A Joosr Guide to… TED Talks by Chris Anderson

The key to giving a successful talk is to truly be yourself
Of all the tips and techniques for public speaking, perhaps none is more important than making sure you do it your own way. Audiences can tell when you’re insincere, but they can also tell when you’re being the “real you,” and they will be far more receptive to your talk as a result.

Control anxiety by breathing deeply, drinking water, eating well, and remembering your passion
Although fear can be harnessed to improve your talk, it can, of course, also disturb your delivery. But by following some simple steps, you can get past the symptoms of nervousness, calm yourself down, and give a great performance

Another way to reduce your nerves onstage is to acknowledge them to the audience.

If you’re afraid of public speaking, use that fear to improve your performance
For many people, giving a talk in front of others is terrifying. If you’re one of these people, you’re in good company. From Aristotle to Abraham Lincoln to Samuel L. Jackson, numerous famous figures have been left stammering and shaking from a fear of public speaking. But they didn’t let it stop them—and you don’t have to either. In fact, you can actually channel this fear to improve your performance.

If employed well, including a story can draw the audience into your talk
There are many tools and techniques that can be applied when writing a speech, but one of the most effective is storytelling. Using a story as a key device helps listeners relate to you and encourages them to engage and agree with your ideas.

Smiling and making eye contact can help an audience engage with your speech
Making a connection with your audience helps them to accept you, so that they are more willing to listen to what you have to say. One of the most effective ways to do this is also probably the simplest: look them in the eyes and smile, as this will create a sense of mutual trust and put them at ease

Use a script to help refine your speech, but don’t over-rely on it
Whether or not you use a script for your talk is an important decision: it can certainly help you produce a strong, memorable piece, but it also runs the risk of becoming static and boring for the audience. Not rigidly relying on your script and focusing on an open, interactive delivery helps avoid this, strengthening your overall performance.

Smiling and making eye contact can help an audience engage with your speech
Making a connection with your audience helps them to accept you, so that they are more willing to listen to what you have to say. One of the most effective ways to do this is also probably the simplest: look them in the eyes and smile, as this will create a sense of mutual tr

Meanwhile, remembering that the subject of your talk means something to you can put things in perspective and help you relax.

people are there to learn about it, not to evaluate your performance.