Your voice matters more than ever—use it!
SPEAK
Public Speaking
Speaking in public is a critical skill most of us could improve on, or at least become comfortable doing. While we may not all be called upon to command attention in front of thousands of people, chances are we will each have some opportunity to present our ideas and interests, causes and passions, or stories and support for issues that deeply matter to us.
With some basics in mind, and practice and exposure, you can alleviate nervousness, feel better equipped and prepared, and make an impact as a speaker in front of your audiences, no matter the size or stage! Dig in to learn more about how to build skills and minimize anxiety to effectively use your words in public settings.
3 Quick Tips
01.
Be real and connect. Authenticity and vulnerability make the difference. Offer a personal connection to your audience and your purpose, and you’ll engage and inspire.
02.
Hone your delivery style. Speak with enthusiasm, energy, and conviction. Showcase your best self. Ask yourself: Is this the voice that I would like to listen to? Nonverbal cues make an impact, too!
03.
Choose language carefully to craft and support your most important stories. Select and use vibrant, vivid words so your listeners can visualize your key messages.
17 Public Speaking Tips
This terrific overview is from Stav Ziv, deputy editor at The Muse who covers careers and work with a focus on workplace diversity, equity, and inclusion. The practical tips offered in this piece can be put into use right away. Links and nods to related resources (like Toastmasters and TEDTalks) add more to your exploration pleasure.
Tips, The Muse
Free
Become a Speaker
The driver of this site is: You would make an awesome speaker! (We have every confidence you will.) Spend time poking around the resources for speakers, avoiding excuses for taking on presentations, preparing and delivering original content for conferences and other public events, and creating cool slides for any pitch.
Tips, We Are All Awesome (WAAA)
Free
Book Summary of Speak with No Fear
Many of us fear speaking in public. Learn seven key strategies to overcome that fear and ultimately become a polished public speaker from this leadership and communication skills coach. Inspirational and practical in approach, the summary of strategies here offers a great intro.
PDF, Summaries.Com
Free
Sound at Protests 101
Campaign Gears is a digital, organizing, and communications company providing tech and organizing methods from and for innovative progressive campaigns. This insightful, 8-minute read provides sound solutions to make certain your messages are heard loud and clear at protests, as “poor sound at a demo can kill retention of supporters, especially if it is a recurring issue.”
Article, Campaign Gears
Free
Public Speaking for Social Change
Girl Up’s #AmplifyHER series shares tools and resources you need to amplify your voice and communicate effectively across different media. In this video, Shaun Robinson shares how she got her start in public speaking for your inspiration moving forward as a speaker.
YouTube, Girl Up
Free
Lisa Braithwaite's Public Speaking Blog
One of our fave blogs on this subject, this is chock-full of great resources and tips from a professional public speaking coach. Check out Lisa’s book for added inspiration: Presenting for Humans: Insights for Speakers on Ditching Perfection and Creating Connection.
Blog, Speak Schmeak
Free