5 ways to become a better speaker overnight

You’re asked to speak at an important event. It’s an incredible opportunity. You should be thrilled, but because you rarely speak in a formal setting, all you can think about is bombing.

The ability to captivate an audience is a skill that takes years to develop. If you don’t have that kind of time, here are five unconventional ways to become a better speaker almost overnight:

1. Find one thing no one knows.

I have never heard someone say: “I was at this presentation the other day. The speaker’s Gantt chart was amazing.”

I have heard someone say: “I was at this presentation the other day. Did you know when you blush the lining of your stomach also turns red?”

Find a surprising fact or an unusual analogy that relates to your topic. Audiences love to cock their heads and think, “Really? I had no idea…”

2. Share a genuinely emotional story.