How I Mastered Public Speaking in 12 Steps

Public speaking used to terrify me. How do I write something interesting?  How do I keep audience attention? How do I feel more confident? Can I ever master public speaking?

I used to waste hours playing with PowerPoint.  Then, on the day, I’d get sweaty palms, a shaky voice, and a racing heart which made every presentation feel like a nightmare.

But over time, I transformed my fear into confidence. Now, I actually enjoy speaking in front of crowds.  I regularly speak at conferences, for clients, and at lecture at the university of London and Columbia Business School. 

And now, from what I have learned over the years,  I have a team of people at Benjamin Ball Associates who coach business executives and leaders like you to be great presenters and great communicators by teaching powerful public speaking skills. 

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Meet the Author: Benjamin Ball

Ben is the founder of Benjamin Ball Associates and leads the presentation coaching and pitch deck creation teams. Formerly a corporate financier in the City of London, for 20+ years he’s helped businesses win with better pitches and presentations, particularly investor pitches. He is a regular speaker and a guest lecturer at Columbia Business School and UCL London.  Follow Ben on LinkedIn or visit the contact page. 

How I Became a Competent, Confident Public Speaker

Here’s how I did it, step by step.

Let’s look at each of these public speaking tips in a bit more detail to help you master public speaking:

1. Identify One Big Idea (Not a Dozen)

Early on, I made the mistake of cramming too much into my talks. The result? A messy, forgettable presentation.

Now, I structure every talk around one powerful idea. If it’s bold and vivid, the audience will remember it. Everything else supports that core message.

2. Speak Like You’re Talking to a Friend

Public speaking isn’t about addressing a faceless crowd. It’s about connecting. I stopped sounding like a corporate robot and started speaking like I was having a conversation.

Before: “The company is implementing a new policy for expense submissions.”
After: “You’ll love this—we’re finally fixing the expense system so you get paid faster.”

3. Win Over Emotions First, Logic Second

People decide with their hearts, then justify with their brains. If you want to persuade them, start by agreeing with them.

Before: “Expenses must be submitted by the 15th.”
After: “We all want our money fast, right? Just submit by the 15th, and it’s yours.”

4. Hook Them in the First 10 Seconds

A weak start kills momentum. Now, I always open strong:

• A surprising fact (“35% of customers won’t shop with us again.”)
• A question (“What’s the best way to start a speech?”)
• A quick story (“On my way here, something crazy happened…”)

5. Cut the Fluff—Say Something Interesting Every 10 Words

Audiences tune out fast. I ruthlessly edit my talks to only keep the engaging parts. No jargon. No filler. Just value.

6. Pause. A Lot.

I used to rush. Now, I force myself to pause every 5-10 words. It feels awkward at first, but it makes you sound more confident and gives the audience time to absorb your message.

7. Use “You” and “We” Instead of “The Company”

Personal pronouns make talks feel warmer and more engaging.

Before: “This policy ensures compliance.”
After: “We’re making this change so you get paid faster.”

8. Borrow Tricks from Great Speakers

I studied how leaders like Steve Jobs and Churchill made their speeches stick. Now, I use:

• Contrasts (“It’s not about yesterday—it’s about tomorrow.”)
• Metaphors (“A computer is a bicycle for the mind.”)
• Repetition (“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight…”)

9. Smile (Even If You’re Nervous)

Research shows smilers are seen as more competent. I practised smiling while speaking. It instantly made me feel (and sound) more confident.

10. Show Your Passion

If you don’t care, why should they? I let my excitement show through my voice, energy, and body language. Passion is contagious.

11. Don’t Start with PowerPoint

PowerPoint is a great way to waste time. And it’s a terrible planning tool. Now I never even think about my visual aids until AFTER I have drafted my talk.  It’s so much faster and easier to master public speaking that way.

12. Help Your Audience

A talk is not about you.  It’s not about your subject.  Your talk should be about your audience.   If you set out wanting to help them, you’ll be much more effective as a public speaker. 

Before: “What I want to tell you today…”
After: “Today you’ll learn how to….”

Final Tip: Practise Like Crazy

The biggest game-changer? Rehearse out loud, record yourself, and refine relentlessly. Now, public speaking isn’t a fear—it’s a strength.

Master Public Speaking With Our Help

Get in touch today to master public speaking. Discover how our intensive executive speaker training and coaching can transform the impact you make. We’ll help you polish what you say, how you say it and how you feel about saying it.  You’ll end up clear, confident and compelling.

Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

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Why Choose Us:
Transform your pitches and presentations with tailored coaching

We can help you present brilliantly. Thousands of people have benefitted from our tailored in-house coaching and advice – and we can help you too.

“I honestly thought it was the most valuable 3 hours I’ve spent with anyone in a long time.”

Mick May, CEO, Blue Sky

For 15+ years we’ve been the trusted choice for leading businesses and executives throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. We’ll help you improve corporate presentations through presentation coaching, public speaking training and expert advice on pitching to investors.

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Speak to Louise on +44 20 7018 0922 or email info@benjaminball.com to transform your speeches, pitches and presentations.

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