16 answers
Addison
Student
Elnora, IN
2
Questions
Updated
1657 views
What can I do to get better at public speaking?
I want to become a teacher and to become a teacher you have to have public speaking skills.
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15 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Addison. Getting better at public speaking is a great goal, especially if you want to become a teacher. Teachers need to speak clearly, explain ideas well, and keep students interested. The good news is that public speaking is something you can improve with regular practice and the right methods.
The first step you need to do is to build your confidence. You can start by practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself. This helps you see how you stand, speak, and use your hands. It also helps you feel more comfortable. After that, try speaking in front of a few friends or family members to get used to talking in front of people.
Being prepared is also very important. If you know your topic well, you will feel more confident. Make a list of the main points you want to say, and practice going through them. This will help you stay on track and feel less nervous when speaking.
You can also join a public speaking or debate club. These clubs give you a chance to speak often and learn from others. Watching good speakers, like in TED Talks or your favorite teachers, can also help. You can learn how they use eye contact, pauses, and voice changes to make their speech more interesting.
Remember, public speaking takes time to get good at. Every time you speak in front of others, you are getting better. As someone who wants to be a teacher, focus on speaking clearly, being confident, and connecting with others.
Hope this helps.
The first step you need to do is to build your confidence. You can start by practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself. This helps you see how you stand, speak, and use your hands. It also helps you feel more comfortable. After that, try speaking in front of a few friends or family members to get used to talking in front of people.
Being prepared is also very important. If you know your topic well, you will feel more confident. Make a list of the main points you want to say, and practice going through them. This will help you stay on track and feel less nervous when speaking.
You can also join a public speaking or debate club. These clubs give you a chance to speak often and learn from others. Watching good speakers, like in TED Talks or your favorite teachers, can also help. You can learn how they use eye contact, pauses, and voice changes to make their speech more interesting.
Remember, public speaking takes time to get good at. Every time you speak in front of others, you are getting better. As someone who wants to be a teacher, focus on speaking clearly, being confident, and connecting with others.
Hope this helps.
Steward "Tony" Pacheco
Minister, USMC Vet, John C. Maxwell Cert. Coach, Trainer, Speaker, Teacher, Straight Shooter
193
Answers
Kyle, Texas
Updated
Steward "Tony"’s Answer
This is an awesome direction to take especially if it is a career goal or used to supplement your current income. Regardless of one’s age the ability to communicate ideas can start with one own hobbies and interests.
You can find people who love a certain video game which you have already mastered and have many insights to strategy as well as tricks to share. Those who want to learn same would be happy to join in on any presentation you give.
Teaching & speaking even though both require an audience, are separate in how one delivers its message. One is a planned and structured lesson and the other must transfer a certain amount of information within a specific and limited time frame.
Stand up comedy is a great practice as one must give a complete storyline in comedy and/or sarcasm in a 2 to 5 minute timeframe.
The audience can be 2 to 102 people and wether the time on stage proves funny or not, the lessons learn on presenting will help fix and refine your presentation skills. Many comics at open mike events record their sessions
If you write up a speech, then your presentation of said speech should flow like the wind after practicing it in front of a mirror (countless times) in order to have the appearance of a speaker and not of a teacher reading notes and avoiding eye contact with the audience.
Start small with zoom calls and a handful of friends as well as family. Stick to your topic or cause. Volunteer at community tv productions as a host or guest speaker.
When you have a passion for sharing ideas, your skills as a speaker will be recognized.
As a trained and practiced hypnotist and speaker, I do with my words as I do with my colored pencils, I paint the picture in words and never leave out the colors, the aromas, the feelings.
Get Started
You can find people who love a certain video game which you have already mastered and have many insights to strategy as well as tricks to share. Those who want to learn same would be happy to join in on any presentation you give.
Teaching & speaking even though both require an audience, are separate in how one delivers its message. One is a planned and structured lesson and the other must transfer a certain amount of information within a specific and limited time frame.
Stand up comedy is a great practice as one must give a complete storyline in comedy and/or sarcasm in a 2 to 5 minute timeframe.
The audience can be 2 to 102 people and wether the time on stage proves funny or not, the lessons learn on presenting will help fix and refine your presentation skills. Many comics at open mike events record their sessions
If you write up a speech, then your presentation of said speech should flow like the wind after practicing it in front of a mirror (countless times) in order to have the appearance of a speaker and not of a teacher reading notes and avoiding eye contact with the audience.
Start small with zoom calls and a handful of friends as well as family. Stick to your topic or cause. Volunteer at community tv productions as a host or guest speaker.
When you have a passion for sharing ideas, your skills as a speaker will be recognized.
As a trained and practiced hypnotist and speaker, I do with my words as I do with my colored pencils, I paint the picture in words and never leave out the colors, the aromas, the feelings.
Steward "Tony" recommends the following next steps:
Mary Penn
lawyer
5
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Public speaking might not feel easy for everyone, and that's okay. Remember, practice makes it easier! The more you do it, the more confident you'll become.
Try joining a class or a group, or volunteer to give a short talk at school, work, or home. Ask for helpful feedback. Nobody is perfect on their first try, so start with small steps. Opportunities to speak in public are everywhere—whether in community groups, with friends, family, or at work and school. You can also record yourself practicing to see how you can improve.
Don't wait too long to start; the sooner you begin, the lighter the task will feel. Take that first small step, and soon you'll gain momentum.
Try joining a class or a group, or volunteer to give a short talk at school, work, or home. Ask for helpful feedback. Nobody is perfect on their first try, so start with small steps. Opportunities to speak in public are everywhere—whether in community groups, with friends, family, or at work and school. You can also record yourself practicing to see how you can improve.
Don't wait too long to start; the sooner you begin, the lighter the task will feel. Take that first small step, and soon you'll gain momentum.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2397
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you would like to become a teacher and interest in public speaking.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Attend public speaking classes to learn the skills and techniques
2. Try to practice in front of mirror. Record the session and identify the area to improve
3. Start with story telling with some children. It can help you to have more confidence.
4. Do some speech in front of your friends or family. Record the session ask as for comments.
To be a teacher, you may also need to attend professional training to again teaching skills as well.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Attend public speaking classes to learn the skills and techniques
2. Try to practice in front of mirror. Record the session and identify the area to improve
3. Start with story telling with some children. It can help you to have more confidence.
4. Do some speech in front of your friends or family. Record the session ask as for comments.
To be a teacher, you may also need to attend professional training to again teaching skills as well.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Fatima Nixon
Program Lead
9
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Fatima’s Answer
Start small. Don't feel like you have to go straight into speaking in front of a large audience. Research organisations or events that will help you build confidence. This might mean attending a networking event where typically people are looking to find out more about you/your motivation fo attending an event. These might be smaller events to support you initially build confidence before starting to speak with a larger audience.
As you progress. practice on your own what you want to present. Hearing yourself speak out loud might sound weird, but you'll hear yourself possibly struggle with certain words or items that you want to talk about. If you have prepared what you want to say, stick in principle to the content and practice speaking out loud you will be on the right path.
Maybe practice/rehearse with a friend or member of the family that you trust. Again, whilst this might feel odd, you will have rehearsed and possibly laughed about any mistakes/errors in a safe environment before speaking to a new audience.
As you progress. practice on your own what you want to present. Hearing yourself speak out loud might sound weird, but you'll hear yourself possibly struggle with certain words or items that you want to talk about. If you have prepared what you want to say, stick in principle to the content and practice speaking out loud you will be on the right path.
Maybe practice/rehearse with a friend or member of the family that you trust. Again, whilst this might feel odd, you will have rehearsed and possibly laughed about any mistakes/errors in a safe environment before speaking to a new audience.
Daniela Velásquez
3
Answers
Updated
Daniela’s Answer
Hi! It’s awesome that you want to get better at public speaking, especially since teaching really does require those skills. Here are a few tips that have helped me and others:
First, practice as much as you can—even if it’s just in front of a mirror or recording yourself on your phone. The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Try to organize your thoughts before you speak; having a simple outline or a few key points can make a big difference.
Watching great speakers (like TED Talks or teachers you admire) can also be super helpful. Pay attention to how they use their voice and body language to keep people interested. Speaking of body language, don’t forget to make eye contact and use your hands naturally—it helps you connect with your audience.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous! Deep breaths help, and remember, nobody expects you to be perfect. If you can, ask friends or family for feedback after you practice. And if you’re up for it, joining a group like Toastmasters is a great way to get more experience in a supportive environment.
You’ve got this! With practice and patience, you’ll get better and more confident over time
Enroll in an advanced public speaking or communication course, either online or at a local institution.
Volunteer to lead meetings or present at community events to gain real-world experience.
Analyze recordings of your own presentations to identify areas for improvement, such as pacing, tone, and audience engagement.
Study storytelling techniques and incorporate them into your talks to make your message more memorable.
Seek mentorship or coaching from experienced speakers who can provide personalized feedback and guidance.
First, practice as much as you can—even if it’s just in front of a mirror or recording yourself on your phone. The more you do it, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Try to organize your thoughts before you speak; having a simple outline or a few key points can make a big difference.
Watching great speakers (like TED Talks or teachers you admire) can also be super helpful. Pay attention to how they use their voice and body language to keep people interested. Speaking of body language, don’t forget to make eye contact and use your hands naturally—it helps you connect with your audience.
It’s totally normal to feel nervous! Deep breaths help, and remember, nobody expects you to be perfect. If you can, ask friends or family for feedback after you practice. And if you’re up for it, joining a group like Toastmasters is a great way to get more experience in a supportive environment.
You’ve got this! With practice and patience, you’ll get better and more confident over time
Daniela recommends the following next steps:
Daniel Wuest
Executive leader
1
Answer
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
It's wonderful to hear that you're interested in becoming a teacher and want to improve your public speaking skills! One of the best ways to start is by taking a class or workshop focused on public speaking in a supportive, non-threatening environment. These settings allow you to build confidence, receive helpful feedback, and learn techniques in a space where everyone is working to improve together. You'll discover strategies for engaging your audience, organizing your thoughts, and speaking with clarity and enthusiasm. I was very uncomfortable and not very good at public speaking early in my career and taking a professional speaking course in my 20’s helped me make some meaningful progress.
In addition to classes, try watching YouTube and other online videos made by experienced speakers and educators—there are plenty of great tips and demonstrations available for free. Practice giving short talks and presentations and record yourself on video so you can review your performance. Watching yourself helps you spot things you’re doing well and areas where you can improve, like pacing, eye contact, vocal tone, or repetitive filler words and “ums”.
Remember that every speaker gets better with practice, and each step you take brings you closer to being the confident teacher you aspire to be! As you gain experience and your confidence grows, you might just discover that public speaking becomes something you truly enjoy, bringing you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction each time you deliver a strong presentation.
In addition to classes, try watching YouTube and other online videos made by experienced speakers and educators—there are plenty of great tips and demonstrations available for free. Practice giving short talks and presentations and record yourself on video so you can review your performance. Watching yourself helps you spot things you’re doing well and areas where you can improve, like pacing, eye contact, vocal tone, or repetitive filler words and “ums”.
Remember that every speaker gets better with practice, and each step you take brings you closer to being the confident teacher you aspire to be! As you gain experience and your confidence grows, you might just discover that public speaking becomes something you truly enjoy, bringing you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction each time you deliver a strong presentation.
Jackson Lagerwey
Consulting
32
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jackson’s Answer
Hi Addison,
Echoing the response before me, I believe the best way to get better at public speaking is simply by practicing and learning how other public speakers conduct themselves. I recently asked a friend of mine, who is very good at public speaking, how he developed his skills, and he said he would watch a couple of public speakers on youtube and really nail how they present/speak.
Additionally, I know that some schools/colleges have opportunities to develop this skill through clubs such as Toastmasters or Model United Nations, which are great ways to get some serious practice in and exposure to other great speakers.
Its definitely a process, so I think the key is to be patient and to gradually develop your skills over time.
Hope this helps!
Echoing the response before me, I believe the best way to get better at public speaking is simply by practicing and learning how other public speakers conduct themselves. I recently asked a friend of mine, who is very good at public speaking, how he developed his skills, and he said he would watch a couple of public speakers on youtube and really nail how they present/speak.
Additionally, I know that some schools/colleges have opportunities to develop this skill through clubs such as Toastmasters or Model United Nations, which are great ways to get some serious practice in and exposure to other great speakers.
Its definitely a process, so I think the key is to be patient and to gradually develop your skills over time.
Hope this helps!
Myles Manning
Program Manager
3
Answers
Lacey, Washington
Updated
Myles’s Answer
Public speaking is often about confidence and getting outside your comfort zone. Several of the suggestions for classes and clubs specific to speaking are excellent options but might seem intimidating. Day to day you can build your confidence and gain microskills of public interaction. Set a goal to start a small conversation with someone in public. It can be as easy as complimenting someone on a outfit you like and asking them where they got it. Engage a cashier when purchasing something practicing eye contact and a smile. Simply say hello to people who walk by with a "good morning" or "good afternoon". If you are in college, sit next to someone different each day and engage casually with a classmate.
These day to day interactions and small steps will help you build confidence and habits of public interaction to assist with the taller task of classes and clubs. You can do it and will be great.
These day to day interactions and small steps will help you build confidence and habits of public interaction to assist with the taller task of classes and clubs. You can do it and will be great.
Myeshia Wells
11
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Myeshia’s Answer
Hi Addison, I understand your concerns about public speaking. Here’s some advice to help you improve. I’m a college student studying Social Work, and I’ve taken a class in Speech Communications that really helped me. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Watch YouTube videos on public speaking to learn techniques and tips.
2. Practice by making your own videos to build confidence.
3. Check out TED Talks on public speaking to see how even experienced speakers handle nerves.
These resources can help you gain the skills and confidence you need. You’ve got this!
1. Watch YouTube videos on public speaking to learn techniques and tips.
2. Practice by making your own videos to build confidence.
3. Check out TED Talks on public speaking to see how even experienced speakers handle nerves.
These resources can help you gain the skills and confidence you need. You’ve got this!
Jordan Lanham
Sales Consultant for Insurance
8
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
Jordan’s Answer
Start out by practicing in front of small groups in person or virtually. Create speaker notes and practice your pitch or speech prior to delivering. You may find it easier to use note cards or a small script to refer to for speaker notes. Public speaking can be nerve wracking, but the more reps and practice you get the easier it gets just like anything else. Be confident in yourself and have faith in what you are talking about. If it also could help if you have the ability to speak on topics of your interest if possible.
Tiffany Getch
Senior Product Manager
2
Answers
Indianapolis, Indiana
Updated
Tiffany’s Answer
Speaking in front of others can be nerve-wracking, especially if you don't have a chance to get in front of large groups in your day to day world.
Something I would suggest that might be a bit different is to have a Facetime call with someone you know- it doesn't have to be professionally related - and read something to them. It can be something you're super familiar with at first, so you know that you could talk without it being a struggle; the goal here is to get comfortable with talking with a subject in mind.
Another suggestion that might help, especially with the idea of becoming more comfortable in hearing yourself speak, is to set up an online meeting (Google/Teams/whatever your tool is) and record yourself speaking and presenting. It could even be you recording yourself making a PB&J. The goal here is to get familiar with what your face, your hands, your body is doing while you're presenting.
Conquering your anxiety of getting up in front of people and speaking is a great goal- I hope these ideas (and other suggestions) help!
Something I would suggest that might be a bit different is to have a Facetime call with someone you know- it doesn't have to be professionally related - and read something to them. It can be something you're super familiar with at first, so you know that you could talk without it being a struggle; the goal here is to get comfortable with talking with a subject in mind.
Another suggestion that might help, especially with the idea of becoming more comfortable in hearing yourself speak, is to set up an online meeting (Google/Teams/whatever your tool is) and record yourself speaking and presenting. It could even be you recording yourself making a PB&J. The goal here is to get familiar with what your face, your hands, your body is doing while you're presenting.
Conquering your anxiety of getting up in front of people and speaking is a great goal- I hope these ideas (and other suggestions) help!
Sofie Robinson
Customer Success Manager
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Sofie’s Answer
Public speaking can be very intimidating. When I was in college, I took a public speaking class and felt really anxious. I began by practicing in front of a small group of friends and family. You don't need to start with a big audience right away. A helpful way to practice is by choosing a topic you are passionate about. Talking about something you love makes it much easier. Although you might not always get to choose your topic in a class, this method can help you become more comfortable with speaking in public.
Ehab Thabit
Marketing
5
Answers
Morristown, New Jersey
Updated
Ehab’s Answer
To improve your public speaking skills, start by joining a local public speaking group like Toastmasters. This club offers a structured way to practice speaking in front of others and receive helpful feedback. You'll also learn to give different types of speeches, which will expand your skills.
Additionally, volunteer to present projects or homework in class. This gives you a chance to practice speaking in front of supportive friends. Remember, public speaking is a skill like cooking or math—the more you practice, the better you get. It's normal to feel nervous; it shows you want to do well. Keep practicing, and you'll improve over time.
Additionally, volunteer to present projects or homework in class. This gives you a chance to practice speaking in front of supportive friends. Remember, public speaking is a skill like cooking or math—the more you practice, the better you get. It's normal to feel nervous; it shows you want to do well. Keep practicing, and you'll improve over time.
Imaobong Ekanem
Business
2
Answers
Uyo, Akwa Ibom, Nigeria
Updated
Imaobong’s Answer
I would advise you to go on YouTube and watch others and then try to practice in your spare time and if possible video your self while doing this and share with your friends and family and they can tell you were you can improve.. practice makes perfect..I hope this helps.. good luck