26 Public Speaking Tips That Will Make You Unforgettable

Discover research-backed public speaking tips to captivate any audience. Master your delivery, connect with listeners, and transform anxiety into confidence.

Public speaking often triggers instant anxiety—fears of audience rejection, mind-blanking moments, and awkward stage presence haunt even seasoned professionals.

Yet effective communication remains both one of our most valuable and most feared skills!

The good news? Every captivating speaker started somewhere. With the right public speaking tips, you can develop this essential skill too. This guide presents 25 research-backed tips for public speaking that work across all scenarios—from formal presentations to impromptu speeches and classroom talks—to help you command attention and connect deeply with any audience.

The Science of Speaking Fear

Nearly 30 percent of Americans report that they’re “afraid or very afraid” of public speaking. In fact, this fear is so widely accepted that many scientists researching stress actually will induce anxiety by asking study participants to give a speech.

Most fears about public speaking stem from our fear of being judged. We become so focused on potential criticism that we forget the incredible power we have to share meaningful messages and ideas.

But understanding this fear is the first step to overcoming it and transforming into a confident, compelling speaker. Let’s dive into our science-backed strategies to help you become an unforgettable speaker.

26 Research-Backed Public Speaking Tips

Up Your Public Speaking Game

Harvard Business research (source) discovered that when executives used certain verbal tactics, their leadership ratings rose by 60%! These charismatic speaking techniques can transform your presentations:

• Use Metaphors, Similes, and Analogies: I LOVE metaphors—they’re like mini-stories that connect familiar concepts to new ideas. For example, I teach people to read micro-expressions by comparing it to watching life in High Definition TV. Suddenly you notice details you missed before! When I use this metaphor in presentations, people visibly react—nodding or saying “aha!” as the concept clicks. That’s the power of a good metaphor.
• 3-Part Lists: Breaking information into threes makes it easier for people to understand, remember, and act on your message. Even for impromptu messages, organizing your thoughts into three main ideas will help people remember what you say.
• Rhetorical Questions: Questions engage people mentally even when they don’t answer out loud. Try using phrases like “Have you ever wondered…” or “How might this affect your daily routine?” to pull your audience into your presentation.
• Speak Powerfully: Remember that how you say something matters as much as what you say. Use vocal variety, emphasis on key words, and strategic pauses for maximum impact. Here are my favorite vocal power tactics.

Warm-Up Right

Even experienced speakers face performance anxiety. The secret? A great pre-performance routine:

• Physical warm-ups: Get your body ready with light stretching, facial exercises, and deep breathing to release tension.
• Vocal warm-ups: Practice tongue twisters, hum, or do vocal slides to prepare your voice.
• Mental preparation: Visualization techniques and positive affirmations can prime your mind for success.

Pro Tip: Arrive at your speaking venue early and do a quick “microphone check” by standing at the spot where you’ll be presenting. Take a few deep breaths, say a few words out loud, and visualize yourself succeeding in that exact space.

Start With The Best Speech Opener

How do you start your speeches?

Does it go something like, “Hi guys… my name is Katie and I, uh… I’m here today to talk about statistics and, uh, data-driven results.”

How about we change that up and use one of the best speech openers that have been proven throughout history?

Check out this video to learn what speech openers actually work (and which to avoid!):

Use a Sparkline

Professional presentation designer Nancy Duarte discovered that all great speeches follow a similar structure she calls a “sparkline”:

1. Start by explaining “what is” - the current problem or situation
2. Then paint a picture of “what could be” - the better future your ideas offer
3. Alternate between these states throughout your talk
4. End with a clear vision of how your audience benefits by following your advice

This structure works because it creates emotional contrast and gives your speech a compelling rhythm.

When you’ve explained all of your points, end your speech by creating a clear vision of what the audience can expect if they follow your advice, invest in your company, implement your plan—whatever you tried to persuade them to do. Watch Nancy’s TEdxEast talk to learn more about her speech theory and what you can do to become inspirational:

Don’t Caveat, Apologize or Beg

When we’re nervous, we tend to undermine ourselves with phrases like “I’m not really sure” or “It’s just my opinion.” These qualifiers diminish your authority and credibility.

Research your content thoroughly so you can speak with conviction. Practice eliminating undermining phrases from your speech. Remember that some of the most memorable speakers are those who take a clear position—even if it’s controversial!

Pro Tip: Record yourself practicing your presentation and count how many times you use undermining phrases. For each one you catch, replace it with a confident statement that owns your expertise.

For every speaking skill you add to your toolbox, the less speaking anxiety you will feel.

If you want help really diving into your presentation skills, be sure to sign-up for our course…

Master Your Nonverbal Behavior

When we analyzed hundreds of hours of TED talks, we discovered something surprising: viewers gave speakers the same ratings whether they watched with sound or on mute. Even more remarkable, people could predict in the first seven seconds whether a talk would be successful.

These findings highlight the importance of nonverbal behavior: things such as hand gestures, posture, and vocal variety are essential for captivating audiences.

Here are a couple nonverbal behavior tips to keep in mind:

• Don’t self-block: When we get nervous, we tend to try minimizing the amount of space our body takes up. We also subconsciously try to barricade our body from the audience with crossed arms or a podium. I recommend holding a clicker or microphone. This might seem counterintuitive, but it forces you to uncross your arms and makes putting your hands in your pockets more difficult.
• Avoid self-touch: The most common nervous body language cues are self-touch gestures. Specifically, avoid wringing your hands, cracking your knuckles, touching your face or hair or biting your lips. If you need to hold a clicker, that can anchor your hands.

Action Step: Practice your speech in front of a mirror or record yourself to identify and eliminate nervous habits!

Channel Your Fear

Research (source)(2)_0287835d-9e25-4f92-9661-c5b54dbbcb39.pdf indicates that nervousness and excitement are physiologically similar emotions. The difference? How we interpret those sensations.

When you feel your heart racing before a presentation, try this reframing technique: Instead of telling yourself “I’m so nervous,” say “I’m excited to share these ideas!” This mental shift helps transform anxiety into productive energy.

In a study conducted by our friends at Quantified Communications, it was found that confident speakers demonstrate 22.6% more passion than nervous ones. When you channel your nervous energy into showing enthusiasm for your topic, you’ll appear more engaging and invested.

Pro Tip: Next time you feel nervous before speaking, place your hand over your heart, take a deep breath, and whisper to yourself: “This is excitement, not fear. I’m excited to share my message.”

For more tips on combating performance anxiety, check out our article on overcoming stage fright in 15 steps or watch the video below:

Know How to Work the Stage

Over my years of experience, I’ve developed a formula to learn how to work a stage like a pro and win the crowd.

My big idea: Don’t pace, purposefully move. When we have adrenaline pumping through our bodies, we tend to pace the stage. It is a way of moving all of our nerves out of our bodies. Many speakers do this subconsciously and often have no idea the audience is being forced to watch them like a ball in a tennis match.

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Master Stage Presence

Great speakers aren’t born—they’re made. Stage presence is a learned skill that anyone can develop with practice.

Elements of powerful stage presence include:

• Confident entrance: How you walk on stage sets the tone
• Deliberate gestures: Purposeful hand movements that emphasize points
• Vocal projection: Speaking clearly to reach the back of the room
• Authentic connection: Genuine interest in engaging with your audience

Pro Tip: Study speakers you admire. What specific elements of their stage presence can you incorporate into your own style? Choose one technique to practice until it feels natural, then add another.

Include the Audience

Research (source) shows that confident speakers use nearly 47% more inclusive language than nervous ones. Using collaborative words and personal pronouns helps the audience feel involved in your message.

Try these audience engagement techniques:

• Ask show-of-hands questions: “How many of you have experienced…”
• Conduct quick polls: “On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate…”
• Invite brief discussions: “Turn to your neighbor and share…”
• Call for volunteers: Physical demonstrations make concepts memorable

Action Step: Add at least three audience interaction moments to your next presentation—one near the beginning, one in the middle, and one toward the end.

I gave the most nerve-wracking speech of my life and decided to include the audience constantly. This calmed down my nerves and helped me connect to the crowd. See how I included them here:

Move People to their Feet

The coveted standing ovation comes from creating emotional connection, not just delivering information. Many speakers mistake being professional for being unemotional, but this creates stiff, forgettable presentations.

Emotions are the condiments of speeches.

Emotions add spice, flavor and personality to your talk, your stories and your ideas. Here are the most common emotions speakers can add to their talks. Do you have any stories that can embody these emotions?

• Passion
• Vulnerability
• Awe
• Regret
• Excitement
• Fear
• Power

Pro Tip: Public speaking teacher Michael Port, in his course Heroic Public Speaking, recommends trying to get the audience to stand up for an activity just before your conclusion. With people already on their feet, they’re more likely to remain standing in applause.

Solve a Problem

Great speeches identify a problem everyone recognizes and then offer a solution. This approach instantly creates relevance and keeps your audience engaged.

Structure your presentation around this problem-solution framework:

1. Identify a common pain point your audience experiences
2. Explain why this problem exists or persists
3. Present your solution with clear evidence
4. Show what life looks like after implementing your solution

For example, I do this in every presentation I give:

• Problem: “How many times have you walked into a party or networking event and instantly felt awkward or uncomfortable?
• Solution: “The best way to combat your awkwardness is with a success routine.”

Once Upon a Time

Research shows that during storytelling, the listener’s brain activates as if they were experiencing the story themselves. This neural coupling makes your points more memorable and impactful.

Effective stories for presentations include:

• Personal experiences: Share what you’ve learned from your own challenges
• Customer/client stories: Real-world examples of problems and solutions
• Historical anecdotes: Relevant lessons from the past
• Hypothetical scenarios: “Imagine if…” situations that illustrate your point

Pro Tip: For maximum impact, structure your stories with a clear beginning (the situation), middle (the challenge), and end (the resolution and lesson). Keep each story under two minutes unless it’s your central example.

Use an App

Technology can be an amazing tool for speakers. Tons of apps are available that can help you hone your craft. For example:

• Recording apps: Record and analyze your practice sessions
• Timer apps: Practice proper pacing
• Teleprompter apps: Help you maintain eye contact while following notes
• VR practice environments: Some apps simulate audiences to practice with

I reviewed 6 of my favorite apps you can use before your next event:

Take Rehearsal to a Whole New Level

Effective rehearsal goes beyond simply reading your notes. Try these advanced rehearsal techniques:

Phase 1: Read your content aloud to refine the flow and natural sound of your message.

Phase 2: Practice your movements, gestures, and any props or visual aids.

Phase 3: Conduct at least one full dress rehearsal wearing your planned outfit and simulating actual presentation conditions.

This tip comes straight from our Steal the Show summary—review all 7 tips.

Adopt A Laughing Mindset

You don’t need to be a comedian to incorporate appropriate humor into your presentations. Instead, adopt a “laughing mindset”—a way of connecting with your audience that creates mental smiles throughout your talk:

• Create inside jokes: Reference earlier parts of your talk to build connection
• Use expressive delivery: Sometimes a well-placed eyebrow raise or exaggerated sigh can lighten the mood
• Smile to inspire: Your genuine smile cues the audience to relax and engage

Watch Ken Robinson’s Ted Talk for a great example of adopting a laughing mindset. He does tell jokes, but he also gives you the feeling that you are an old friend and you are about to have a good time:

Action Step: Identify 2-3 places in your next presentation where you can add a light moment or humorous aside that reinforces your message rather than distracting from it.

Learn from the Best

Sometimes you need to watch an amazing speaker in action to get inspired. I love watching public speakers who really know how to work a room. I always learn something from them and pick up a few tidbits.

I have put together a video analyzing my favorite public speakers and why they are so talented. Watch to see who I chose and why:

Use Strategic Pauses

Nothing communicates confidence like comfortable silence. Strategic pauses serve multiple purposes in effective speaking:

• Emphasis: Pause right after an important point to let it sink in
• Anticipation: Pause before revealing key information to build suspense
• Processing: Give the audience time to absorb complex information
• Recovery: Use pauses to gather your thoughts if you lose your place

Research (source) shows that audiences perceive speakers who use appropriate pauses as more thoughtful, confident, and credible.

Action Step: Mark your speaking notes with “P” where you plan to pause. Start with adding pauses after important points, then experiment with anticipatory pauses before key revelations.

Control Your Voice

Your voice is your primary instrument as a speaker. Mastering these vocal elements can dramatically improve your impact:

• Volume variation: Speak louder for emphasis, softer for intimate points
• Pace changes: Speed up to show excitement, slow down for important points

• Pitch modulation: Avoid monotone delivery by varying your vocal pitch
• Enunciation: Clearly pronounce words, especially key terms

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/iHivaryk_Vs

Pro Tip: Record yourself reading a passage from a book using different vocal techniques. Experiment with changing just one element at a time—volume, pace, or pitch—to hear how it affects the message.

Prepare for Impromptu Speaking

Being asked to speak without preparation can be terrifying, but mastering impromptu public speaking tips can turn these moments into opportunities to shine:

• The PREP framework: Point (make your main point), Reason (explain why it matters), Example (give a concrete example), Point (restate your main point)
• The 3-question method: Before speaking, quickly ask yourself: What does my audience need? What’s my main message? What action do I want them to take?
• Story bank: Mentally maintain 5-7 stories or examples you can quickly adapt to different topics

Action Step: Practice impromptu speaking by having a friend give you random topics with just 30 seconds to prepare. Start with one-minute talks and gradually increase the duration as your confidence grows.

Connect Through Eye Contact

Effective eye contact creates trust and connection with your audience. Studies show that speakers who make eye contact are perceived as more confident, credible, and trustworthy.

For optimal eye contact:

• Focus on one person at a time for 3-5 seconds (about one complete thought)
• Move systematically around the room to include everyone
• In larger venues, focus on different sections rather than individuals
• Avoid scanning or rapidly shifting your gaze, which signals nervousness

Pro Tip: If direct eye contact makes you nervous, try the “triangle technique”—look at a triangle formed by a person’s eyes and the center of their forehead. It creates the impression of eye contact while reducing anxiety.

Tailor Your Message to Your Audience

Presentations customized to address your specific audience’s needs, knowledge level, and interests consistently outperform generic speeches.

Before every presentation, ask yourself:

• What does this specific audience already know about my topic?
• What are their primary concerns or interests?
• What technical language will they understand?
• What examples or stories will resonate with their experiences?
• What do they need to walk away knowing or doing?

Action Step: Create an “audience profile” for your next presentation. List 5-7 key characteristics of your audience and note how you’ll adjust your content to meet their specific needs and knowledge level.

Develop a Pre-Speech Routine

Notice how athletes have specific rituals before competing? LeBron’s chalk towhatss? Nadal’s hair tuck?

These routines signal to the brain: “It’s go time.”

You need your own version. Whether it’s deep breathing backstage, a specific playlist, or a power pose in the bathroom stall (yes, really!), find what works for you. Combine physical elements, mental practices, and voice exercises into a consistent pre-performance ritual.

Pro Tip: Create a 5-minute pre-speech routine combining at least one physical, one mental, and one vocal technique. Use it consistently until it becomes your performance trigger.

Handle Q&A Sessions Like a Pro

Question and answer sessions often cause anxiety, but they’re valuable opportunities to demonstrate your expertise and connect with your audience.

Follow these guidelines for masterful Q&A:

• Anticipate likely questions and prepare concise answers
• Listen completely before responding
• Rephrase the question to ensure you understood
• Keep answers brief and focused
• Be honest when you don’t know something
• Bridge back to your key messages whenever possible

Action Step: Before your next presentation, write down the 5 most challenging questions you might receive. Prepare and practice concise answers for each that reinforce your main points.

Use Visual Aids Effectively

The brain processes visuals 60,000 times faster than text. Yet I’ve sat through countless presentations where slides became the speaker’s enemy—dense paragraphs, tiny charts, and the dreaded “let me read this to you” approach.

Great visual aids should function like street signs—guiding your audience but never becoming the destination. When creating slides, ask: “If my technology failed, could I still deliver effectively?” If not, you’re too dependent on visuals.

Pro Tip: Design slides with a single purpose, embrace whitespace, and use high-quality images. For every element, ask: “Does this clarify or complicate my message?”

Create a Continuous Improvement Plan

The best speakers view every presentation as a learning opportunity. Implementing a systematic approach to improvement will accelerate your growth:

• Record your presentations whenever possible
• Ask for specific feedback from trusted observers
• Keep a speaking journal to track what works and what doesn’t
• Join a speaking group like Toastmasters for regular practice
• Set specific goals for each new presentation

Action Step: After your next presentation, conduct a personal debrief. Write down three things that went well and three things you’ll improve next time. Use this feedback to create specific practice goals.

Master Public Speaking: Advanced Frameworks and Exercises

Now that we’ve covered our 25 essential public speaking tips, let’s explore some advanced frameworks and exercises to further develop your skills in key areas.

Common Speaking Anxieties and Their Solutions

Here’s a useful table to identify (and quickly address) the most common speaking fears:

Understanding these common anxieties and having specific strategies to address them can transform your speaking experience from terrifying to manageable—and eventually to enjoyable.

Body Language Mastery Framework

It’s hard to understate the importance of body language in public speaking! Your body communicates before your words do. Master these key elements:

• Posture: Stand tall with shoulders back and weight evenly distributed
• Gestures: Use purposeful hand movements that emphasize and illustrate points
• Facial expressions: Ensure your face reflects your message’s emotional tone
• Movement: Navigate your space with intention rather than random pacing
• Proxemics: Understand how your distance from the audience affects connection

Body Language Practice Exercise: Record yourself giving a 2-minute presentation twice. The first time, deliberately use poor body language (crossed arms, looking down, fidgeting). The second time, implement proper techniques (open stance, purposeful gestures, engaged facial expressions). Watch both recordings to see the dramatic difference.

Advanced Audience Engagement Strategies

The difference between a lecture and a conversation often comes down to audience involvement:

• Ask show-of-hands questions: “How many of you have experienced…”
• Conduct quick polls: “On a scale of 1-5, how would you rate…”
• Invite brief discussions: “Turn to your neighbor and share…”
• Call for volunteers: Physical demonstrations make concepts memorable
• Use case studies: “Let’s examine how this worked for…”
• Create customized scenarios: “Imagine if your team implemented this…”
• Incorporate real-time feedback: Use digital tools for live audience input

Engagement Practice Exercise: Take a 5-minute segment of your presentation and transform it by adding three different engagement techniques. For example, replace a statement like “This technique improves productivity by 25%” with “Think about your most productive day last week. What made it productive? [pause for consideration] Our research shows this technique can give you 25% more days like that.”

Voice Modulation Mastery Framework

Your voice is your most powerful instrument as a speaker—it can either captivate your audience or put them to sleep. A varied vocal delivery makes all the difference between forgettable and unforgettable presentations. Master these elements:

• Volume variation: Speak louder for emphasis, softer for intimate points
• Pace changes: Speed up to show excitement, slow down for important points
• Pitch modulation: Avoid monotone delivery by varying your vocal pitch
• Enunciation: Clearly pronounce words, especially key terms
• Tone quality: Adjust from authoritative to conversational as needed
• Strategic pauses: Use silence to create impact
• Vocal emphasis: Stress important words to highlight key points

Voice Modulation Exercise: Record yourself reading the same paragraph three different ways: first with no vocal variation, then with exaggerated variation, and finally with intentional but natural modulation. Listen to how dramatically different the same content sounds with proper vocal techniques.

Public Speaking Transformation Stories

Steve Jobs

Before: Steve Jobs initially presented Apple products with technical specifications and features in a fairly standard format.

After: Jobs revolutionized product presentations by making the audience feel part of a shared experience. His famous “One more thing…” technique created anticipation, while questions like “Isn’t that incredible?” invited audience agreement. He often created memorable moments through demonstrations that audience members could relate to, like putting the MacBook Air in an envelope to show its thinness.

Margaret Thatcher

Before: Early in her career, Margaret Thatcher spoke in a high-pitched, somewhat shrill voice that undermined her authority as a leader.

After: After working with voice coaches, Thatcher lowered her pitch, slowed her pace, and added more emphasis to key words. This transformed vocal presence contributed significantly to her commanding image as Britain’s “Iron Lady.”

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Public Speaking

How do I overcome fear of public speaking?

Channel nervousness into positive energy through preparation and practice. Research your topic thoroughly, rehearse multiple times, use deep breathing to manage physical symptoms, and focus on your message rather than yourself. Regular practice in low-pressure settings gradually builds confidence.

What should you not do during public speaking?

Avoid unnecessary apologies, reading directly from slides, monotone delivery, excessive filler words, aimless pacing, standing completely still, turning away from the audience, hiding behind notes, rushing, ignoring audience cues, and undermining phrases like “I’m not an expert.”

How do I keep my audience engaged?

Use stories, varied vocal delivery, interactive elements, consistent eye contact, relevant visuals, bite-sized information chunks, content that addresses audience needs, and genuine enthusiasm for your topic.

What are the best ways to start a speech?

Open with a surprising statistic, thought-provoking question, powerful quote, personal story, bold statement, demonstration, or brief video. Establish relevance immediately and preview your main message. Skip generic thank-yous and apologies.

How do I control my voice while speaking?

Practice diaphragmatic breathing, stay hydrated, use vocal warm-ups, record yourself to identify improvement areas, mark emphasis points in notes, vary your pace and volume intentionally, and practice until content delivery becomes second nature.

How can I improve my public speaking quickly?

Record yourself, get feedback, master one technique at a time, practice daily (even for just 5-10 minutes), study skilled speakers, join a speaking group, and use everyday conversations as practice opportunities.

What should I do with my hands during a speech?

Keep hands visible and use purposeful gestures that enhance your message. Match gesture size to venue size, avoid fidgeting and self-touching, consider holding a small object if needed, and let hands rest comfortably at your sides between gestures.

How do I handle impromptu speaking situations?

Use the PREP framework (Point, Reason, Example, Point) to organize thoughts quickly. Take a breath before starting, draw from personal experience, and focus on structure and confidence over perfect content. Regular practice with random topics builds mental agility.

Master Public Speaking for Lasting Impact and Career Success

Becoming an unforgettable speaker doesn’t happen overnight, but with these 25 public speaking tips, you’re well on your way to transforming your presentations from forgettable to remarkable.

Ready to conquer your speaking anxiety completely? Check out our guide: How To Deal With Speaking Anxiety (& Ace Your Next Speech!)