Master Public Speaking: 8 Tips for Introverted Students

Glossophobia is a common enough issue. Most people fear standing and speaking in front of a crowd. Add to the mix – introverted personalities, and the process becomes terrifying.

The widespread belief that you should be an extrovert and confident person to be a successful orator further scares people away.

However, anyone who makes systematic efforts can become an effective public speaker. Introverted students have separate skill sets and strengths that can enable them to become effective communicators.

If it still seems unconvincing – this article highlights tips that introverted students can take on board for their upcoming speech and realize their true potential.

Tips to Master Public Speaking for Introverted Students

Being introverted can be an asset as these people are often described as overthinkers and good at self-criticism and introspection. These traits can help students design the speech meticulously, focusing on every small aspect.

The following tips will take away your inhibitions regarding public speaking and help you succeed as an orator.

Don’t Succumb to the Pressure of Being Someone Else

Yes, it is cliched, but the most essential rule to succeed is to be yourself. There might be a lot of speakers you find inspiring enough to imitate, but remember you would be most wise to play you, i.e., identify and work with your strengths.

Emulating someone can put you down in the following ways-

• Trying to be someone you are not will put unnecessary pressure on juggling a lot of things at once and can reduce the effectiveness of your speech.
• The audience might see through the act and not take you as a credible speaker.

Therefore, sit and identify what you have to offer as an individual. For instance, avoid incorporating humor if it doesn’t seem natural. You could be a great storyteller.

So, figure out your style and practice consistently to polish and use it to the best.

Consider it a Performance

Now, this might seem contradictory to what we said above, but it’s not. It is possible and easy to perform while being yourself. Malcolm Gladwell, a world-class orator and author, said –

Speaking is not an act of extroversion. People think it is. It has nothing to do with extroversion. It’s a performance, and many performers are hugely introverted!

Think of yourself when you are at your best and most confident self. It could be speaking to a set of people on likable topics or working on projects with preferred colleagues. Envision that time when you are relaxed and feel good about yourself, and bring that self for your next performance. Try to channel that energy when you step on the stage.

Good Preparation is Everything

“Practice isn’t the thing you do once you are good, it’s the thing you do that makes you good.” – Malcolm Gladwell

This could be an advantage for introverted students. Since you are not naturally good at small talk or conversations, it will make you more inclined to practice better. Practice your speech verbatim as much as possible.

The idea is to be comfortable with the words like the back of your hand. Proper practicing will also enable you to gauge the timing of your talk and work on voice modulations and pitch since the words will roll off the tongue without any second thought.

Shift the Focus

The central premise of your speech is not to establish yourself as a speaker but rather cater to your audience’s needs. Once you become comfortable with that thought, the idea of presenting won’t be as stressful.

The best speeches are when presenters deliver, focussing on the audience by presenting solutions or reaffirming their beliefs. By placing your attention on attending to people’s needs to the best,  you would be less focused on your anxiety, fears, and worries.

Use Pre-Designed Templates

As an introverted speaker, you can relieve your nervousness and anxiety by using pre-designed PowerPoint presentation templates. These templates allow you to devote your time to refining your content and improving your delivery rather than worrying about the aesthetics of your slides. As these templates take care of the consistent look and visualization of your content, you feel more confident and guided while delivering your speech.

Dress in Something That Instill Confidence

How we choose to dress is another important factor that can help us feel and appear confident. Uncomfortable clothing will make you look out of place and transmit the same to the audience.

Avoid flashy, flamboyant clothes that can distract people. Also, you should wear outfits that don’t reveal unnecessary sweat patches (if you suffer from nervous sweating). Go for an outfit that makes you feel like yourself, and confidence will naturally come to you.

Talk Slowly and Smile Your Way Through

We all know of nervous blabbering. And it’s easy to come when you are trying to get out of a situation fast (introverted personality). It can also become a loop as people might not understand your message and lose interest, which can further result in you talking fast.

So, speak as clearly as possible with the correct voice modulation, pitch, and pace, as it’s a win-win for everyone. Talking slowly will slow down your heart rate and help you tackle anxiety. It will also give people the space to listen to you and digest your message.

Positive body language will also let the mind follow suit and keep you calm enough to deliver your speech. So, smile as often as you can (wherever appropriate) to emit warmth and grace. A happy smiling face will leave a good impression on people and make you more endearing to them.

Keeping Calm is Important

The thought of speaking in front of people can seriously drain students with introverted personality types. It is essential that you feel good and recharged mentally and emotionally before stepping on the stage.

Find a quiet corner and do some deep breathing to calm your nerves. Sitting quietly and focusing on your thoughts will eliminate unnecessary mind chatter and center your being, making you relaxed, confident, and in place.

A Few Tips to Remember

• Shake your limbs. It will improve the blood flow.
• Yawning will relax your mind and body.
• Try speaking with your tongue sticking out. The exercise will loosen you up vocally and help you avoid fumbling.
• Try relaxation exercises and positive affirmations.
• Accept your fear, learn to live with it, and work around it in the best possible way.
• Work on the way you think. Everyone has the potential to excel as a speaker, irrespective of their personality type.

Once you start feeling proud of who you are, speaking up becomes easy and natural, like conversing with your favorite people.

Also, public speaking is a skill that can be learned and acquired over time with consistent practice, like any other skill.

• Address all your fears. Prepare thoroughly on the subject so that you are not blank when people ask questions.
• Make yourself comfortable with all the technological tools. To tackle the fear of forgetting, understand your topic thoroughly and don’t memorize or cram it. 
• Take the help of technological aids to alleviate your anxiety and boost your public speaking skills.

Final Thoughts

If you have bothered to step on the stage (regardless of your personality type), you have something valuable to share. By doing that, you are helping people in some way. Keep yourself focused on the thought; all the inhibitions of delivering on stage will slowly melt away.

Work on creating powerful content and then your storytelling. If your message is compelling, people won’t care how good an orator you are.

Smile, and be natural. And it will help you build connections with people around you. Use the tips to create an impeccable speech and revel in the success!