7 Tips For Presenting & Public Speaking

In fact, a recent study showed that public speaking was voted scarier than death or spiders, which shows just how much people dislike it! I used to hate presenting, but now I enjoy it because I learned how to do it properly, and I’d like to help you with that today.

Don’t worry about your accent

Now, let’s get into my first tip. This one is especially important for non-native speakers: don’t stress about your accent. Forget about it! Instead of focusing on reducing your accent, work on improving your pronunciation. Accents are part of our culture and heritage, and that’s wonderful. Pronunciation, however, is about how we say sounds and words, and the best way to improve it is to slow down. Slower presentations are often better because they give the audience time to adjust to your accent, whether you’re a native or non-native speaker. Besides, trying to cover up your accent can make you come across as insincere or even fake, which might affect how much your audience trusts you. Just focus on clear pronunciation, and don’t worry about losing your accent.

Use pauses effectively

The second tip is to use pauses to your advantage. Pauses are fantastic because they give your audience time to absorb what you’re saying. They also give you time to think and prevent your tongue from getting twisted. Pauses can even make your speech seem more intentional and confident, so don’t rush—take your time to breathe and think.

Avoid apologizing for your English

My third tip is a little controversial. Many non-native speakers start their presentations by saying, “Sorry for my English.” I’d suggest avoiding this. Instead, you can say something like, “English isn’t my first language, but I’ll do my best.” This way, you’re confident and in control, and your audience will want to work with you.

Practice, don’t memorize, use cue cards

Tip number four is to practice, but don’t memorize. Practiced presentations are natural and engaging, while memorized ones feel rigid and boring. Instead of learning every word by heart, use cue cards (tip number five) to keep yourself on track. Cue cards are small reminders, not full scripts, and they help you stay calm and focused, especially if you get stage fright.

Pay attention to your body language

For tip number six, think about your body language. When I present, I like to stand firmly in one spot, with my feet apart and my posture strong. Try to avoid fidgeting or moving too much, as it can distract your audience. If you know you tend to touch your hair or fidget, try to be conscious of it and correct it during your presentation.

Dress to impress

Finally, tip number seven is to dress to impress. While it might seem superficial, how you present yourself can make a big difference. It’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed. Looking professional boosts your confidence and keeps your audience’s attention.

So, those are my seven tips for presenting in English. Prepare yourself wisely, be confident, and imagine the desired result! Have a great day!