#238 | Mini-Workshop: Public Speaking

Public speaking is one of those skills that can show up when you least expect it. Maybe you’re presenting to a room full of executives, pitching a new idea, answering questions in a meeting, or staring into a webcam and wondering if you’re talking too fast. The good news? You don’t have to be a naturally gifted speaker to get better at it. Public speaking is a skill, and like any skill, it gets easier with practice. A few simple habits can help you feel more prepared, sound more confident, and keep your audience engaged whether you’re on a stage or on camera.

Prepare Before You Speak

A strong presentation starts before you ever open your mouth. The more decisions you can make ahead of time, the less you have to think about when it’s time to speak. That means figuring out your route, choosing your outfit, checking your technology, and giving yourself enough time to arrive or log on without feeling rushed. If you’re speaking virtually, check your camera, lighting, microphone, and background before the meeting starts. And when it comes to what you wear, solid colors tend to work well on camera, while busy patterns can be distracting. These details might seem small, but getting rid of these little sources of stress gives you more mental space to focus on your message.

Slow Down and Talk to One Person

Two simple changes can make your presentation feel much more natural: slow down and stop trying to speak to everyone at once. When we’re nervous, our brains tend to hit the gas pedal. Words come out faster, filler words sneak in, and the audience has to work harder to keep up. The funny thing is that what feels slow to you usually sounds perfectly normal to everyone else. Give your audience time to process what you’re saying, especially when you’re sharing new information, numbers, or instructions. And whether you’re in a room or on a video call, imagine you’re talking to just one person. Use phrases like “you should” or “have you ever” Make eye contact with someone in the room or speak directly into the camera as though you’re having a one-on-one conversation. Suddenly, that giant audience can feel a whole lot more manageable and they feel more connected to you.

Watch Yourself Back

I know. Nobody loves watching themselves on video. But if you want to improve your public speaking, reviewing the tape is one of the best things you can do. Start by listening without watching yourself so you can catch filler words, pacing, and awkward pauses. Then watch with the sound off to notice your body language, facial expressions, and nervous habits. Finally, ask someone you trust for feedback. You may be focused on saying “um” too many times while they notice that your examples were clear and your presentation was stronger than you realized. AI can be helpful for things like organizing your ideas or tightening your language, but human feedback still matters when it comes to things like body language, tone, and how your message actually lands. The goal isn’t to critique every little thing you do. Pick one or two things to work on and try again.

Public speaking isn’t just something you do when you’re standing on a stage. You’re presenting yourself every day, in meetings, interviews, pitches, conversations with your manager, and even quick updates on Zoom. That’s why the small habits matter. Prepare ahead of time. Slow down. Focus on one person. Watch yourself back. You don’t need to become a completely different person to become a better speaker. You just need to practice becoming a clearer, more comfortable version of yourself.

Timestamps:

05:55 Red flags to avoid in your presentation

12:11 Speaking loudly and projecting your voice

16:47 Handling audience interruptions effectively

19:02 Controlling your pace and slowing down

26:12 Post-speaking review and continuous improvement

29:52 The role of outside feedback and AI tools

35:08 Overcoming cringe and practicing confidently

40:07 Tips for ongoing growth in public speaking

Links:

Former President Obama’s Podcast: A Great Book with Barack Obama (premieres on 09/24/26)

If You Enjoyed Today’s Episode:

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