What is recommend for improving speaking ability?

25 replies
Hi guys and ladies.

I don't speak a lot, and I don't think I'm the best speaker in the world.

I would like to be able to speak well, and for people to actually listen to what I have to say.

What is recommended for improving speaking ability?

Thank you,

Daniel Kemp
#ability #improving #recommend #speaking
  • Profile picture of the author Amrutg
    First of all remove from mind that you cannot speak well. Set aside this kind of fear. It is more important. Once you do it, it would be easy for you to proceed further. Open up yourself- try to communicate more with your parents, family members, friends initially. Once you get accustomed to it, without hesitation participate in talk with outsiders, never miss an opportunity even that of public speaker. No one is great speaker in the beginner. That can be developed with confidence, courage, language improvement, vocabulary, assent etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Truong
    The more times you do something the better you get at it.

    I would advise you start with random skyping (speaking with randoms over skype) this will get you to talk more and get you to start impromptu speaking.

    After a bit of practice you will become naturally talkative and this will inspire more confidence and also improve your public speaking too.
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  • Profile picture of the author Sandycmy
    Be relaxed and talk to yourself in English ( not your mother tongue) , to your friends, and family. Just keep talking. Ensure you Enjoy it !
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    • Profile picture of the author Joe Mobley
      The book Secrets of Successful Speakers by Lilly Walters was a great help to me. I would highly recommend it.


      Joe Mobley
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  • Profile picture of the author Newbie11
    Visit www.toastmasters.org. Find a club to attend that is convenient for you. Each club has different dynamics and personalities so visit more than one club before you dismiss the opportunity.

    Reading a book, attending a seminar, watching videos might help you to pick up a few tips. However, the only way to get better is to PRACTICE.

    Toastmasters will provide you with a positive environment for you to improve your communication skills.
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  • Profile picture of the author SoundsGood
    You might wanna look here: Motivational Speakers
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    • Profile picture of the author cynthea
      I agree with Newbie11 - Toastmasters is a wonderful organization.

      Do they have Toastmasters where you are?

      Many, many people have become very accomplished speakers through this organization. I understand also that is a great place for building lasting friendships and forming business relationships.
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    • Profile picture of the author magnates
      Everybody starts out being really crap . Take me for instance .

      I have been a situation where i could not speak to more one person .It felt so intimidating talking to that many eye ball right in front of me . I felt that i would say something that would cause them to beat me up or completely embrass myself and lose face in front of everybody . I hated public speaking . I believed this so much that i would literally be shaking and sweating all over my face if i was forced to talk to people

      So , how did i turn things around ?

      1. I changed the picture in my head : I choose to use my imagination for good so rather than imagining things go horribly wrong when I speak publicly , I invested time imagining people really appreciating what I have to say and clapping at times at what I had to say

      2. I would say put yourself in situations where you need to speak : I got a job back then that made me speak in front of people . It was a very brave move but I knew that If i did it every day it would put my confidence on steriods . I did the job for 9 months

      3. Change your friends : Have friends who speak publicly as a profession . Join Toastmaster in your area . Google Toastmaster



      Now , I super confident and speak publically without thinking . I can speak to strangers i don't know and it amazes people but if you knew my past they would be even more surprised .

      I guess what I saying is that if you continue to take steps to do something about it ,you would realise just how easy it is and excel at it

      If you find this post constructive , don't forget to thank me

      Femi
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  • Profile picture of the author tylerdrun
    Join Toastmasters - that's what I'm going to join next week. I don't speak that well in crowds.

    If you tend to stammer in your speeches, there's a chance that you aren't holding your neck right. I know it because I used to...

    Toastmasters.org is the best site that can help you.
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  • Profile picture of the author tk226
    Well, you already received lot of valuable input for your problem and I've no extra point except to tell you that to take speaking as a No.1 goal for the rest of year 2011 and commit everyday to it by talking to people, joining speaking clubs, get socially active, prefer talk instead of chat and always initiate discussion. Then, soon your mind will get desensitize and fear will diminish & words will flow to the tongue eloquently
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    • Profile picture of the author DanielKemp
      Originally Posted by Amrutg View Post

      First of all remove from mind that you cannot speak well. Set aside this kind of fear. It is more important. Once you do it, it would be easy for you to proceed further. Open up yourself- try to communicate more with your parents, family members, friends initially. Once you get accustomed to it, without hesitation participate in talk with outsiders, never miss an opportunity even that of public speaker. No one is great speaker in the beginner. That can be developed with confidence, courage, language improvement, vocabulary, assent etc.
      I will start speaking to my family more often on the phone.

      Thank you Amrutg.



      Originally Posted by Michael Truong View Post

      The more times you do something the better you get at it.

      I would advise you start with random skyping (speaking with randoms over skype) this will get you to talk more and get you to start impromptu speaking.

      After a bit of practice you will become naturally talkative and this will inspire more confidence and also improve your public speaking too.
      I do a search for people who live in South Korea, so I have a reason if I randomly Skyping someone.

      Thanks Michael.


      Originally Posted by Sandycmy View Post

      Be relaxed and talk to yourself in English ( not your mother tongue) , to your friends, and family. Just keep talking. Ensure you Enjoy it !
      English is my mother tongue . . .


      Originally Posted by Joe Mobley View Post

      The book Secrets of Successful Speakers by Lilly Walters was a great help to me. I would highly recommend it.


      Joe Mobley
      Thanks Joe. I'll look into the book.


      Originally Posted by Newbie11 View Post

      Visit www.toastmasters.org. Find a club to attend that is convenient for you. Each club has different dynamics and personalities so visit more than one club before you dismiss the opportunity.

      Reading a book, attending a seminar, watching videos might help you to pick up a few tips. However, the only way to get better is to PRACTICE.

      Toastmasters will provide you with a positive environment for you to improve your communication skills.
      Thanks for the recommendation Newbie11.

      I want to improve my speaking ability and speaking in front of people ability.

      First I want to get my speaking ability done before I go to speaking in front of people.


      Originally Posted by SoundsGood View Post

      You might wanna look here: Motivational Speakers
      Thanks SoundsGood.


      Originally Posted by cynthea View Post

      I agree with Newbie11 - Toastmasters is a wonderful organization.

      Do they have Toastmasters where you are?

      Many, many people have become very accomplished speakers through this organization. I understand also that is a great place for building lasting friendships and forming business relationships.
      Hi cynthea.

      I did a search, and there are a bunch in Seoul.

      Thanks.


      Originally Posted by magnates View Post

      Everybody starts out being really crap . Take me for instance .

      I have been a situation where i could not speak to more one person .It felt so intimidating talking to that many eye ball right in front of me . I felt that i would say something that would cause them to beat me up or completely embrass myself and lose face in front of everybody . I hated public speaking . I believed this so much that i would literally be shaking and sweating all over my face if i was forced to talk to people

      So , how did i turn things around ?

      1. I changed the picture in my head : I choose to use my imagination for good so rather than imagining things go horribly wrong when I speak publicly , I invested time imagining people really appreciating what I have to say and clapping at times at what I had to say

      2. I would say put yourself in situations where you need to speak : I got a job back then that made me speak in front of people . It was a very brave move but I knew that If i did it every day it would put my confidence on steriods . I did the job for 9 months

      3. Change your friends : Have friends who speak publicly as a profession . Join Toastmaster in your area . Google Toastmaster



      Now , I super confident and speak publically without thinking . I can speak to strangers i don't know and it amazes people but if you knew my past they would be even more surprised .

      I guess what I saying is that if you continue to take steps to do something about it ,you would realise just how easy it is and excel at it

      If you find this post constructive , don't forget to thank me

      Femi
      Those are awesome tips.

      Thanks magnates.


      Originally Posted by tylerdrun View Post

      Join Toastmasters - that's what I'm going to join next week. I don't speak that well in crowds.

      If you tend to stammer in your speeches, there's a chance that you aren't holding your neck right. I know it because I used to...

      Toastmasters.org is the best site that can help you.
      OK. Thanks tylerdrun.


      Originally Posted by tk226 View Post

      Well, you already received lot of valuable input for your problem and I've no extra point except to tell you that to take speaking as a No.1 goal for the rest of year 2011 and commit everyday to it by talking to people, joining speaking clubs, get socially active, prefer talk instead of chat and always initiate discussion. Then, soon your mind will get desensitize and fear will diminish & words will flow to the tongue eloquently
      I want to improve other stuff too, but I understand what you mean about working on speaking everyday.

      Thanks tk226.
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  • Profile picture of the author DanielCurpas
    Originally Posted by DanielKemp View Post

    Hi guys and ladies.

    I don't speak a lot, and I don't think I'm the best speaker in the world.

    I would like to be able to speak well, and for people to actually listen to what I have to say.

    What is recommended for improving speaking ability?

    Thank you,

    Daniel Kemp
    Read this
    I hope you will enjoy. Don't be afraid.
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  • Profile picture of the author HorseStall
    Practice and knowing the material will give you confidence.

    You can join toast masters in your local area to learn nuances of polishing your public speaking.
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  • Profile picture of the author Henry White
    Originally Posted by DanielKemp View Post

    Hi guys and ladies.

    I don't speak a lot, and I don't think I'm the best speaker in the world.

    I would like to be able to speak well, and for people to actually listen to what I have to say.

    What is recommended for improving speaking ability?

    Thank you,

    Daniel Kemp
    Sad to say, most of the feedback I've been getting lately about ToastMasters is that they've gone PC, so I've stopped recommending them since I'm not an active member and have no reason to dispute what I'm hearing.

    A couple of quick and dirty alternatives is 1) get a used copy of Stephen E. Lucas, The Art of Public Speaking. This is the standard colllege textbook, updated yearly to include the latest speeches from politicians and newsmakers; and 2) after getting through all the preliminaries of preparing for a speech, you can still fall flat on your face unless you've invested a lot of time in rehearsal and practice - this is where your webcam comes in and using YouTube to get feedback when you're ready.
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    • Profile picture of the author Newbie11
      Originally Posted by hwhite View Post

      Sad to say, most of the feedback I've been getting lately about ToastMasters is that they've gone PC, so I've stopped recommending them since I'm not an active member and have no reason to dispute what I'm hearing.
      I have been a member of Toastmasters for 10+ years. I do not know what they have "gone PC" means. Whatever it means, does that matter as long as it helps people to become better communicators?
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  • Profile picture of the author Ephrils
    How do you get to Carnagie Hall?

    Practice.

    You just have to do it more and more. Take an Acting class.

    I'm a Theater major so it's expected I can already do this, or at least be proficient enough to not mess up. We all get nervous and there's always somewhere to improve, but the best way to speak better is to speak more.

    If you can, record the speeches you already give and look for where you can improve it. At the end of the day doing the task you want to improve on more will make you better.

    So practice
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  • Profile picture of the author BlueGlobeSeo
    I used to record myself speaking and listening to it to find areas on which to improve. I always pep myself in front of the mirror, and practice smiling and other facial expressions. And looking good and presentable really helps boost your confidence.
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  • Profile picture of the author happyme
    I had a speaking problem when I was young. I used to get stuck and couldn't pornounce words properly. I discovered that standing in front of the mirror and talking to myself, completely erased this problem. So I did this for a long time, I don't have any problem now.
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    • Profile picture of the author SoundsGood
      Originally Posted by happyme View Post

      I had a speaking problem when I was young. I used to get stuck and couldn't pornounce words properly.
      Couldn't pornounce words? There's a joke there, but I'll keep it clean.
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  • Profile picture of the author BBryanB
    Daniel, i make my living speaking to hundreds of people at a time.

    I have never gotten over the fear that creeps in before I speak. Some people are naturals and it is a snap for them to get up and away they go. for others, its a grind.

    I am good at what i do, but after more than 2,000 seminars, its still a grind.

    You have to decide if its going to be easy for your or its going to be work. either way, you are going to find out pretty quick which one it is, then you either have to suck it up, or move on.

    Good luck.

    Bryan
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  • Profile picture of the author Debra Barrow
    I took the Dale Carnegie course some years back (twice) and by the end of each course, people who were afraid to speak in front of the class, could not stop talking. It helped me get over that fear. Toastmasters is a good organization, too (much less expensive than Dale Carnegie, which my employer paid for)

    The point is, you have to practice, practice, practice. Audio tape yourself, giving a speech or reading, and play it back to hear how it sounds to others; Also, practice with video.

    I also did some classroom teaching. That's very good practice because you're standing in front of a class of students, who are hanging on to your every word. (well, for the most part).

    An adult education class would help, too. Maybe you are good at something, and want to share it with others. You could teach a class about your hobby or expertise. Many times, these types of classes would only have a few participants, so it wouldn't be so intimidating.
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    • Profile picture of the author SonnyAmaama
      A really good person that gives excellent tips is Guy Kawasaki. On youtube he has videos of him giving presentations. One of the lectures he gives was at Stanford University called "Good Presentations". I recommend him because He tells you exactly how it is and what to do.
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  • Profile picture of the author lootbags2010
    I have to admit I have become a much better speaker by joining toastmasters. Thanks to everyone for promoting toastmasters.org. It gives you as many opportunities to practice your speaking as you want. You can belong to more than one club.

    As an experienced toastmaster i would advise you to do a few speeches to get comfortable but also take advantage of contests since they give you a chance to speak to progressively larger crowds as you advance.

    One reason people don't get as much out of Toastmasters as possible is that they only speak in front of the 10-20 people in their club that they join. Visiting other clubs to speak gives you new audiences, competing in contests gives you larger audience and these two experience really help to boost your confidence.

    The true key to being a better speaker is knowing your material and being confident that you know your material. I have met some really interesting people and made great contacts as a result of attending toastmasters conferences.
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  • Profile picture of the author music4life
    As some have mentioned Toastmasters is a really great organization that gives you practical experience. I've thought about joining myself because, I need practice in public speaking also. I think practice us to become better at most things. Interestingly enough I recently ask a friend who does a lot of public speaking some of the things she recommends to be better at speaking in front of a group. She brought up a great point, that it is good to get the audience involved. Talk to them not at them, allow them to feel like they are part of a two-way discussion instead of just being lectured. Chances are if they come to hear you speak on a certain topic they have some background in it themselves and can add a unique perspective. This keeps them engaged. It also allows you to seem less robotic. Try it and see what you think.
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