20 Public Speaking Tips That Work

That feeling of your stomach dropping to your feet right before you have to speak? I know it well.

For years, the thought of standing in front of a crowd made my palms sweat and my mind go blank. It felt like being under a giant microscope. When I was over 110 pounds heavier and stuck in a cycle of unhealthy habits, the idea of people just looking at me was terrifying enough. Asking me to speak to them? Forget it.

But just like I learned to rebuild my health and habits one small step at a time, I learned that public speaking isn't some magical talent you’re born with. It’s a skill. And like any skill, you can build it. It’s not about becoming a perfect, polished robot. It’s about learning to connect with people and share a message from the heart.

I’m still learning, but I’ve picked up a few things that have made a world of difference. Here are 20 tips that actually work.

Before You Even Start: The Foundation

Before you write a single word, you need to get your mind right. This is where the real work begins. It’s not about fancy tricks. It’s about building a solid base.

1. Know Your “Why.” Why are you giving this talk? Is it to help people, to share an important idea, or to teach a skill? When you focus on your purpose, your fear starts to shrink. Your "why" becomes bigger than your anxiety.

2. Understand Your Audience. Who are you talking to? What do they care about? What problems are they facing? When you know your audience, you can tailor your message directly to them. It stops being a performance and starts being a conversation.

3. Focus on Giving, Not Getting. This was a game-changer for me. I used to worry about what people would think of me. Would they think I was smart? Would they like me? It was all about getting approval. For me, this shift came through prayer. I started asking God not to take away my fear but to help me genuinely serve the people in the room. When you focus on giving value to your audience, your self-consciousness fades into the background.

4. Embrace Your Nerves. Your heart is pounding. Your hands are a little shaky. That’s not fear. It’s energy. Your body is getting ready for something important. Don’t try to crush that energy. Instead, learn to channel it into your delivery. A little adrenaline can make you more dynamic and passionate.

5. Pray. If you share my faith, don't underestimate this. Before I prepare or step on stage, I take a moment to pray. I ask for clarity, for the right words, and for the ability to connect with the people listening. It grounds me and reminds me that I’m not doing this alone.

Crafting Your Message: What to Say

Once your foundation is set, it’s time to build your talk. The key here is clarity and connection. Don’t try to sound smart. Just try to be understood.

6. Start with a Bang. The first 30 seconds are crucial. Grab their attention with a surprising statistic, a relatable story, or a powerful question. Don't waste it by saying, “Hi, my name is… and today I’m going to talk about…” Jump right in.

7. Have One Core Idea. What is the one single thing you want your audience to remember? Everything in your talk—every story, every point, every example—should support that one core idea. If it doesn’t, cut it.

8. Tell Stories. People are wired for stories. We forget facts and figures, but we remember stories. Share personal experiences. Talk about your struggles and successes. It makes you relatable and makes your message stick.

9. Write Like You Talk. Read your script out loud. Does it sound like something you would actually say to a friend? If it sounds stiff or overly formal, rewrite it. Use simple words and short sentences. Authenticity connects.

10. End with a Clear Call to Action. Don’t just trail off at the end. Tell your audience exactly what you want them to do, think, or feel next. Make it simple, clear, and actionable.

Practice Makes Progress: Getting Ready

You wouldn’t run a marathon without training, and you shouldn’t give a speech without practicing. But practice doesn’t mean memorizing.

11. Don't Memorize, Internalize. Memorizing your speech word-for-word is a recipe for disaster. If you forget one word, the whole thing can fall apart. Instead, know your key points and the flow of your talk inside and out. Internalize the ideas, not the exact script.

12. Record Yourself. I know, it’s painful to watch yourself on video. But it’s one of the most effective things you can do. You’ll notice all the filler words you use ("um," "like," "so") and see your body language. It’s a powerful tool for improvement.

13. Practice in Chunks. This is the same principle I used to build a productive routine. Instead of trying to cram for hours, I practice in short, focused 25-minute bursts. Work on the introduction. Take a break. Then work on the first main point. It’s less overwhelming and more effective.

14. Do a "Dress Rehearsal." At least once, practice your talk exactly as you’ll give it. Wear the outfit you plan to wear. Use your slides or notes. Stand up and deliver it to an empty room or a trusted friend.

15. Time Yourself. Respect your audience’s time. If you’re given 20 minutes, aim to finish in 18 or 19. Rushing at the end looks unprofessional. Timing your talk during practice helps you know what to cut or expand.

On the Day: Delivering with Confidence

The day is here. The preparation is done. Now it’s about connection and delivery.

16. Arrive Early. Rushing in at the last minute creates stress. Get to the venue early. Walk the stage, check the microphone, and make sure your slides work. Feeling prepared and in control will calm your nerves.

17. Connect with Someone Before You Start. Mingle with the audience as they arrive. Say hello and ask a few people their names. Finding a few friendly faces before you even begin makes the whole room feel less intimidating.

18. Use Pauses Powerfully. A pause can be more powerful than words. When you make an important point, pause. Let it sink in. Don’t be afraid of silence. It shows confidence and gives the audience a moment to process what you’ve said.

19. Make Eye Contact. Don’t stare at the back wall or at your notes. Look at the people. Scan the room and make brief eye contact with different individuals. It makes people feel seen and included. It turns a speech into a connection.

20. Remember, It’s Not About You. This is the most important tip of all. The audience isn’t there to judge you. They are there to learn something, to be inspired, or to be entertained. Your job is to deliver the message they came for. Shift the spotlight from yourself to your message and your audience.

Public speaking is a journey, not a destination. You won't become a master overnight. But by focusing on serving your audience and taking these small, practical steps, you can turn your fear into confidence. You have a voice and a story worth sharing.

So, what’s the one message you feel called to share with the world?