the Right Way

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The Science Survey

Manuel bosteels and nora berisha are named valedictorian and salutatorian of the class of 2024.

In a school so devoted to STEM, numbers hold tremendous value at Bronx Science. But for Class of 2024 Valedictorian Manuel (Manu) Bosteels and Salutatorian Nora Berisha, their high averages represent only one facet of their many achievements and interests.

During their four years at Bronx Science, Bosteels earned a GPA of 99, and Berisha earned a GPA of 98.95. Within the classroom, both passionately engage in a plethora of subjects, including numerous Advanced Placement courses. “I had Calculus with Mr. Fomin last year, which was my most difficult class, but I don’t think I would be here without it,” Berisha ssaid. “It completely changed my work ethic and my perspective on school, grades, and education… [it was a reminder that] there’s power — and enjoyment — in learning.”

Their notable teachers spanned all departments of the school, from English to Physics. Both fondly remember Dr. Todd Davis’ Advanced Placement United States History class with Bosteels sharing that he “loved my APUSH class with Dr. Davis, who schedules his presentations down to the minute,” and Berisha adding that Dr. Davis “made learning history so fun. It was like he was telling a story each day in class [through his presentations].”

The list of names of faculty that inspired them goes on and on, as both recalled with gratitude the presence and attention their teachers provided. “Something that struck me after my first year at Bronx Science was how dedicated and knowledgeable all of the teachers here are, and the fact that they are all excited and happy to be here,” Bosteels said. 

Beyond a shared love of learning, both Bosteels and Berisha commit to giving back to the school community, namely through the Big Sibs program, which involves mentoring incoming ninth graders as they acclimate to Bronx Science. Berisha is a Big Sib, while Bosteels serves as a director of the program. Through Berisha’s time with ninth graders and Bosteels’ organizing, they directly shape new students’ experiences by delivering presentations, organizing bonding events, and answering any and all related questions.

Bosteels also co-leads both the Mock Trial and Moot Court Teams, as well as the Science Theory Club. He further explained, “Moot court cases ask whether or not students can exercise a certain constitutional right in schools. That means it is immediately applicable to my daily life, and I am always finding out something new about the extent of my rights, or lack thereof…These kinds of questions and the research involved is a big part of what got me interested in philosophy, as they often bring up moral and ethical questions that don’t always agree with what the Supreme Court has said. It is complicated, but also particularly fun, when the arguments we come up with agree with the law but contradict our gut feelings.” 

This spring, he also joined the ultimate frisbee team, noting that “it has quickly become one of my favorite parts of the week — it is a really fun sport and the people on the team are great. We did lose every league game this year…but regardless, it is an amazing time.”

Berisha is an active member of Senior Council and tutors outside of school. “I like extracurriculars where I get to help or connect with others in some way,” she said. “I was raised in a really big family [and I am the oldest kid], so because of that atmosphere, I’ve always liked to do things where I interact with others in a positive way, such as creating events for Senior Council or helping my Little Sibs [current ninth graders in an advisory] get through Bronx Science and reassuring them while also pushing them to challenge themselves a bit.”

She expanded on the role that Senior Council played in her Bronx Science experience. “Senior Council gave me the opportunity to connect with peers that I had never met before — going to a school with almost 3,000 students, you obviously aren’t able to meet and know everyone in your grade, but being on Senior Council was refreshing and amazing in the sense that it allowed me to form friendships with people that I had never had any classes or clubs with — in the council and just the seniors in general who would participate in events or even volunteer for them.” 

In managing busy schedules and long commutes, they had similar words of wisdom: plan ahead — both have used a planner at different points — get enough sleep, and don’t be afraid to try new things. Berisha said, “Bronx Science pushed me to do so much more than I ever expected. I don’t regret pushing myself. Hard work always pays off.” She heavily endorses using the time to and from school to complete work, especially reading assignments.

Bosteels reflected on the importance of prioritizing self over perfection: “The number one tip I have is probably to make an executive decision to just stop working once it gets really late. It is important to learn when something is done even if it is not perfect, and besides, it is almost always better to turn something in that is ‘just O.K.’ than it is to go to school without enough sleep.”

This fall, Bosteels is headed to Yale University to study physics and philosophy. His interest in physics stems from reading Astrophysics for People in a Hurry by Bronx Science alumnus Neil deGrasse Tyson ’76 and from what he learned in his first physics class last year. Bosteels said, “For me, physics was the first time a teacher began the year talking about learning a new way of thinking – and [was right].”

Bosteels continued, “I love Bronx Science a lot, and I am happy to be able to speak at the very end of our time at this school. My classes and teachers here have pushed me to understand my interests and skills better and learn how to organize myself. My three years here have also taught me about the kinds of people I want to surround myself with. My friends today are easily the best people I have ever met: they are intelligent, funny, opinionated, interesting, and kind. I definitely feel ready to graduate — ready to celebrate, to spend time with my friends over the summer, and to move into college in August — but I am sad to be leaving Bronx Science.” 

Berisha similarly reflected on all that it has taken to get to this point, and the hope for what’s to come. “Bronx Science not only taught me how to be a driven student, but also a compassionate member of a community. Through [Senior Council] events, my classes, and the extracurriculars I’ve been a part of, I’ve seen how valuable being active members in a community can be — the way we support and uplift one another, whether it’s with covering someone’s shift in handing out senior t-shirts to Facetiming to help one another study for a test… [Now] it’s like everything has paid off. [Graduating] is very bittersweet, but the image I get is of the sun coming out after a storm. We’ve all been through so much, and now that graduation is coming, the mood and atmosphere are completely different… There’s some sadness but also this peace in this next step of our lives.”

Berisha intends to major in mathematics at Princeton University, where she will enroll this fall. She added, “I really like math, how you can expand and then cancel out — and in the end, get an answer. Math also seems imaginary sometimes, which I think is really cool, like Gabriel’s Horn with a finite volume, and an infinite surface area. Math is essential to depicting the world around us, yet it also holds these unimaginable scenarios.”

Manuel Bosteels and Nora Berisha will deliver their speeches at the Class of 2024’s 96th Commencement Ceremony on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at The United Palace Theater.

UPDATE:  Click  HERE to watch the video of Bronx Science’s 96th Commencement Ceremony at The United Palace Theater, which was held on Wednesday, June 26th, 2024, including the speeches by Bronx Science’s Valedictorian, Manuel Bosteels ’24 (at 55:45), and Salutatorian, Nora Berisha ’24 (at 6:50).

Manuel Bosteels ’24 said “I love Bronx Science a lot, and I am happy to be able to speak at the very end of our time at this school. My classes and teachers here have pushed me to understand my interests and skills better and learn how to organize myself. My three years here have also taught me about the kinds of people I want to surround myself with. My friends today are easily the best people I have ever met: they are intelligent, funny, opinionated, interesting, and kind. I definitely feel ready to graduate — ready to celebrate, spend time with my friends over the summer, and move into college in August — but I am sad to be leaving Bronx Science.” 

• bronx high school of science
• Bronx Science
• Manuel Bosteels
• Nora Berisha
• salutatorian
• Senior Council
• United Palace Theater
• valedictorian

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How to Speak Confidently in Public

Last Updated: April 15, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Deb DiSandro . Deb DiSandro is the Owner of Speak Up On Purpose, an organization dedicated to improving and teaching public speaking. Deb has over 30 years of experience as a national speaker and has presented at the Erma Bombeck Writer’s Conference and the National Society of Newspaper Columnists. She was awarded the National Speakers Association Member of the Year 2007 and has been published in Writer's Digest, Daily Herald, Women's Day, and Better Homes & Gardens. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 789,095 times.

Speaking in public is a fear for a lot of people, whether it's giving a speech, a toast at your friend's wedding, or being called on in class. Fortunately, you can make speaking in public less anxiety inducing by following some of these types. It may never be your favorite thing, but you'll be far less likely to throw up in front of your audience.

Preparing to Speak

• Preparation is key. Take your time when you are planning your speech to make sure that it flows naturally and logically. You'll also need to make sure that you know how you're coming across while giving the speech and heighten your good qualities while downplaying the less good qualities.
• Even if public speaking is something like having to answer a question in class, you will still need to make sure that you know your subject. This can help you feel and present as more confident, which will make a good impression on your listeners.

• Speak from your diaphragm. This will help you to project clearly and loudly so that your audience can hear you without seeming like you're straining or shouting. As an exercise, stand up straight and put your hand on your abdomen. Breathe in, and breathe out. Count to 5 on a breath and then 10 on a breath. You'll feel your abdomen start to relax. You want to be breathing and speaking from that relaxed state.
• Modulate your tone. Figure out what the pitch of your voice is. Too high? Too low? Going into registers only dogs can hear? Relaxing, standing in a comfortable (but upright) position and breathing properly will help you find a more comfortable and more pleasant tone.
• Avoid throat breathing and upper chest breathing, as these both can add to your anxiety and tighten up your throat. In consequence, your voice will sound more strained and uncomfortable.
• Chewing gum for a few minutes before giving a speech will increase blood flow to your brain, making it easier to focus and concentrate. Opt for a sugar-free variety so you don't create a spike in your blood sugar, and be sure to spit it out before you give your speech. [2] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source

• Try to speak more slowly and more carefully than a typical conversational tone. Make sure that you allow for pauses between different ideas, or especially important themes, so that your audience has time to understand and reflect on what you just said.
• Practice proper articulation and pronunciation. Articulation is when you're pronouncing sounds. Focus especially on enunciating these sounds: b, d, g, dz (j in jelly), p, t, k, ts, (ch in chilly). For pronunciation, you want to make sure you know how to pronounce all your words and that you've practiced pronouncing the more difficult ones.
• Eliminate the 'um's and placeholder words such as "like." When public speaking, these words make you sound as if you don't know what you're talking about. If you need to gather your thoughts, you can always pause — doing so will appear deliberate.

• To give a speech, you'll need to either have some sort of note cards or outline. Or you can do it from memory, if that is something that you do well (don't try this if you aren't super confident you can do it).
• You don't need to write down every single thing on your note cards (leave a little room for improvisation), although it can be helpful to make notes of things like "pause after this information" or "remember to breathe" so that you actually remember to do those things.

• Write out your speech over and over. This method helps you to remember the speech. The more you write it out, the easier it will be to recall it. Once you've written it multiple times, test yourself on how well you remember it. If there were parts you couldn't remember, write those specific parts over and over again.
• Break your speech down into smaller parts and memorize each of those parts. It is really hard to memorize an entire speech in one go. The best thing to do is memorize it in small chunks (start with each bullet point, and then move up to memorizing your 3 different main points, etc.).
• Practice your speech as you walk through your home. Begin in the entryway and recite your introduction. Move to the next room as you begin the body of your speech. Continue moving through your home as you progress through your speech. Then, do it all over again. Moving into each room will remind you of the part of your speech that corresponds with that area, helping you to memorize the words.
• Use the loci method. Break down your speech into paragraphs or bullet points. Visualize a picture for each bullet point (like imagining a Harry Potter if you're talking about J.K. Rowling's influence on children's literature). Determine a location for each of the points (like Hogwarts for Rowling, a meadow for Stephenie Meyer, etc.). Now you'll progress through the locations (you fly on a broomstick from Hogwarts to the meadow, for example). If you have multiple things to say about each specific point, then put them in specific places around the location (like a point about Harry Potter's popularity in the Main Hall, or the effect she had on revamping the genre in the Quidditch field).

• Before you give your speech, interview 3-5 people who will be in the audience, if possible. This works best if you will be speaking to a specific association or group. Ask if there are any buzzwords relating to their industry or group that you can incorporate into your speech.
• Humor is a great way to loosen yourself and your audience up. There's usually a type of humor that fits most public speaking situations (but not always!). It's good to start off with a little humor to lighten the atmosphere and give the impression of confidence. Telling a funny (and true) story can be a good way to do this.
• Figure out what it is you're trying to get across to the audience. Are you trying to give them new information? Rehash old information? Are you trying to persuade them to do something? This will help you focus your speaking around the main point that you want to get across.

• Try to visit the space you'll be speaking in and practice there. This will give you greater confidence because you're more familiar with the area.
• Video your practicing and find your strengths and weaknesses. Although it can be daunting to watch yourself on video, it's a great way to see where your strengths and weaknesses are. You'll notice what your nervous physical tics are (shifting from foot to foot, running your hands through your hair) and you can work on eliminating them or keeping them to a minimum.

Honing Your Message

• An informative speech's main purpose is to give facts, details, and examples. Even if you are trying to persuade your audience, it is still about the basic facts and information. [8] X Research source
• A persuasive speech is all about persuading your audience. You will employ facts, but also emotion, logic, your own experiences, etc. [9] X Research source
• The purpose of an entertaining speech fulfills a social need, but often uses some of the aspects of an informative speech (like a wedding toast, or an acceptance speech). [10] X Research source

• Start your speech by giving your main, overarching idea, and the 3 (or so) main points you have to support and elaborate on it. Your audience is going to remember your opening and your closing better than they remember any other part of the speech.
• Aim to connect with your audience and comment about them in your opener. Keep in mind that the speech is about benefiting your audience, not about you.
• Open it in a way that gets your audience's attention right off the bat. This means offering up a surprising fact or statistic, or asking a question and blowing your audience's preconceptions out of the water.

• Have one overarching idea. Ask yourself what are you trying to get across to the audience? What do you want them to take away from your speech? Why should they agree with what you're saying? For example: if you are giving a lecture on national trends in literature, consider why your audience should care. You don't want to just spit facts out at your audience.
• You'll need several main points that back up your overarching idea or point. The best number is usual 3 main points. For example: If your overarching idea is that national children's literature is becoming more diverse, have 1 point showing the new trends, have a second point showing the reception of this new diversity by the public, and a third point talk about why this new diverse children's fiction matters.

• Use striking adverbs and adjectives. You want to enliven your speech and your audience. For example: instead of "Children's literature offers a range of diverse perspectives" say "Children's literature offers a new range of exciting and diverse perspectives."
• However, avoid overusing adverbs and adjectives. It's often better to choose a concrete verb, like trudged, than to use and adverb and a verb together, such as “walked slowly.” When using adjectives, ensure they support the noun. It's more impactful to say the man's skin was as worn as leather than to say he was an old man.
• Use images that make your audience sit up and take notice. Winston Churchill used the phrase "the iron curtain" to describe the secrecy of the Soviet Union. Striking images linger in your audience's consciousness (as seen by the fact "the iron curtain" has become a household phrase).
• Repetition is also a great way to remind your audience why your speech is important (think of Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I had a dream..." speech). It hammers home your points and makes it so they can't forget the overarching theme.

• Use short sentences and short phrases. These can be used for great dramatic effect. For example the phrase "never again." It is short and to the point and packs a powerful punch.
• Keep in mind that you should vary the sentence lengths, rather than only using short sentences. Your speech will flow better if there is variety in it. And, rambling sentences can be useful if they have a purpose, such as expressing a stressful situation you encountered.
• You can also use short, pithy quotes. Lots of famous people have said funny, or powerful statements in a very short amount of space. You can Try to make your own or utilize ones that are already in place. For example: Franklin D. Roosevelt said "Be sincere; be brief; be seated."

Speaking in Public

• Rid yourself of adrenaline by doing a few jumping jacks, lifting your hands above your head, or clenching and unclenching your hands several times. Take 3 deep, slow breaths. This will clear your system and get you ready to breathe properly during the speech.
• Stand confidently in a relaxed and upright posture, with your feet shoulder-width apart. This will trick your brain into thinking that you're confident and make it easier to give the speech.

• Smile even if you feel like hurling (especially if you feeling like hurling). This will help trick your brain into feeling confident and at ease.

• Tell a story. Part of your performance is giving the speech or speaking like you're telling a story. People love stories and it will make it easier for them to connect with you, even if you're talking about something factually based. use your overarching theme or subject as the basis of the story. Why should the audience care about your topic? What's the point? [17] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Business Review Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices Go to source
• Try to have a balance between your rehearsed speech and some spontaneity. People don't want to sit there and watch you mumble through your note cards. It's a good idea to give yourself space to expand on your subject free of the note cards and to add a few side stories to give interest.
• Use your hands to help you make points. You don't want to be flailing about onstage, but neither do you want to be standing stock still while you talk. It's good to use controlled gestures to make points as you speak.
• Vary your voice while you're speaking. Your audience will be asleep in 10 seconds flat if you only speak in one long monotone. Get excited about your subject and show that in your inflections.

• Look at your audience. Mentally split your room up into sections and make eye contact with one person in each section on a rotational basis.
• If you have time, ask your audience questions during your speech. You could open up each different section of your speech with questions that people can answer before you show them your information. It will make them feel as if they are part of your speech. Keep in mind that this could be distracting, though, so you may want to stick with rhetorical questions.

• Take a drink of water if you find yourself whipping through your speech. It will help give your audience a second to catch up and it will let you take a moment to slow down.
• If you do have a friend or family member in the audience, arrange a signal with them so they can let you know if you're going too fast. Glance their way occasionally throughout your speech so that you know you're on track.

• Make sure that your audience knows why this subject is important and why they should have this information. If you can, end with a call to action. For example: if you're giving a speech about the importance of art classes in schools, end by giving your audience something that they can do about the fact that art electives are being cut.
• End with a story that illustrates your main point. Again, people like stories. Give a story of a way this information benefited someone, or the dangers of not having this information, or how it specifically relates to your audience (people are more interested when things are about them).

Sample Persuasive Speeches

Sample Informational Speeches

Expert Q&A

• Listen and watch great public speakers and try to analyze what is it that makes them successful. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Don't be embarrassed by your faults. Demosthenes was a prominent orator in ancient Athens even though he suffered from speech impediments. A good public speaker can overcome these difficulties. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• If you truly believe in the message you are delivering, your confidence will shine through. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0

• Watch what you eat before you're about to do public speaking. Dairy products and highly sugary products can make it difficult to speak, because of the phlegm they generate in your throat. Likewise, highly smelly goods (like garlic or fish) should be avoided so you don't asphyxiate your audience. Thanks Helpful 61 Not Helpful 4

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://crln.acrl.org/index.php/crlnews/article/view/19102/22119
• ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4449949/
• ↑ https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/student-life/10-public-speaking-tips/
• ↑ https://openpress.usask.ca/rcm200/chapter/types-of-speeches/
• ↑ https://professional.dce.harvard.edu/blog/10-tips-for-improving-your-public-speaking-skills/
• ↑ https://libguides.murraystate.edu/COM161/speeches
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/18-1-understanding-entertaining-speeches/
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/structuring-speech
• ↑ https://open.lib.umn.edu/publicspeaking/chapter/13-2-using-language-effectively/
• ↑ https://www.apa.org/monitor/2017/02/tips-speaking
• ↑ https://www.comm.pitt.edu/speech-anxiety
• ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/speaking_with_confidence_go_ahead_and_smile
• ↑ https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder/treatment/conquering-stage-fright
• ↑ http://hbr.org/2013/06/how-to-give-a-killer-presentation/ar/1
• ↑ http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/quiet-the-power-introverts/201107/10-public-speaking-tips-introverts

About This Article

To speak confidently in public, prepare a topic and outline, memorize it, and stick to it. Keep the outline brief and to the point so it’s easy for you to remember and for your audience to follow. To make sure your audience will be able to hear you, practice speaking with your diaphragm so you speak more loudly and clearly. Then, practice speaking very slowly and enunciating so it is easier for people to understand you. For more tips on preparing for and giving public speeches with less anxiety, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Nigel Farage branded ‘racist’ by heckler during first speech as MP after Reform victory

Former ukip leader came under fire at his own press conference after his new reform uk party won five seats at the general election, article bookmarked.

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Nigel Farage was heckled and accused of being a racist at a victory press conference after his party won five seats in the general election .

Amid chaotic scenes, a total of seven people had to be escorted out of the central London venue.

The fracas came as the Reform UK leader claimed his party had triggered a “political earthquake”.

After helping to make dozens of Tory MPs redundant , he warned Sir Keir Starmer his party’s focus was now on going “after Labour votes”.

Although they took less than a handful of seats, Reform secured millions of votes across the country.

In many seats the Reform vote was higher than the Labour or the Liberal Democrat majority.

In the end, the upstart party helped Labour to win more than 400 seats.

The press conference was designed as a victory lap, to publicise Reform’s claim it would now be the official opposition to Labour “in the country”.

But it had barely got underway when members of the audience started heckling Mr Farage.

They accused Mr Farage of being a racist, no friend to working people and wanting to dismantle the NHS. As one man started shouting at him, Mr Farage , famously a large drinker, asked him: “Are you downwind a couple already? You’ve had a bigger lunch than I have.”

He also questioned if the group were actors – a nod to a Reform canvasser filmed using a racial slur to describe former prime minister Rishi Sunak .

Mr Farage has accused Channel 4 News of using an actor as a “plant” in its undercover investigation into his campaign .

At the event, Mr Farage gave a “100 per cent promise” to rid Reform of “bad apples”, after the party had to suspend multiple candidates during the election.

He said: “Above all what we’re going to do from today is we’re going to professionalise the party, we’re going to democratise the party, and those few bad apples that have crept in will be gone, will be long gone, and we will never have any of their type back in our organisation.

“You have a 100 per cent promise on that.”

He added: “Old Labour was very, very patriotic. It believed in the country. It believed in its people. New Labour far less so.”

Mr Farage also denied he was going to Westminster to “behave terribly”. But he said he would challenge conventions after being elected as an MP for the first time on his eighth attempt.

He said: “We’re not going in to behave terribly or anything like that, but certainly going in to challenge conventions and certainly going in believing that the broad church that is the Conservative Party that currently has no religion, simply won’t be able to provide any sort of challenge at all.

“And we may be fewer in number but we’re absolutely united in what we believe in and what we stand for.”

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