How to Improve Speech Delivery

I’ve trained 400,000+ students to speak confidently in meetings, on dates, and in high-stakes situations (like asking for a raise). Here are 3 vocal habits I teach every single one: Before we dive in, briefly imagine a coworker tells you: “I got promoted and doubled my salary.” But they say it in a monotone voice.  No smile. No hand gestures. Do you feel excited for them? Or confused? That’s the power of vocal delivery. Before people process what you said, they subconsciously judge how you said it. If your tone lacks confidence, warmth, or energy—your message doesn’t land. Vocal charisma isn’t about “sounding good.” It’s about sounding believable. Here are 3 ways to start doing that today: 1. Speak in the lowest natural range of your voice Your voice has layers. When you speak in your higher register, you sound anxious—even if your words are calm. When you speak from your lowest natural range, people trust you more. To get there: - Drop your shoulders - Take a deep breath - Speak on the out-breath, not the inhale Try it now: Take a breath and say “hello” at the top of your breath. Now take a breath and say “hello” on the exhale. That second one - that’s the version that sounds confident and feels grounded. ____ 2. Fix vocal fry with one move: speak louder That scratchy, creaky tone (like “uhh… yeah… I guess…”) is vocal fry. It usually happens when you're speaking too softly or from your throat. The fix: Add volume. A stronger voice = clearer tone = more authority. ____ 3. Use volume to signal emotion Once you’ve found your natural pitch and can project clearly, play with volume for impact: - Raise your volume slightly when setting a boundary or deadline - Lower it when you're being vulnerable or sharing something meaningful to draw people in Think of your voice like music - the variation keeps people listening. —- If you want more recognition, more influence, or a raise, start with your voice.

What’s Really Behind Public Speaking (The work you don’t see, and how to get good at it): Public speaking isn’t just slides and confidence. It’s physiology, logistics, and emotional labor managed in real time. What’s really going on behind the mic: 1. Energy burn ↳ It’s physically exhausting: adrenaline spikes onstage, dips hard after. 2. Prep is 10x delivery ↳ Hours of pruning and run-throughs for a 20-minute talk. 3. Cognitive juggling ↳ You’re managing message, timing, slides, room cues, and your body all at once. 4. Story is the bridge ↳ Data lands when it rides an emotion your audience recognises. 5. Vulnerability tax ↳ Sharing real stories creates connection—and a post-talk “hangover.” 6. Q&A is where the truth appears ↳ Real objections surface at the end, not during the deck. 7. Tech roulette ↳ Mics, clickers, monitors, Wi-Fi: any can fail. Often do. 8. Voice is a muscle ↳ Hydration, warm-ups, and pacing matter as much as your script. 9. Travel and context fatigue ↳ Time zones, green rooms, hurry-up-and-wait drain attention. 10. Follow-through is part of the talk ↳ Handouts, intros, and next steps turn applause into outcomes. How to get better, fast: 1. Pre-talk routine ↳ Sleep, hydrate, stretch, 2 minutes of box breathing, light carbs. 2. Three-line spine ↳ One opening sentence, one core idea, one actionable close. 3. 3-3-3 structure ↳ 3 sections, 3 points each, 3 short stories to make it memorable. 4. Slide diet ↳ One idea per slide, big type, high contrast, fewer words. 5. Golden pause ↳ After a key line, count to 3. Let the room lean in. 6. Eye-contact triangle ↳ Deliver each thought to one person; rotate across left–center–right. 7. Plant, then move ↳ Plant feet for points; move only on transitions. 8. Voice warm-ups ↳ Hum, lip trills, gentle scales. Sip water, avoid dairy right before. 9. Time discipline ↳ Rehearse to 90% of your slot. Finish early, never late. 10. Q&A guardrails ↳ Repeat the question, answer briefly, bridge back to your message. 11. Tech check + backups ↳ Offline slides, spare clicker, cables, and a printed outline. 12. Recovery buffer ↳ 20 minutes post-talk to decompress, jot learnings, and send promised follow-ups. Your turn: Which behind-the-mic reality surprises you most, and what will you practice before your next talk? ♻️ Share this with someone prepping a presentation. ➕ Follow Helene Guillaume Pabis for clear, human-first speaking and leadership tools. ✉️  Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/dy3wzu9A

A few years ago, I was in a high stakes meeting with colleagues from Japan. I presented my points confidently, thinking I was making a great impression. But as I scanned the room, I saw blank expressions. No nods. No engagement. Just silence. I panicked. Had I said something wrong? Was my idea unconvincing? After the meeting, one of my Japanese colleagues pulled me aside and said, “Sumit, we really want to understand you, but you speak too fast.” That was my light bulb moment. For years, I assumed that mastering English and business communication was enough to build strong global relationships. But the real challenge wasn’t just the language - it was the rate of speech! Most of us don’t realize that speaking speed varies drastically across cultures. Here’s an eye-opener: ·      In India, we typically speak at 120–150 words per minute. ·      The global standard for clear communication is around 60–80 words per minute. ·      In Japan, where English is not the first language, this rate drops even further. So, what happens when we, as fast speakers, communicate with someone who is used to a much slower pace? Our words blur together. The listener struggles to process. And instead of making an impact, we create confusion. We often assume that if people don’t understand us, we need to repeat ourselves. But the truth is, we don’t need to repeat - we need to slow down, simplify, and pause. If you work in a multicultural environment, here are three things that can dramatically improve your communication: a.   Control your pace: Consciously slow down when speaking to an international audience. What feels “normal” to you might be too fast for them. b.   Use simple language: Smaller sentences. Easier words (vocabulary). c.    Pause & check for understanding: Don’t assume silence means agreement. Ask, “Does that make sense?” or “Would you like me to clarify anything?” I’ve seen professionals struggle in global roles - not because they lack expertise, but because they fail to adjust their communication style to their audience. I’ve also seen leaders who thrive across cultures, simply because they master the art of respectful, clear, and paced communication. If you want to succeed in a global workplace, rate of speech is not just a skill - it’s a strategy. Have you ever faced challenges due to differences in speaking speed? Let’s discuss. #GlobalCommunication #CrossCulturalLeadership #EffectiveCommunication #SoftSkills #CareerGrowth #WorkplaceSuccess #HR

Public speaking comes up a lot in my conversations - so I wrote down the tips that have helped me the most. Some of what I know came from being a Radio-TV major and Psych minor. Most of it came from standing at the front of many rooms as early as elementary school, watching audiences closely, and learning the hard way what works. ⚡️ Practice like it matters (because it does). You have to practice the material - you can’t just wing it, champ. Write the talking points and actually practice saying them out loud, so your edits improve the flow of what you have to say. I’ll practice 10–15 times depending on the content, the stakes and the variables. Tip: Learn how much practice you need to feel confident at the podium. ⚡️ Read and respond to the room. 50% of the speaking success equation is listening and responding to what you observe, as you speak. Notice when people lean in - or begin to drift. Observe body language. Remember that a lost room can usually be brought back. Tip: Deliver the content AND stay in lock step with your audience. ⚡️ Be ready to pivot. Know your material so thoroughly that you’re well positioned to let parts of it go for the sake of (1) getting to the point, (2) keeping your audience engaged and/or (3) mindfully managing time. Tip: Being pivot-ready means you won’t stumble if/when the moment calls for a change of plan. ⚡️ Find your rhythm. Because I once dreamed of delivering the news, I studied broadcasters like Wendy Chioji, Pam Oliver, Tom Brokaw, Oprah, etc. All unique in their styles - their pauses, points of emphasis, and presence. The speakers we love to listen to have a cadence that feels natural and true. Tip: Borrow techniques from speakers you admire, while keeping your voice authentic to you. ⚡️ Know your point - and get to it. Audiences decide quickly whether to tune in or tune out. And transparently, many of us are desperate for reasons to tune in. Be clear and unwavering in emphasizing your key takeaways. Tip: Don’t bury the lead. Use your time to tell a story that actually lands. <> When you’ve done your homework - and the moment arrives to speak - take a deep breath. 😮💨 Remember that you have a voice worth listening to and that your voice belongs in the room. If you have a tip that’s served you well, would love to hear them in the comments!

🎤 "From stage fright to spotlight: How I went from bombing my first speech to coaching clients for their keynotes. My 3-week formula for presentation success..." As someone who has delivered countless presentations, I've developed a 3-week formula for conference success. Let me walk you through my process and share some insights I've gained along the way. 3️⃣ Weeks Out: • Outline key points - I identify 3-5 core messages I want the audience to remember • Create an inspiring mood board 🖼️ - This helps me visualize the presentation's tone and style. This also provides me with inspiration. 2️⃣ Weeks Out: • Craft presentation draft - I focus on creating a coherent narrative flow • I aim for 1 slide per 3 minutes of allocated time - This ensures I don't overwhelm the audience with information and also allows me to read the room if certain topics create more engagement • Weave in a compelling narrative arc - I use storytelling techniques to engage listeners. Villains, Heroes, Fairy Tale Endings! 1️⃣ Week Out: • Polish transitions - Smooth segues between topics to maintain audience attention and keep the presentation from feeling choppy • Perfect timing ⏱️ - I practice with a timer to ensure I respect the allotted time slot 2️⃣ Days Before: • Full run-through with notes 📝 - This helps identify any weak spots in the presentation and ensures I have notes for a fallback 1️⃣ Day Before: • Practice without notes - This builds confidence and improves natural delivery • Familiarize myself with the venue - Understanding the space helps me plan my stage presence ⏰ Day Of: • Don't overprepare the day of - you got this and last-minute changes can trip you up • Nail the first 30 seconds - A strong opening sets the tone for the entire talk • Smile and get comfortable on stage 😊 - Positive body language helps connect with the audience ✅ Pro Tips: 1. Use bullet points, not complete scripts. This keeps delivery natural and engaging. I've found memorizing word-for-word can lead to stilted delivery if I lose my place. 2. Be authentically you. Your unique perspective is your superpower on stage. Audiences respond to genuine speakers who share personal insights. 3. Incorporate audience interaction. I like to include a brief Q&A session or a quick poll by hand to keep listeners actively engaged. 4. Leverage the power of pause. Strategic silences can emphasize key points and give the audience time to absorb information. 5. Prepare for tech issues. I always assume the presentation won't work and I will just have to speak to it as a worst-case scenario. 6. Connect with other speakers. Networking at conferences can lead to valuable collaborations and future opportunities. Remember, public speaking is a skill that improves with practice. Each presentation is an opportunity to refine your technique and connect with your audience in meaningful ways. #PublicSpeaking #PresentationSkills #ConferenceTips #ProfessionalDevelopment #SpeakerPrep #StagePresence

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 ❤️ 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴? 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗶𝗽. Speaking to a group, big or small, can be daunting. But here's how to tackle it head-on and turn nerves into a powerful presentation. 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁, 𝗹𝗲𝘁'𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗻𝗸 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀. → Fear of judgment is often in our heads. Most audiences are rooting for you. They want to see you succeed. → Perfection isn't the goal. Authenticity is. Mistakes make you relatable. 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱, 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱: →Visualize success. Imagine your audience engaged and responding positively. → Breathe deeply. It calms nerves and steadies your voice. → Know your material inside out. Confidence comes from preparation. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱, 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: → Arrive or dial-in early. Familiarize yourself with the space. → Warm up your voice. It’s a muscle that needs stretching. → Make idle conversation with participants. You will be surprised by how relaxing it will be for you. 𝗙𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗵, 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆, 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱: → Start with a story or anecdote. It breaks the ice and draws your audience in. → Maintain eye contact. It builds connection and trust. → Use pauses effectively. They emphasize key points and allow your audience to digest information. Fifth, e𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹: → Ask questions. It invites interaction and keeps them attentive. → Use humor appropriately. Laughter relaxes both you and your audience. 𝗦𝗶𝘅𝘁𝗵, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆, 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗺 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: → Be yourself. Authenticity shines through and puts everyone at ease. → Acknowledge your nerves if they surface. It humanizes you and makes the audience empathetic. Remember, stage fright signals that you care about your message. Embrace it, and you'll turn your fear into fuel. 💪 How can I help?

"I don't memorize my talks, most of what I say is not prepared." That statement usually shocks people when they hear how many sessions I've delivered. Here's the truth: The best speakers aren't reciting scripts, they're having elevated conversations.  Speaking is a superpower that will elevate your career with haste 🧙🏼♂️And after decades on stage, here's my exact preparation process: 1. Research & Story Mining • Deep research your topic until you could discuss it in your sleep • Find 3 compelling stories from your experience that illustrate key points • For longer talks (45-60 min), place stories strategically at beginning, middle, and end • Your personal experiences make complex ideas relatable and memorable 2. Structure for Natural Flow • Instead of memorizing, get comfortable enough to have a natural conversation • Keep sparse notes with key points - they're guideposts, not a script • Let your brain and mouth wander a bit - it keeps the delivery fresh • Each presentation should feel unique, not over-rehearsed 3. Know Your Audience • Research who you're speaking to - their background changes everything • When I present to tech teams, I can reference video games and pop culture • For CFOs and CPAs, I take a different approach to the same content • Match their energy and speak their language 4. Slide Strategy • Slides should accent your talk, not be your talk • Use visuals over text - give them something to look at while you speak • Each slide should trigger your next talking point • Never just read what's on screen (if you could email it instead, rework it) 5. Energy & Authenticity • Keep it loose and fun - if you're stiff, the audience gets stiff • Remember: They WANT to learn from you, it's not a congressional hearing • Your energy sets the tone - they'll mirror what you give them • Be comfortable with the topic, then focus on the connection 🔔Bonus: Why should you speak?  • It makes you better overall • At some point you'll have to present to a team, large or small.  • If you want to advance your career this is a critical skill.  • You'll learn how to communicate better with diverse groups. Remember:  Speaking isn't about perfection, it's about impact.  Your expertise is valuable, sharing it makes careers (yours and your audience's). ⤵️ When's your next public speaking session? 🔄 Share to help other crush their next speech 📲 Follow Wil Klusovsky for wisdom on business & leadership.

𝐊𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐈𝐭 𝐒𝐨 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐂𝐚𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐭 Many executives believe their speech is finished when they have their script and slides. They are surprised when I tell them, “You are half way done.” 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐬𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐲. First, own what is going into your speech. Second, own the logical structure and sequence of ideas. Third, refine and strengthen the language. Only then move into rehearsal. Now you must get it into your body. 𝐔𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫’𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐝: 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡 𝐛𝐲 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡 Actors and great speakers do not memorize in one sweep. They build. Read one paragraph. Look up and say it out loud. Miss something? Glance down and say it again. Then stack: Paragraph 1. Paragraph 1 plus 2. Add 3. Then 1 through 4. Build in sections. Stack success on success. Confidence grows when you reinforce what you know rather than panic about what you forgot. 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐚 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭 Think like a band with a set list. Write one-word or short-phrase cues for each segment. If you momentarily blank, calmly run your internal list: one, two, three. The next idea appears. Structure protects you. 𝐑𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐩 Standing changes your breathing, pacing, gestures, and memory. I once coached an executive who told me, “I know it perfectly.” He did. While he walked, drove, and rehearsing in my office. When I insisted, he rehearse in front of twenty employees, he resisted. He walked to the front of the room…and forgot his opening. He had never rehearsed under performance conditions. You speak to an audience. Your brain encodes memory differently when you stand and deliver. 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐀𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 Even one observer alters your nerves and timing. The goal is not robotic perfection. It is structural mastery. If you paraphrase naturally, that is not a problem. Authority comes from owning the story and sequence, not reciting a script. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧 Print the script. Mark one cue word per segment. Rehearse standing, stacking sections. Practice at least once in teleprompter style. Arrive early and make friends with the stage. When you internalize your message so deeply that you feel you do not need it, that is when you look confident, credible, and compelling. 𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐥𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤. #presentationskillsexpert #keynotespeaker #publicspeaking #frippvt

From being a stammerer filled with stage fright to delivering 100+ speeches in 4 years! Here are 10 things I did to train myself to be the best at it: 🎤 Practice Small Chunks: Break your speech into smaller sections and practice each part separately before combining them. This makes it easier to remember and reduces anxiety. 🎤 Record and Review: Record your practice sessions using your phone or a camera. Reviewing these recordings helps identify areas for improvement and track progress over time. 🎤 Gradual Exposure: Start by speaking in front of a mirror, then progress to speaking in front of a small group of friends or family, and gradually increase the audience size. This helps build confidence step-by-step. 🎤 Use Flashcards: Write key points or parts of your speech on flashcards. This helps you stay on track during your speech and reduces the fear of forgetting your lines. 🎤 Join Speaking Clubs: Participate in public speaking clubs like Toastmasters. Regular practice in a supportive environment helps you gain confidence and receive constructive feedback. 🎤 Practice with Distractions: Train yourself to stay focused by practicing your speech in environments with potential distractions, such as a noisy room or with background music playing. 🎤 Mirror Neurons: Watch videos of great speakers and try to mimic their body language and speaking style. This activates your mirror neurons, helping you learn by imitation. 🎤 Mindful Breathing: Before speaking, take deep breaths in for a count of four, hold for four, and exhale for four. This helps calm your nerves and centre your mind. 🎤 Positive Visualization: Spend a few minutes each day visualizing yourself giving a successful speech. Picture the audience applauding and yourself speaking confidently. This mental rehearsal can boost your confidence. 🎤 Use Technology: Utilize speech practice apps that provide real-time feedback on your speaking speed, volume, and clarity. This helps you adjust and improve your delivery. When I learned these lessons, I realized that public speaking wasn't something to fear but something to celebrate. To be able to reach more people and create a long-lasting impact! So, if you're struggling like I was, start training your brain. It's not easy, but it's worth it. ❤️ #publicspeaking #growth #communication #softskills

After training 98,000+ people, this is what I found in common. Now, even though 98000 is a big number, the difficulties each one of them had, and the challenges they faced in public speaking were very common. So I thought, why not share it with you & help you tackle them as well? Let’s begin! → “I am shy” → “I mumble a lot” → “I can’t think straight” → “I start to sweat & my voice shakes” → “Words don’t come out of my mouth” → “I am not comfortable speaking in front of others” → “I feel like I don’t connect with my audience on a personal level” If any of this stands true for you, here is how you can work it out in your comfort: “I am shy” ↳ Record yourself every day on your mobile phone ↳ Share a personal story with a friend to practice speaking openly. ↳ Start with topics you’re comfortable with and gradually progress. “I mumble a lot” ↳ Focus on speaking one word at a time. ↳ Use tongue twisters to improve articulation. ↳ Record yourself and identify words that need clear pronunciation. “I can’t think straight” ↳ Break down your content into key points. ↳ Summarize complex ideas in one sentence. ↳ Use visual aids or cue cards to guide your speech. “I start to sweat & my voice shakes” ↳ Practice controlled breathing exercises ↳ Gradually expose yourself to speaking situations ↳ Drink water before speaking to prevent dehydration “Words don’t come out of my mouth” ↳ Deliberately slow down your speech pace. ↳ Practice pausing briefly between sentences. ↳ Concentrate on pronouncing each word clearly. “I am not comfortable speaking in front of others” ↳ Incorporate light humor into your speech. ↳ Begin by speaking in front of a supportive friend. ↳ Choose a familiar topic for your first public speaking engagement. “I feel like I don’t connect with my audience on a personal level” ↳ Share personal anecdotes or stories. ↳ Encourage audience participation by asking questions. ↳ Maintain consistent eye contact with individuals in the audience. Remember, the only way to overcome your fear of public speaking is to do it again and again. So keep practicing & you’ll slay on stage! Oh, and if you want to learn Public Speaking and Communication at your fingertips, follow Divas Gupta & join 32566 great communicators! PS - Know someone who might benefit from this? Share it right away! #selfdevelopment #publicspeaking #communication #personaldevelopment