Chapter 7: Practicing and Refining Your Skills
Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or just starting out, practice and feedback are key to refining public speaking skills.
In this chapter, we’ll discuss the importance of practice and explore different ways to refine your techniques. You’ll learn how to get constructive feedback, make improvements, and use exercises and drills to enhance your skills.
By incorporating these techniques into your routine, you’ll become a more confident and effective public speaker, and be better equipped to engage and inspire your audience. So let’s dive in and explore the art of practice and refinement in public speaking.
1. Practice regularly:
Make public speaking a habit by practicing regularly, whether it’s in front of the mirror, with a friend, or in front of a camera. Try to practice at least once a week.
2. Time yourself:
Time your practice sessions and try to stick to your allotted time. This will help you to pace yourself during your actual presentation.
3. Practice in different settings:
Practice your speech in different settings to prepare for unexpected situations. Practice in front of small and large groups, in different locations, and with different equipment.
4. Record yourself:
Record yourself during your practice sessions to identify areas for improvement. Pay attention to your body language, tone of voice, and pacing.
Getting Feedback and Making Improvements
Feedback is crucial for improving your public speaking skills. Here are some tips for getting constructive feedback:
1. Seek feedback from a variety of sources:
Get feedback from different people, including peers, mentors, and audience members. Different perspectives can help you identify areas for improvement.
2. Ask specific questions:
Ask specific questions to elicit detailed feedback, such as “Did I make eye contact with the audience?” or “Did I use too many filler words?”
3. Listen to feedback without getting defensive:
Be open to feedback and don’t take it personally. Instead, use it as an opportunity to improve.
4. Make a plan to address feedback:
Identify the areas for improvement and make a plan to address them. For example, if you need to work on your body language, you might practice standing up straight and using hand gestures.
Public Speaking Exercises and Drills
Here are some public speaking exercises and drills to help you improve your skills:
1. Tongue twisters:
Tongue twisters are a fun way to improve your diction and articulation. Try saying “She sells seashells by the seashore” or “Red lorry, yellow lorry” multiple times without stumbling.
2. Impromptu speaking:
Challenge yourself to give a short impromptu speech on a random topic. This will help you practice thinking on your feet and organizing your thoughts quickly.
3. Slow motion speaking:
Practice speaking in slow motion to help you control your pace and enunciation.
4. Memorization exercises:
Memorize a short speech or poem to improve your memory and recall skills.
5. Storytelling exercises:
Practice telling stories to improve your storytelling skills. Try using different techniques, such as using vivid imagery or incorporating humor.
6. Visualization exercises:
Visualize yourself giving a successful speech. Imagine the audience responding positively to your message and see yourself delivering it with confidence.
By incorporating these exercises and practicing regularly, you can develop your public speaking skills and become a more effective communicator.
Checklist for Practicing and Refining Public Speaking Skills
- Practice regularly, at least once a week
- Time yourself during practice sessions
- Practice in different settings
- Record yourself during practice sessions
- Seek feedback from a variety of sources
- Ask specific questions to elicit detailed feedback
- Listen to feedback without getting defensive
- Make a plan to address feedback
- Incorporate public speaking exercises and drills into your practice routine.
Worksheet: Practicing and Refining Public Speaking Skills
Part 1: Recording Your Practice Session
- Choose a topic that you want to practice presenting.
- Set up a camera or use your phone to record yourself giving the presentation.
- Practice your presentation as if you were delivering it to a live audience.
- Record your practice session in its entirety.
Part 2: Self-Evaluation
- Watch the recording of your practice session.
- Evaluate yourself on the following aspects of public speaking:
- Voice projection and tone
- Body language and gestures
- Eye contact and facial expressions
- Pace and rhythm
- Use of pauses and emphasis
- Clarity and articulation
- Structure and organization
- Use of visual aids
- Engagement and connection with the audience
- Take notes on your self-evaluation, and identify areas for improvement.
Part 3: Feedback from Others
- Share your recorded practice session with a trusted friend, colleague, or mentor.
- Ask them to provide feedback on your presentation, focusing on the same aspects of public speaking that you evaluated in Part 2.
- Take notes on their feedback, and identify areas for improvement.
Part 4: Making Improvements
- Review your self-evaluation and feedback from others.
- Identify the most critical areas for improvement.
- Develop a plan for addressing these areas of improvement, and set goals for your next practice session.
- Practice your presentation again, incorporating your self-evaluation and feedback from others.
- Repeat this process until you are satisfied with your public speaking skills.
By completing this worksheet, you will be able to identify areas for improvement in your public speaking skills, and develop a plan for making these improvements. With practice and feedback, you can refine your skills and become a more effective public speaker.