Having to give a speech in front of an audience can cause some people to shake, sweat, get sick, or freeze in terror. The root of this fear is simple: It’s scary because it’s unfamiliar to anyone who doesn’t regularly perform to a crowd.

The best way to become a better public speaker is through repetition and feedback from a trusted source, but there are several habits you can establish early that will make your journey easier.

Here are some of Joshua Rinaldi, the former president of New York Toastmasters, top tips for becoming a confident, effective speaker, published on the World Economic Forum:

  1. Practise transitioning from a transcript to your memory.
  2. Use notes sparingly.
  3. Release nervous energy with controlled breathing.
  4. Take your time.
  5. Play to your strenghts.
  6. Don’t apologize at the start of your speech.
  7. Know your audience.

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Image – Pixabay (CC0)