Public speaking: tips for giving a speech in English as a non-native speaker.
Speaking in front of an audience is part of the job when you reach a certain point in your career. If you want to grow in your career and convince people of your ideas, it is better not to hide in a corner. Overcome the barrier to speak to groups and convince them with your enthusiasm!
Do you have to give a speech in English soon? Then we have a few useful tips to prepare you for it:
Our 5 tips for public speaking in English
Speaking in English is not an easy task for a non-native speaker. But with our useful tips you can prepare yourself so you will not be faced with any surprises in the moment.
1. Expand your vocabulary
The biggest challenge of speaking in English is not so much the speech itself and speaking in public, but finding the right words. Every professional wants to avoid suddenly losing track and not being able to find the correct expressions.
So our most important tip is to prepare a list of key phrases and words beforehand, which you will learn by heart. This will be your guide during your speech.
Moreover, knowing that you will find your words anyway will make you feel more confident during the speech.
2. Use visual aids
If words are not your biggest strength, be smart and use visual aids to do the talking for you! Speaking in English as a non-native speaker might make you feel insecure, but it doesn't have to!
Are you afraid that you will not be able to deliver your message as powerfully as you could due to the language difference? Use a strong PowerPoint presentation with attractive visuals and a strong message. That way, your presentation will help you get your point across.
3. Be prepared
A good start is half the battle. There may be true professionals who improvise during their speech, but if you want to do it in English, we still recommend that you are well prepared.
Write out your speech and practise out loud beforehand! Keep repeating your text until you notice that you can recite everything fluently without getting stuck on certain words.
You don't have to know your text by heart but try to memorise the key-lines of your speech so that you can bring your story to your audience in a relaxed and smooth manner but still come across as spontaneous.
4. Believe in yourself!
The power of a strong speech lies not only in your message, but also in you! Deliver your story with confidence and believe in yourself.
A dose of healthy stress is normal when you are about to give your speech, but believe that you can do this and that you have a story that is worth telling.
If you step onto the stage with this attitude, you will be sure to blow away your audience.
5. Overcome your obstacles
Public speaking is something you have to grow into, and you get better at it with time. Be aware that you will become better and better at it as you gain experience.
Do you really struggle with giving speeches in English or addressing a large audience? Then it is important to dare to list your problems so that you can work on them.
Do you feel that your English is the biggest obstacle to public speaking? Then you can book one of our language coaches on Squidll. Together with your coach you can prepare your speech, broaden your vocabulary, practise your text, delivery and pronunciation until you can give your speech with full confidence.
Are you interested in more tips about speaking in English? These articles might also interest you:
- Ten tongue twisters to practice your pronunciation in English
- Amaze your audience with your presentation skills
- How do you formally greet someone in English?
- How to say goodbye to someone in English?
- How to apologise in English?
Do you need help with your speech in English?
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