Knowing how to speak effectively and persuasively has become an essential skill in a modern life. Although it’s possible to become a good speaker, you may face some difficulties if you are a shy or introverted person. Speaking in front of a crowd is never easy, especially when you need to explain or prove something. You should learn how to convey your thoughts and information in a more professional and credible way so that your audience could understand you and support your opinion. Don’t expect quick results, though. You should practice a lot, develop a few habits, fight your fears and boost your confidence. Whether you have an important business meeting, presentation, conference or lecture, here are a few steps you can take to become a highly persuasive speaker.

1. Read
The majority of people stop reading books after they graduate because they think it’s not necessary. However, reading is vitally important to your career success. Most successful people have a habit of reading a book for 30 minutes a day. When you read each day, you improve your vocabulary, knowledge and memory. This helps you to speak professionally and persuasively in your everyday life.

2. Prepare
Highly persuasive speakers always know what they are talking about during the presentation, meeting or conference, because they prepare their speech and read all necessary information well in advance. When preparing your speech, look for good examples, epithets, metaphors and even quotes that will help you to better express your thoughts and ideas. Your speech shouldn’t be boring, it should be interesting and capture everyone’s attention. You should also read some additional information in order to be ready to answer to any questions.

3. Practice
I’ve asked many famous speakers about their secrets of successful speeches. One of the most important key to success is practice. Practice helps you identify your mistakes, improve your speech and body language. Whether you practice in front of your family or friends or in front of the mirror, stay confident and speak clearly. Don’t stop and don’t give up. Your mistakes will make you smarter and more successful so don’t be afraid of them.

4. Start your presentation with a hook
When it comes to presentations, the most difficult thing to do is probably to grab your audience’s attention. Successful speakers know how to hook the audience’s attention with their first words. Prepare a great opening that will make everyone listen to you attentively.

5. Speak more loudly and clearly
It can take a lot of effort and time to learn how to speak more loudly and clearly. You should practice your speaking skills each day. Even if you don’t need to run meetings and presentations now, you will need those skills in future.

6. Use your body language
Your body language has a huge power. When you use it correctly, you look more confident, convey your message more easily and people understand you better. Your manner of speaking, your facial expressions, your posture and your physical movements are crucially important. Develop good handshake and facial expression, learn how to keep your eye contact, listen to others, improve your posture, don’t cross your arms and smile when needed. All these things will help you become a highly persuasive speaker.

7. Be involved in what you are saying
When you give your speech, think about it only. No matter what problems you have in life, forget about them. Focus on your thoughts and ideas, be involved in what you are saying, and don’t lose your focus no matter what questions your audience would ask. When you are not interested in what you are talking about, then why should others?

8. Boost your confidence
If you don’t feel confident in front of your audience you will never speak persuasively because people won’t believe your words. Believe in yourself and others will believe in you. You are smart, professional and successful. If you’re chosen to give a speech or run a meeting then your boss believes in your abilities. Speak clearly, make eye contact, smile and be friendly. Look confident even when you don’t feel like that and you will certainly become one of the best speakers in your office.

Giving a speech in front of an audience is not always easy. You should practice a lot, improve your skills and develop new ones. Do you think you are a persuasive speaker? What are your secrets of successful presentations? Share them with us please.

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