As a tech entrepreneur, it’s common to have some sort of anxiety tied to the thought of public speaking. In fact, three out of four individuals suffer from speech anxiety. It can feel crippling but with dedication and much practice, anyone can improve.

Effective communication can lead to new opportunities and professional connections. For a tech entrepreneur, this holds especially true. Thankfully, there are several ways to ease your nerves before delivering a speech to a small or large crowd. With consistent practice, you can become a strong public speaker in no time.

Find a Local Meetup Group:

It’s a great idea to get familiar with local meetup groups that focus on public speaking. You can attend and observe at first, then eventually work your way up to presenting something. Interest groups are a great way to improve in a supportive environment.

Let Family and Friends Critique You

If starting your journey presenting to total strangers scares you, that’s okay; try to practice speaking in front of family or friends instead. Choose attentive loved ones so you can gather insightful feedback. If gathering a large group is nearly impossible for you, then prepare a speech and video record yourself. Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses without judging yourself too harshly. Use that feedback to improve with each recording. Be sure to take note of anything that can be distracting for the viewer.

Prepare Strong Talking Points

Begin by discussing topics that you’re most passionate about. The audience will resonate with your authenticity and be able to instantly connect with you. It’s important to develop strong talking points in your speech that you can be confident in. Consider creative ways to apply what inspires you and motivates you. This is a great time for the digital entrepreneurs to dig deep and utilize their many available resources.

Practice, Practice, and More Practice!

Rehearse your speech until it becomes familiar. Don’t be afraid to make any necessary modifications. If you’re uncomfortable with something — or just can’t seem to grasp the delivery — move a few sentences around or omit it altogether. Revisions can help drastically improve the flow of your speech. Knowing that you’re capable of delivering your speech can help to ease anxiousness on your big day.

Don’t Let a Mistake Define Your Speech

Don’t get hung up on any hiccups or mistakes when you give your presentation. Remember that the audience is human, too. Not even paid international speakers always have a perfect delivery. Stay focused on successfully delivering your message while you have the audience’s attention. A great speech can’t be ruined by a mistake unless you allow it to be, so muscle through it! You can acknowledge your mistake in a joking manner if you feel it’ll help you comfortably move forward.

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As far as common entrepreneur mistakes go, failing to develop yourself as a public speaker is near the top. Lawyers, in particular, have a high propensity towards speaking anxiety. Between 58% and 64% of lawyers are introverts and this could be costing them money.

This is because those who are paid the most are often the best at communicating. And when you’re trying to make it as an entrepreneur or paid international speaker, your ability to communicate effectively is especially important.

To help you become or excel as an international public speaker, read the following tips.

Know Your Audience

Anytime you’re speaking before an audience, there’s usually a specific reason. You should always know who you are speaking to and what they expect or need out of the presentation. If you’re hosting a corporate event, teach and inspire them. It’s imperative to understand the demographics of your audience as an international public speaker.

Rehearse, Rehearse, and Rehearse Again

Things only become muscle memory if you practice them relentlessly. Anytime you have a big speech scheduled, it’s incredibly important that you practice every single day leading up to the date. Prepare your goals and content well in advance. The great thing is, you can practice just about anywhere: in the car, on a jog, or on the plane as you fly to your speaking destination.

Choose a Style That Works for You (and Stick With It)

It’s true that different events will call for a different style or approach. In some cases, something as basic as reading a prepared speech is acceptable. But if you wish to make it big as an international public speaker, it’s important to find your groove and stay in it. Figure out what makes you tick as a communicator and play to your strengths. Develop a vibrant brand so anyone catching even a glimpse of your presentation recognizes your unique flare.

Always Test the Sound Equipment

Few things are more frustrating (or terrifying, in some cases) as last-minute technical issues. To avoid this potential for stress, always conduct a last-minute sound check before the event starts. Make sure all audio and visual setups function ahead of time. And always make sure to have backup systems in place in case the main systems fail.

Welcome Every Opportunity to Speak

Great international public speakers don’t become great by talking to their mirrors (although speaking in front of a mirror is excellent for practicing). The best speakers practice in public by accepting every possible opportunity to speak. If your boss asks you to make a brief presentation, say yes. If your friend invites you to speak at her wedding, agree to do it. Take every chance that comes your way to speak to an audience.

Consider Slowing Down

Everyone expects the speaker to be a little bit nervous when they walk onto a stage, but few things are such a dead giveaway of inner nervousness than racing through your words. If you want to leave a meaningful impact on your listeners, err towards speaking too slowly rather than speaking too fast. This is partly because you want them to understand you and it’s hard to speak clearly and quickly at the same time. But besides that, taking your time with your words gives each statement more weight than it would have if you seemed nervous or in a hurry.

Make Eye Contact

This is one of the most important tips on this list and it always applies, no matter how large or small your audience may be. During your presentation, make eye contact with as many people as possible. This establishes a valuable connection with your audience and makes audience members feel as if you’re speaking directly to them. Be careful to not just exclusively make eye contact with the people in the front row. Show the back rows some attention, too.

Take Long Pauses

Just as you should make it a point to speak slowly and clearly, you should also make long pauses now and then. In fact, make them longer than you feel may be appropriate. This has an incredible impact on emphasizing important points. It also allows you to connect with the emotions of your audience members.

From slowing down during your presentations to taking up any opportunity to speak, these are some of the best tips for speakers.