Become a Better Speaker: 9 Essential Public Speaking Tips - College Info Geek

Speeches and presentations can seem like the scariest things in the world (except hippos - those things are scary as all get out). With practice, though, you can reduce the anxiety they cause, calm your nerves, and become a great public speaker.
Today we'll cover 9 areas of focus - including eye contact, body language, speech rate, and methods of practice - that you can improve in order to start delivering great speeches.
The companion article for this video contains a LOT of extra detail, bonus resources, links to videos of great speakers, and even a couple old videos of me practicing speeches (one is pretty terrible). Check it out:
collegeinfogeek.com/public-speaking-tips/
My book "10 Steps to Earning Awesome Grades" is completely free, so check it out if you're interested in improving your grades!
collegeinfogeek.com/get-better-grades/
If you want to get even more strategies and tips on becoming a more productive, successful student, subscribe to my channel right here:
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~ created by Thomas Frank

[@natezface]

I did a speech last year after watching this video and I got an A.. I have another speech tomorrow... wish me luck!

[@TommyJereiah]

Wishing you nothing less than glorious success

[@millionle5681]

bl

[@thomasthetankengine2653]

How did it go?

[@LetsLearnislamhajar]

Best of luck

[@vinuzo9548]

@@LetsLearnislamhajar bahahah it was two years before your comment

[@lizykim7460]

Rate of speech, strategic pauses Body language : hands, pacing Eye contact w/ audience Practice Don't write text but bullet points Film yourself Know who your audience is Focus more on the topic and less on the aspect of your speech Good first impression Breathe, don't focus on perfection

[@aymankhan159]

Honestly making sure your inflecting and not being monotone should be here as well

[@aymankhan159]

Theresa XD

[@seem_money2.085]

Lizy KIM no school work

[@dabarbbre]

Lizy KIM thanks so much for the answers

[@passiveincomeindia1376]

Lizy KIM Good job.

[@Thomasfrank]

One little note: I'm speaking intentionally slower than normal in this video, because I wanted to demonstrate a speech rate that would work well for public speaking. For future videos, I'll be back to the snappier pace of other recent videos.

[@iloveyoutothemoonandback]

+Thomas Frank Hi Thomas, I wished you could closed caption (CC) your videos. So your videos will benefit people with hearing problems aswell, also help students who first language aren't English to understand you better. Anyway, great content as always, thanks!

[@Thomasfrank]

dixy pixy I actually do! There are closed captions on every video; usually the company that makes them for me gets them done within 24 hours, but they notified me that right now they're really busy, so the captions probably won't be up for this one until Sunday or Monday.

[@iloveyoutothemoonandback]

+Thomas Frank Oh Okay. Thanks ^^

[@sza1025]

The thing is that my hands keep shaking and I get to a point where I feel that my brain gets empty while I know that there's still a lot to say, but I feel disconnected to get that info.

[@tinak.p.258]

+Saif Zaid Try to breath very slowly for a while before - your brain gets empty because all of the oxygene goes in your muscles instread of your brain, because you are in fight or flight mode. This often happens because you hyperventilat unconsciously before a task. By slowing down your breathing (you can also breath in a paper bag), you will regulate this reaction.

[@tongweiwang2165]

1.first impression 2.body language 3.slow down 4.take a breath, doesn't need to be perfect. 5.focus on content not performance 6.practise + 7.make a video

[@susanapaco7401]

Great video :) Just to add a few things that I've learned by being a tour guide in the science museum for the last 6 years (it's true, kids are the hardest audience :P). - Some errors of speech and grammar are normal and the audience knows you are nervous so relax; - Laugh of the little troubles like a powerpoint technical error (it will calm you and engage the audience); - If you are being evaluated focus on a person that is not doing that. It helps shifting the focus from the evaluators; - Establish the rules first. It will help you along the way if the audience knows when to ask questions and how; - Focus on generating interest on the topic you are talking about. People won't memorize everything you say but you can truly spark an insterent on the topic; And a little trick that helps if you need to show knowledge. If someone asks you a question you don't know, instead of answer a simple "I don't know." answer "I don't know it right now, can you give me your email so I can check the literature and answer you later?" :)

[@ConfessionsOfAnImposter]

+Susana Paço Great tips!!!! Thank you!!!

[@chinkykakar2230]

nice..

[@the.social.fabric]

This came in the most perfect time possible, thank you so much for all the effort you put into your videos. I'm doing so much better at uni ever since I discovered your channel, I hope you have an amazing amazing day!

[@168grhp]

Even with your "terrible" presentation, you still nailed it with research and content. I'm glad you never gave up. You're videos are some of my favorites, because they pack a lot of information in a short time period. It's plain to see that you genuinely care about helping others improve.

[@nataliaperez6203]

hi frank. I was doing a sort of competition thing on public speaking at school. I watched your video as I was terrified of public speaking. I took your advice and I came 3rd place. I can't thank you enough this was so helpful.

[@ConfessionsOfAnImposter]

Filming yourself is a really good tip! Never thought about that. Thank you so much for this video!!! Now I just have to keep practicing :)

[@ayandanxusani3336]

Hi Thomas, I have a public speaking engagement tomorrow morning and after watching this video I feel much more prepared. Thank you for taking the time to share these simple and practical tips.

[@evenflowcommunicationconsu9753]

Great video -- I teach public speaking at the college level and you hit on some great things. I have my students get up the first and second day for a quick introductory speech and I ask them to evaluate each other at the end and they always hit speaking quickly as one of the first critiques. So easy and natural to do. You have to force yourself to think about it and not do it. Easier said than done but eventually becomes habitual. Nonverbal communication is one of the most important elements that I teach in my classes. To illustrate this to my students, I'll bring in a movie scene (usually Top Gun because for some reason, my students never seem to have seen the movie which makes me sad) and we watch it with the sound completely off. I tell them to verbalize what they think the point of the scene was based strictly on non-verbals and they nail it every time. It's hard to teach eye contact other than telling students to do it but I always let them know that it gets easier and oftentimes the people you focus on will give you a nod or some sort of nonverbal message that will give you confidence to keep going. We had a meeting the other day with some other public speaking professors and we all agreed that filming yourself whether by yourself while practicing or in the actual speech is such an advantage. Forget about what the instructor notices, you are your own worst critic and will get so much valuable information out of watching yourself speak. I enjoyed you video. Great tips for an unfortunate diminishing skill.

[@pensandnoodles681]

As always, great video! You've definitely motivated me to get out there and practice giving speeches. You talked about making good first impressions- what about when you're first meeting someone, off-stage? Could you make a video about first impressions/networking/making a connection with someone you don't know?

[@vettip009]

Great timing Thomas! I have a big speech coming up for a group of government officials (and I don't like speaking in public). I've been doing so much better in college since I discovered your channel and website, I'm hoping to improve my public speaking skills as well. And to quote you, "keep kicking ass".

[@landot9313]

A presentation do in 3 weeks, and 2 public speaking/presenting videos before then? Your timing is impeccable! Can't wait!

[@Mickey-bo6cv]

I feel like I wanna hug you. Thank you for the great videos.

[@wamiblood7656]

Thanks you for this video. You should do a "how to do good for an interview" video. Great videos and great content as usual!!!

[@InaGutowska]

I found this video very helpful! I really want to improve as a speaker mainly for my channel so thank you so much for all these tips,including videoed and that book! That was awesome!

[@AnzuMiruku]

This made me feel a little better about my argumentation and debate class next semester.

[@ahmadabueisa6258]

Thank you man ♡ I started watching your fabulous videos yesterday, you help me a lot ...Thanks

[@santakivleniece8711]

Really,really, great tips and a really interesting speach from you! I'm pritty unconfident when I need to speak to people (whatever, its big audience or just a few people), but I want to change this and do more! The most memorable tip was to practice. And that is what i'm doing now. This video inspired me a lot! Thank you!

[@brandonjung7711]

That was a great video. Not only I gained more knowledge, but I was also reminded again on how much I love public speaking! I never comment on a youtube video, but this time I had to. I'm always amazed at the contents of your videos and your speaking skills! I love your videos! Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@sashabrown3569]

Thank you very much. Although i have only given a couple speeches, i hope to someday have a podcast or the like of my own, and your tips were very helpful!!

[@creativereindeer]

ah man this is so good!! Love the practise until you can't get it wrong. Need that one for my spoken word performances. Cheers!!

[@maxscene7]

I just LOVE your videos. They're all so useful, educational, and FREE.

[@mohammedal-matari2497]

I subscribed to this channel a couple of days ago and I love it so far, keep up the hard work bud

[@leelooweewoo]

oooh,this is going to help me, i'm going to have a lot of presentations to do this year, so thank you!

[@rosalvesbarbosadesouza84]

Tomas, thank you for every thing that you have been done for my listening english. you speach so very fast, and now, that I've heard you many time, I can understand what you are talking about.

[@rics700]

Hey Thomas, great video as always! I would also add one advice I got from my acting teacher, which is to don't show your audience that you made a mistake, just roll with it and move forward, because YOU are the only one at the moment who knows that something wrong happened.

[@Thomasfrank]

+Ritvars Romancans good advice! I remember watching one of the Apple keynotes back when Steve Jobs was hosting them; something (I can't remember what) messed up with his slides and he just kept moving forward as if it had never happened. That left an impression. Another tactic for dealing with tech screw-ups is to make a joke out of it; if you can do it right, you can often make the audience laugh and create a stronger connection with them. But it's not always appropriate, so you have to pick the right tactic for the situation. I'd say ignoring a mistake or tech hiccup is usually the better course to take.

[@rics700]

+Thomas Frank Yeah, humor is a powerful tool. There will be moments where you just can't move along without acknowledging your screw-ups. Be part of the joke not the butt of the joke.

[@JoelSilva-bs3zz]

This is such great content, I'm very pleased that I found your channel it's been very useful. Keep up!

[@felipeveras4248]

Awesome video! I'm really looking forward for the next video. I love these topicsand i really hope there's a lot more to come! Thx man

[@TommyJereiah]

I just recently found your channel Thomas, this like many of your videos are great! I'm trying to improve my speaking skills and this video will help a lot!

[@winvestman9745]

How are you able to speak so accurate, clear and with such a comfortable speed? Has you been talking and speaking a lot since you were young? Did you engage in story telling and debate competition since schooling? I really enjoy listening to you. Thanks.

[@saramartinez8747]

Hey Frank! Awesome video, it's very helpful, however I've been looking forward to watch that slides video you talked about. I'm proud of not making all-text slides, but I'm sure there are a lot of things I can improve. Thanks for all the info you put out there.

[@lorileiito1316]

Thanks for this video, I think it'll help me a bit. :) I'm taking a JPN 401 course now, and in a few weeks I'll be doing a presentation. For me, I've always been nervous doing presentions--when I was younger, I was quite scared of presentations. I've taken a speech class before, and it actually was pretty fun for me (which is the opposite of what I thought it would be). I think the difference for me when I do Japanese presentations (versus English ones), is that I speak much faster, mostly because I don't want to forget any of the vocab or grammar points. I've been in situations the last few semesters, where I practice a lot, but once it's time, if I go too slow, I find myself forgetting the vocab or grammar point I'm supposed to be focusing on. I think me being an introvert has played a part in that, but I hope I can improve before my next presentation (which is in about 3 weeks from now).

[@eshaarora7481]

Excellent Video. I Loved The Point About Recording your talk while you practice and then watching the tape. i think thats the best!!!

[@nnennaumelloh4424]

I really appreciated this video! This is excellent advice. Thank you!

[@nikhitasankolli915]

I am very thankful to u.. for ur amazing tips. I have had stage fear issues for a long time. I always used to mess up n be a laughter for the audience bcos of which I had lost confidence.. after watching this video. I strictly followed watever u had suggested. practiced harder each time .. at the beginning I fumbled but now I can speak quite confidently infront of 150 students with minimal fear. There's a way lot to go n I am sure I will overcome my fear n speak even more confidently.... thanks a lot

[@martar7679]

Yet another great video! Thank you Thomas, I think the like to dislike ratio says it all!

[@nbynick]

Thank you man! It's just what I needed at the moment

[@kadiegalewaler2976]

I like that you mentioned to record your self in the classroom. That’s awesome!!

[@alyahyai]

I am a university lecturer but have learned a lot from this video on public speaking, thank you 🙏🏻🌻

[@user-kh4we2ti9z]

awesome as always! i liked the "topic over performance" point alot!

[@dimitran.k.8318]

you always make so useful videos like seriously your videos have helped me so much

[@noralynroquevaldez2890]

This is was very helpful for my speech delivery.😊

[@angelinasmouter3017]

I'm in the second part of a public speaking compitition and this video is VERY helpful. Thankyou

[@mcfloggy]

this video came 1day too late.. I messed up my presentation by speaking too fast and having a distant body language :/ I know better for the next time though! thanks for making such helpful videos! :)

[@Thomasfrank]

+schnu li no worries - if you had a rocky presentation, just count it as part of the learning process. One of the speaking videos I put in the companion blog post is pretty bad as well. Just try to pinpoint the areas where you can improve, and focus on them the next time you're practicing :)

[@mcfloggy]

+Thomas Frank thanks for the tip, I'll try that the next time :) do you have any advice to speak up louder in front of a group? I knew this is a weakpoint of mine and I tried speaking up but everytime I get the same feedback. I already feel like I'm shouting.. I don't know what to do about it :/

[@jaykim9570]

Thank you so much! This helped me a lot :)

[@MalachiSpeaksTV]

good tips especially the video one. ...eye contact is always tricky when you are new but a great concept is to speak to one person but look to all ...you speak to one by using the word "YOU" so even if you are not making eye contact with everyone it still sounds and feels personal

[@bignoknow]

Click the video, hit the like button, then watch video :)

[@JazminMarie]

That's how it goes! (:

[@CAAnchalBatra]

bignoknow exactly

[@Steve-sz4bh]

No

[@ripwitch9833]

This actually helps more than what a lot of people said to me before. The longest one from my Spanish teacher which only included breathing. Though I wish I found this channel before as I did have presentations in October X_X.

[@Jake-re2nt]

Perfect timing, my school captain speech is in three days :D THANKYOU

[@adrianomln]

Thank you very much for sharing your tips!

[@ACrazyAngel]

i thought that getting over my public anxiety when singing or dancing or acting on stage would help me give an oral presentation in my school without fear, however i'm soooo freaked out about tommorow's group presentation and hope that your other tips will help. 😣

[@MannyCalderari]

That was amazing info ty greatly; i just did a public speach for approx. 75 folks & experienced all the exact pitfalls you've expressed! You really know what you're talking about & i wish i would've viewed this before going in... Thx for your passion!

[@primalphatman]

Thank you, this helps for my oral communications class!

[@Deluxegameplayer]

Hey Dude! Nice video. Would had helped me if I had seen this before an important presentation I had today lol. Anyways, how have you not gotten more subs? This is a great channel for every student, and there are millions of us! Keep up the great job!

[@StrategicStripping]

Thank you, Thomas 🙏🏼

[@pshakd2d]

Very well put videos ! Awesome clarity !

[@karenzhang1020]

Thank you so much for your tips! It's really really wonderful!! I am going to give my first speech ( in my life) today.. I am sure it will help me to do better :) Your videos are awesome, keep the good work :) P.S. you look much much more mature than you were before hahaha

[@TheBitcoinExperience]

This has been extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@charlottegardner2010]

What if you have full blown social anxiety?

[@sean95]

Charlotte Gardner this is my problem

[@Euclidesdofuturo]

Why not record videos?if you have fear of talking in front of people talk the same way you would to a camera that way you practice speaking without fear because there's no one in the room just a camera.

[@user-dj6oi5hw3m]

You keep doing it until one day it dies out.

[@out_on_bail]

Get a beta blocker from the doctor. Propranolol

[@_.go._]

I read that book (Confessions of a public speaker) as well!!! Love that book!!

[@susanjmc8742]

Very well said and explained. Thank you 😊

[@IsaiahWG24]

Wow man. Great advice. Thank you so much 🔥

[@Amy-nd4kp]

Awesome video, these are awesome tips! Super relevant right now, thank you!

[@sura_jongs]

*Thanks* *a* *lot* *Thomas.*

[@KSmarTgirl]

i love you, your videos your way of speaking your voice your thoughts every single thing of you is amzing

[@ShainaLeis]

This was helpful thank you!!

[@norahqaed8447]

i just discovered u're channel, and i'm definitely checking u're blog. ''practice not until u get it right, but until u can't get it wrong'' i don't know if it's an old saying, and i'm just living under a rock!! but it just made it to my booklet of quotes.

[@JazminMarie]

I really like that saying

[@MamaManifests]

This video was amazing! Thank you!!!

[@TheRyanperez]

Make more video like this. It will be very helpful for me to improve. Thank you very much.

[@Sarah-lc6hk]

Great content. I hope to check out the book you recommended. Thank you!!

[@ninanicole1648]

Great tips Thomas :D you always know how to amaze me

[@VLoveTarot]

What a great video here and thanks for the tips!!!

[@miarivel]

Love these tips. Thank you

[@benediktalim4444]

Thank`s for your video. It`s help me, during my public speaking subject.

[@terrencefields4115]

Greetings I really love this video and will be performing Communion at church this Sunday 9-18-22, and will use your advice I've listened and feel motivated thanks for lending me your talent, please keep up the good work.

[@dulceespinoza3809]

thank you so much!!

[@BudLightBeerOfStarCommand]

Could you please consider a video on "bad test takers"? And how they say the study a lot but not in the right way?

[@candacewu]

This was so helpful! Thanks :)

[@applemayteves]

your videos are very helpful in my school work..thanks

[@richardlenawasae1692]

Very articulate. I love it.

[@larasuliman1434]

this is truly the best channel I've subscribed to .. amazing video and very beneficial tips .. BIG THUMPS UP (y) :)

[@KarlhaReadsBooks]

Amazing video, to me is so hard to make a speech, i'm too self conscient, thank you for the tips, im thinking about make videos on KZbin hoping it helps me with my speech and my anxious and self conscient personality

[@DenisG631]

Practice not until you get it right, but until you can’t get it wrong. Damn that was a good one. Love it!

[@paulvsmith]

This video helped me a lot thank you so much.

[@aastikdubey6422]

U truly are great speaker in yourself Thomas .

[@athenabruner8359]

thank you! great video!

[@bigdBrazilian]

I felt more relaxed in this rate of speech than the "energetic" and "happy" speech which majority of "youtubers" use. As if to me they appear fake or not honest. my own conclusion and feeling that i get from different videos

[@misswm55]

You are magnificent 😍 thank you I needed this vid

[@StarLightShine515]

Thanks a lot young man very enlightening 👍🏻

[@mirosgerg]

Nice video, I didn't knew some of this stuff so here I learn them. For example one of these days after holidays, our teacher wanted we to read one or two books in this holiday limits. Unfortunately I didn't read a book I just watched some films and tried to make them like films, so I some sort of succed with this, I done it. But the mainly problem was that didn't stop in talking like I talk and the stop for breath and then again start talking. I was most like a robot which was put to say this and to don't stop. So in the end I was in the first place of joke the teacher was making with me jokes that I didn't take breath I just talk and talk and talk so here I just realised it, thanks a lot!

[@valeriedsouza5662]

I'm not exactly sure about this, but when you gave that 9th tip, it seemed almost as though you really wanted to convince us about this, like this must've been your worst mistake in a speech before... Thanks for the last tip. It was the one I was really looking for.

[@Tennishead21]

Cool video and definitely very helpful. :) Thank you for uploading. :)

[@TravisTraps]

so glad i found your channel !

[@heathers8826]

I don't do any public speaking, but on occasion I have to play cello in front of people during recitals. I hate it! I'm much happier when I am playing without an audience watching. This video had some great tips for people like myself in how I dress, carry myself, interact with the audience and it being okay to not be completely perfect. Now to go practice for tomorrow's recital.

[@bellaoca47]

Haiiii :D I recently found your channel and it is so awesome. I watch your videos of being productive and not procrastinating to get more stuff done... but I really want to watch all of your videos since I just discovered you D; hard life xP Anyways, do you think you could make a video on college applications, college essays, SATs, etc? I'm about to start applying for colleges, and I'm sure you have a wealth of knowledge in that area ; w ; Thank you for your videos by the way!!

[@ipayero9589]

Thank you this will help me in making my Commencement speech for my 8th grade graduation and make my transition to High School

[@nguyenthilynguyen6824]

thanks a lot for your shares and hope more videos from you

[@ImagineFreedom]

Hello, thank you so much for this video, it was very helpful for me. I think what I need the most right now is just to practice and practice. So thank you for your kind words of encouragement :-)