5 Tips for Becoming a Better Speaker

Whether you’re pitching to clients, leading a team meeting, or just trying to sound more polished in everyday chats, being a cracking speaker is a skill worth honing. It’s not about being the loudest in the room—it’s about clarity, connection, and confidence. Here are five straightforward tips to up your speaking game.

1. Master the Art of Slowing Down

It’s tempting to race through your words, especially if you’re nervous or eager to impress. But speaking too fast muddies your message and leaves listeners scrambling to keep up. Practise pacing yourself—aim for a steady, conversational rhythm. Try recording yourself and listen back. If it feels like a blur, take a breath and slow it down. A well-timed pause can also add weight to your points.

2. Ditch the Filler Words

“Um,” “like,” “you know”—they sneak in when you’re thinking on the fly, but they can make you sound unsure. Start noticing when you use them (a mate or colleague can help flag it). Replace them with a quick pause instead. It might feel awkward at first, but silence beats waffling. The more you practise, the cleaner your delivery will get.

3. Connect with Your Listeners

Great speakers don’t just talk at people—they talk to them. Make eye contact, even if it’s just picking a few friendly faces in the crowd. Chuck in a question or a relatable anecdote to draw them in. If you’re speaking to a business crowd, tailor your words to their world—drop jargon they’ll nod at, not stuff that’ll leave them glazing over. It’s about building a bridge, not a wall.

4. Sharpen Your Structure

Winging it might work for a casual natter, but if you want to sound sharp, have a plan. Start with a clear opener—tell them what you’re on about. Then, lay out your key points (three’s a magic number; it’s easy to follow). Wrap up with a punchy takeaway so they remember why they bothered listening. Scribble an outline if it helps, but don’t memorize it word-for-word—keep it natural.

5. Practise, Then Practise Some More

You don’t get better at speaking by thinking about it—you’ve got to do it. Grab every chance to talk, whether it’s a quick toast at a mate’s dinner or a presentation at work. Rehearse tricky bits aloud, ideally in front of someone who’ll give honest feedback. Even chatting to your dog counts if it gets you comfy with your voice. The more reps you clock, the smoother it’ll feel. Public Speaking Courses could help you.

Becoming a better speaker isn’t some mystical gift—it’s a craft you can build, bit by bit. Focus on these five tips, and you’ll soon notice the difference: less stumbling, more swagger, and an audience that actually listens. Get stuck in—your next chat’s the perfect place to start.