For many people, speaking in public is a frightening thought. While not all careers will require you to get up and speak in front of the masses, everyone can benefit from sharpening their verbal communication to be more effective and well regarded.

From presenting ideas in a staff meeting, to phone conversations and beyond, all professionals spend time communicating with others. It’s essential to speak in a manner that will command the attention of your audience and allow your message to be well received.

Here are some tips about how to hone your verbal communication skills to be better prepared the next time you are asked to speak to a group of any size.

• Make careful notes. Writing a draft is a solid first step when it comes to communicating – whether in a 1:1 scenario or in front of a crowd. Never plan to wing it, even for an informal talk. Putting your thoughts down on paper helps you to refine your message and speak with self-confidence.
• Say it out loud. The quickest way to feel more at ease with the material is to become keenly familiar with it. Rehearse alone and in front of someone who will give you honest feedback. Watch for what seems to work well and what appears to fall flat.
• Record a video. Technology has made it easy to get immediate feedback. With your smartphone, take a video you can critique in the privacy of your home or office. Use the footage to identify any mannerisms that come across as distracting or insecure. Avoid fidgeting, touching your face and hair, rocking from side to side and using filler words such as “um” and “like.”
• End each sentence with confidence. Many people unwittingly turn an opinion or statement into a question by using “upspeak” by ending a declamatory sentence with an upward inflection. For example: “Based on my research, our new customer service strategy will benefit our bottom line within months?” Make it a point to own your words and speak with assurance ending each phrase in a confident manner.
• Utilize eye contact. A vital part of connecting with those you are speaking to involves looking engaged. Establish eye contact with your audience and don’t be afraid to respond visually to their facial expressions. Smile as you allow your gaze to land on each participant instead of nervously scanning the room.
• Personalize your message. You may have a great deal of information to offer, but if you lose your audience’s interest, it will fall on deaf ears. Aim for relatable content by recounting a story or personal experience that reinforces your speech. Use humor with caution. Nothing is worse than a joke gone wrong. While genuine laughter will energize the participants, appearing to be a jokester may not work in your favor.
• Remember, while many people dread public speaking because they fear being judged by a crowd of onlookers, in reality, the audience wants you to excel.

Consider IUAA professional communication coaching.

A career communication coach can play an important role in developing your abilities far quicker than trial and error. The investment is worth the experience you gain, especially if speaking will be a significant component of your career path. I have worked with many IU alumni clients to help them hone their professional communication skills for job interviews, presentations, pitch sessions and media interviews, for example. The IUAA Career & Professional Development team is here to help you become the most effective communicator so you can command attention and have your message land effectively.