It’s easy to talk – in the same way it’s easy to kick a ball. Any of us can do it.

But if you want to be good at it: to play football rather than just kick a ball – to speak in public rather than just talk, you need to learn some techniques. There is good news.  It’s much easier to become a good public speaker than become a good footballer. And it’s more likely to be more profitable for you.

Public speaking is a valuable skill. You become more persuasive and you become recognised. Remember: public speaking is not just about big audiences. It could be a team meeting; a company get together or an impromptu vote of thanks. Any of these is your chance to show your skills as a leader.

Learning the basics of good public speaking is fast – Typically, it takes 4-8 hours to become more compelling and more confident. We tend to prefer small group or 1:1 coaching so that you spend time experimenting to discover your personal style.

Once you have learned the basics, it’s then a matter of practice. Many people go away and work on it themselves; some come back to us once or twice a year for a refresher.

What are the main things you need to know? Here are six key tips for better public speaking that we give to our clients:

BBA’s 6 Ps of Public Speaking

1. Purpose – Why are you speaking? What do you want to achieve? Two essential questions you should answer before writing anything.

2. Personalise – How can you target what you say at this audience and no other? What will make it relevant and interesting for them?

3. Prepare – Before committing words to paper, plan your structure, your start and your end. As for visual aids, decide if you need them. The best talks are written first and then visual aids introduced only if it’s going to help the audience understand.

4. Pare – Cut, cut, cut. Most people plan to say too much when they speak in public. Generally you are more effective if you say less and say it better.

5. Perform – Your audience will respond to your energy and your enthusiasm. Just having something good to say is not enough. Show that you care.

6. Practise – Finally, the best public speakers are those who do more public speaking. It’s a skill you build through repeated practice.

To be a great public speaker takes time and effort. But to be a good public speaker is fast and easy (try our ten quick public speaking tips for talks, pitches and presentations to make some immediate improvements).

Most leaders have learned that good public speaking is important for their careers.

Let public speaking help your career too.

Start your journey to world-class public speaking skills now

Download our free ebook to start your journey towards becoming a Powerful Presenter.

You’ll learn our 5-step process for transforming dull, forgettable and un-engaging presentations into your most Powerful Presentations yet: inspirational, memorable and persuasive.

It’s full of practical tips and insightful quotes that will help you make immediate improvements to your leadership talks and presentations, including:

• Increased confidence when you talk and present.
• Improved ability to persuade your audience.
• Greater engagement with your audience.
• Practical ways to plan and structure your talks.
• The inspiration and motivation to change.

Download your free copy of our Five Steps to Improve your Leadership Talks ebook now.