Public speaking can be a challenging skill to master, but with the right approach, anyone can improve.
Vinh Giang is a globally known keynote speaker who emphasizes the importance of self-evaluation and suggests a technique that can lead to significant progress. Speakers can gain valuable insights into their voice, body language, and overall presence by recording a short improvised video of themselves and reviewing it later.
The method involves three review steps: listening to your recording, watching it without sound, and analyzing the transcription. This process helps identify strengths and areas for improvement, making developing a more effective speaking style easier over time.
Key Takeaways
- Recording and reviewing speeches can reveal key improvements.
- Analyzing voice, body language, and filler words aids development.
- Consistent practice leads to greater confidence in public speaking.
Steps to Become an Excellent Public Speaker
One effective method for becoming a great public speaker is the record and review process. This involves creating a five-minute video in which you speak freely without referring to notes. Following the recording, it is important not to watch the video immediately. Waiting until the next day allows for a more objective review without being overly critical of yourself.
When reviewing the video, there are three key approaches to follow:
- Auditory Review: Turn the sound all the way up and listen to your voice. Focus on the vocal quality. Identify what aspects are pleasing and what could be improved.
- Visual Review: Play the video with the sound off. Observe your body language and facial expressions. This visual audit helps in understanding how signals are conveyed without words.
- Transcription Review: Transcribe the video, including all filler words like “um” and “uh.” Spotlighting these non-words can highlight areas where your clarity is lacking.
By applying this technique, you have a mirror reflecting your typical public speaking performance and what to work on. This routine can be repeated periodically to see how you improve over time, significantly enhancing your speaking skills.
Advantages of the Record & Review Technique
Using the review technique can significantly enhance public speaking skills. It involves recording short videos and reviewing them carefully. Here are the key benefits:
- Improved Self-Awareness
Recording a five-minute speech allows you to observe your own performance. This process helps identify strengths and areas for improvement in both voice and body language. - Auditory Analysis
By focusing on the audio, you can evaluate your vocal image. Listening to the recording helps distinguish what is appealing and what needs adjustment in tone and clarity. - Visual Assessment
Watching the video without sound allows for a thorough examination of non-verbal communication. Body language and facial expressions contribute significantly to how a message is received. - Identifying Filler Words
Transcribing the video highlights non-words and filler phrases. Recognizing these distractions enables better clarity and focus when speaking.
Final Thoughts
Three key strategies can help you become an effective public speaker. First, recording yourself while speaking can reveal a lot. Speaking for five minutes without preparation lets you capture your natural speaking style. Afterward, it is important not to watch it immediately to avoid harsh self-criticism.
When reviewing the video, follow these steps:
- Auditory Review: Turn up the sound and listen carefully. Pay attention to the tone and clarity of your voice. Identify strengths and areas for improvement.
- Visual Review: Mute the video and focus solely on your body language and facial expressions. This will help you understand how your physical presence impacts communication.
- Transcription Check: Write down the spoken words. Keep track of filler words like “um” and “uh.” Identifying these can help improve clarity in your future speeches and presentations.
By following this routine, one can gain valuable insight into their public speaking abilities and work towards becoming a more confident speaker.