Have you ever felt butterflies in your stomach at the thought of speaking on stage? Ever trembled when facing a huge audience? Is being called in class to give a presentation your biggest nightmare? Ever sighed at the charisma and spark of your college’s star speaker?

Fear not, for here’s a short list of some easy dos and don’ts of public speaking that will help you take the stage by storm.

Your voice speaks volumes

Intonation is the key to a good speech. Imagine how boring it will get for you as audience when you have to listen to a speaker drone on and on in a monotone. And that is when the audience gets rowdy. So always modulate your voice—raise it when something needs to be emphasised and soften it when you want to smoothly conclude the point you re trying to make.

Be expressive

This brings out a very important difference between English and Urdu public speaking. When you are speaking in Urdu, you are allowed hands and body movement. English speakers, on the other hand, are required to convey their point of view using vocal and facial expressions.

But at the same time, do not stand at the podium as if you are about to be given capital punishment. Look smart, composed and above all be expressive. A raised eyebrow at something you’re curious about, a smile on a happy thought and a frown on something which worries you will make the audience connect at a personal level.

Eye-to-eye

Always make the audience feel as if you re talking to them and not the ceiling fan. Keep an eye contact with all your audience, with an exception of those who want to distract you by hooting and doing funny gestures. Avoid looking at such people and make their attempts futile. This will require presence of mind and quick wit, so be prepared.

Content matters

Always give the audience something to think about. Even if you are going to make an impromptu speech, keep your mind clear and focus on whatever you have to say. While you’re writing your speech or presentation, keep revising the gist of the content in mind, so that you do not digress.

Most importantly, try writing your own speech. Remember you can never connect with something or speak with conviction what someone else has written.

A good beginning and a good ending can work wonders for your speech. You could start with a story or an amazing fact, or a joke. This way the audience will look forward to more and not fall sleep. The ending should always be very promising and passionate. Make sure that you do not have a lot of explanations; be brief and charismatic.

Tackling a bad audience

A bad audience is every speaker’s nightmare. Such people will leave no stone unturned to shoo you off the stage. From catcalling to whistles, they would try everything.

What should a smart speaker do in such a situation? Firstly, avoid looking at them. Concentrate on the judges or audience which is attentive. Raise your tone by a level in order to grab their attention. If they’re getting too much on your nerves, pass a witty comment to slow them down and keep going. Remember, just be witty, not rude.

Be prepared

Public speaking is one of the most elating experiences of life. Do not go unprepared. As soon as you will start reading from a paper, all your charisma and hard work will go down the drain.

The audience needs entertainment and if you don’t give them that, they have the right to get bored. You would have done the same in their place. So don’t give them a chance. Be alert and attentive. Know your topic well and be ready for any questions that come your way.