Want to become a confident and compelling speaker? Discover the 8 habits of the best communicators and learn expert public speaking tips, tricks, and resources to master the stage!
🎯 Why Public Speaking Is a Superpower
Public speaking isn’t just a “nice-to-have” skill—it’s a life-changing one.
Whether you’re pitching a startup, acing a job interview, giving a class presentation, or leading a team, how you speak can make or break your impact. Great communicators influence people, lead movements, and spark change—not because they’re born that way, but because they mastered the craft.
“If you can speak, you can influence. If you can influence, you can change lives.” – Rob Brown
In this blog, we’ll break down 8 habits of the best public speakers, expand on them with powerful techniques, and give you bonus expert tips and resources to 10x your presence.
🔑 1. Entering the Room Like a Leader
❌ Don’t: Rush in nervously, avoid eye contact, or fidget.
✅ Do: Walk in with confidence, pause, smile, and make intentional eye contact.
Pro Tip:
Before stepping on stage (or into a Zoom call), pause for 2-3 seconds, scan the room, and ground yourself. This micro-moment of stillness signals authority.
Power Move:
Use the “Power Pose” (Amy Cuddy’s research) backstage or before going live. It boosts confidence by altering body chemistry—yes, seriously!
✋ 2. Managing Your Hands Naturally
❌ Don’t: Put hands in your pockets or cross your arms defensively.
✅ Do: Keep your hands relaxed at belly button level, use open gestures, and emphasize key points.
Why It Works:
Your audience reads your body language faster than your words. Open, balanced hand gestures increase trust and engagement.
Bonus Tip:
Avoid “hand chopping” or too much movement—it distracts. Record yourself and watch with the sound off to spot unintentional habits.
🖼️ 3. Creating Slides That Don’t Kill Attention
❌ Don’t: Overload slides with text or clutter.
✅ Do: Stick to 1 main idea per slide, use visuals, and aim for 10 words max.
Design Rule:
Use the 10-20-30 Rule by Guy Kawasaki:
- 10 slides
- 20 minutes
- 30 pt font minimum
Helpful Tools:
- Canva for beautiful templates
- SlidesCarnival for free decks
- Use contrast, whitespace, and icons to visually communicate better
🎤 4. Starting Your Presentation with a Bang
❌ Don’t: Begin with “Hi, my name is...” or “Today I’m going to talk about...”
✅ Do: Hook your audience with a surprising stat, question, quote, or story.
Examples:
- “Imagine losing your entire job because of a 5-minute mistake…”
- “Do you know 75% of people fear public speaking more than death?”
Pro Tip:
Craft your hook like a storyteller. Use emotion, suspense, or curiosity.
⚙️ 5. Handling Tech Issues Like a Pro
❌ Don’t: Panic and mumble “Just give me a second…”
✅ Do: Stay calm and crack a light joke like “Looks like Zoom is rebelling again!”
Power Move:
Have a Plan B:
- Offline version of slides
- Printed notes
- USB backup
- Test setup 30 mins before
Quote to Remember:
“Technology fails. Your presence shouldn’t.”
❓ 6. Answering Questions Like a Master
❌ Don’t: Get defensive or thrown off by surprise questions.
✅ Do: Prepare in advance, breathe, and respond clearly and confidently.
Structure for Answers:
Use the PREP framework:
- Point
- Reason
- Example
- Point (again)
Example:
Question: “Why did your project fail last quarter?”
PREP Answer: “We faced unexpected supplier issues (Point), mainly due to overseas delays (Reason). For example, our shipment from China was stuck for 3 weeks (Example). That said, we’ve revised our strategy (Reaffirm).”
📊 7. Presenting Data with Impact
❌ Don’t: Drown your audience in stats and tables.
✅ Do: Turn numbers into relatable stories.
Example:
Instead of “We sold 45,000 units,” say “That’s enough to fill Madison Square Garden 3 times!”
Pro Tip:
Use data storytelling:
- Start with the “why”
- Highlight only relevant numbers
- Pair stats with visuals (charts, graphs)
🎯 8. Delivering Your Key Point Effectively
❌ Don’t: Ramble through key moments.
✅ Do: Pause… and let your words land.
Technique:
Use the “One-Mississippi” method—pause for one silent beat after each key idea.
Example:
“This isn’t just about profits... it’s about purpose.
(Pause)
About people.
(Pause)
And about the legacy we leave behind.”
🚀 Bonus: 5 Extra Expert Tips to Crush Every Speech
🔥 1. Practice in Real Environments
Rehearse in front of a mirror, record yourself, or speak in a live room—even a group of friends.
🧠 2. Know Your Audience
Research their background, pain points, and interests. Speak to them, not at them.
🎭 3. Master Your Voice
Vary your tone, pace, and volume. Avoid “ums” and “likes.” Warm up your voice before big talks.
🕰️ 4. Respect Time
Always finish 1–2 minutes early. Leave time for questions and connection.
🤝 5. End with Purpose
Close with a clear takeaway, memorable quote, or call to action. Don’t fade out with “That’s it.”
📚 Best Resources to Become a Public Speaking Beast
🎤 TED Talks:
- Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are – Amy Cuddy
- The Power of Vulnerability – Brené Brown
- How Great Leaders Inspire Action – Simon Sinek
📘 Must-Read Books:
- Talk Like TED by Carmine Gallo
- Confessions of a Public Speaker by Scott Berkun
- Steal the Show by Michael Port
🎓 Free & Paid Courses:
- Coursera - Dynamic Public Speaking
- Udemy - Complete Public Speaking Masterclass
- Toastmasters International – Join a club near you
💬 Final Words – You’re One Speech Away From a New You
No one is born a great speaker. Every master you admire—Steve Jobs, Brené Brown, Tony Robbins—started with fear, stumbles, and nerves. But they trained. Repeated. Improved.
And you can too.
“Speak as if you are changing the world—because you are.”
🔔 Ready to Level Up?
👉 Start small. Record a 2-minute speech today.
👉 Join a speaking group.
👉 Teach what you learn.
Every time you speak, you grow. Don’t wait for perfection. Start with courage.
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