10 Powerful Lessons from the book: The Art of Public Speaking by Dale Carnegie:
1. Know your audience: Imagine you're chatting with a friend, not a scary crowd. Tailor your talk to their interests so they stay engaged.
2. Practice makes perfect (almost): Rehearse your speech out loud, but don't memorize it word-for-word. It'll sound more natural if you speak freely.
3. Focus on your message, not yourself: People care more about what you're saying than your jitters. Be passionate about your topic, and that passion will shine through.
4. Start strong, finish strong: Hook 'em at the beginning with a story or interesting fact, and leave them with a memorable takeaway at the end.
5. Take deep breaths before you start. Remember, everyone gets a little nervous, even the pros!
6. Speak clearly and confidently (even if you don't feel that way): Project your voice and avoid mumbling. Speak at a natural pace, not too fast or slow.
7. Be yourself: Don't try to be someone you're not. Let your personality shine through, that's what makes you interesting!
8. Connect with your audience: Make eye contact with people throughout the room, smile, and use gestures to keep them involved.
9. Everyone messes up sometimes. If you stumble, just laugh it off and keep going. The audience will likely forget it even faster than you do.
10. Practice makes progress: The more you speak in public, the easier it gets. Don't be afraid to start small and work your way up.
