Growing up, I used to stutter a lot. And I mean far too much, it got to the point where I was even bullied. And gosh, that's just too much.

Teachers began discriminating against me, never allowing me to be MC or even helping me. When I asked a teacher to assist me in improving my speaking skills because I lacked language and understanding, she simply said, "That is for smart children. Not everyone has that talent." I was truly heartbroken. But, after years of hard work, I made it to the National Debating Team, became an activist for a famous international NGO, mentored student-led organisations and class reps, and the list goes on.

I'm not here to brag about where I started from or what I've accomplished, but rather to reach out to others who are vulnerable and lack the necessary skills or are unable to develop them. Trust me, I went through a lot, and when I eventually arrived, I had a lot of advice for others. I have trained debaters, and the skills I will provide apply to anyone, regardless of whether or not you have stage fright.

This article includes everything you need to improve your speech delivery, communication abilities and writing skills. Remember that we all started somewhere, and just because things are difficult doesn't mean you should give up; resilience is vital, and if I can do it, you can too.

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1. The Foundation of Our Building

Consider the foundation of the building to be the process of constructing the structure. I am going to give three essential nutrients that keep the structure together and require constant nourishment. If it does not acquire it, it cannot hold itself together.

A. Knowledge

B. Command over language

C. Being you

A. Knowledge

Knowledge is the most important aspect of this entire setup. If you're going to give a speech in front of 200 people, you don't want to make yourself a laughing stock. You need knowledge.

In the context of a simple conversation, you should keep blurting information. And believe me, when I was a debater, I had to know everything about every sector or else I wouldn't be able to present my argument, including taboo topics. That's the level of knowledge we dug. People want to converse with intelligent individuals. You must understand that when you have expertise, you can connect seemingly unrelated things to offer the most compelling, award-winning narrative. It encourages your brain to think. A great orator has a higher level of critical thinking that they gain from reading a lot and seeking knowledge, because eventually, you reach a point where you start questioning and putting your brain in a position to ask more complex questions, which is how you develop great critical thinking. However, I am going to warn you: do not use Chat GPT or any AI. Your brain's reasoning power just collapses, and you are unable to apply critical thinking.

Allow me to explain why. I'm discussing a topic; let's start with the pregnancy era of women. I'll tell you about the mood fluctuations she experiences, and then I'll connect it to how dramatic women can be, by making use of Cleopatra from the play Antony and Cleopatra, her dramatic character, and her psychology.

I know it's a poor example, but you develop links that leave a longer-lasting and more profound impression. That is the importance. And don't become fixated on a single discipline: mathematics, science, astrology, physiology, psychology, literature, international law, or any other topic.

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B. Command over language

This is another pillar of being an excellent communicator, whether in conversation, writing essays, or giving a speech. You may have the knowledge, but you must convey yourself through words. That's where vocabulary comes in.

I'm not saying you need a thousand words in your dictionary, but you do need a decent and strong vocabulary; it makes you sound either attractive or intelligent. But let me kill another stereotype. Clearly, you must have a strong command of language. You may have the words but not know how to use them. So, what do you do? Let me tell you, I read a blog that linked fantasy, history, and politics; it had a brilliant concept, amazing ideas, and excellent understanding of the language, but it was quite dry. You wouldn't want to read it beyond the first line. Why? Because the difficulty here is how to articulate oneself. And you don't need to have the most brilliant vocabulary for this; it's all about the flow.

Here's a tip: read British newspapers or literature. They produced the most iconic modifications in the English language, and their literature is outstanding, but it also demonstrates how to express ourselves and how to make words flow and sound so lovely, rather than sounding like a tired office worker working 9 to 5. When you read more, your brain just begins to flow the ideas in that sequence, giving you a sense of how to structure your speech, essay, or response to the person in front of you.

This is an excellent method to establish a solid foundation while speaking. The most important aspect is the flow and tone of your speech. Having ideas is excellent; organising them requires skills. When I first started doing this, it was difficult because I was forcing myself to think and structure, but now it's become a habit that flows without my intervention.

After reading these two paragraphs, do this:

1. Read and research more.
2. Study an Indian Politician like Shashi Tharoor and his language speaking skills.
3. Steve Jobs Stanford commencement speech: notice how he did not use any fancy vocabulary, but the flow of ideas.
4. Julia Guillard Misogny Speech 2020, Australian ex-prime minister: Notice the effective speech, knowledge and the use of simple words rather than very complex ones.

C. Being You

You want to give the best speech, write fantastic essays, have amazing conversations, and be yourself. I'm sorry I made this error. I pretended to be something I wasn't.

I never felt confident in what I said or who I was. A major concern. But let me address it here: I pretended to be a very cool bragger when I'm not. I tried to act like the Plastics from Mean Girls. In fact, I am a quirky, energetic, and crazy person. See, when I bought the person, I am naturally at the table, always cracking jokes and being utterly insane, when I started discussions with others, even if they were not like me, they connected with me. That's the key here. When I write an essay or give a speech, it should reflect my nature and personality. Not like portraying me as a nonchalant personality, similar to other girls on social media. I'm not that. It is important to express your personality in what you say, whether you are contemplative and poetic, self-assured, or giddy.

Whatever you are, if it is mirrored, you have an impact. Either in a speech, conversation, or essay. This is also a key aspect of being confident.

See why I emphasise the need to reflect on who you are. Simply said, doing so results in a speech or accent that is fluent, natural, and flows. It develops a really distinct way of speaking. Trust me, this is completely applicable to anyone you're trying to impress; I've done it far too many times, and it has a 99.99% guarantee. When it is natural, it is quite impressive, leaving an impression, drawing others to you while also making whatever you say appear credible and shining.

When forcing a certain personality, people will force themselves to be around you if they have to. Reduces your aura's ability to attract others. It also reduces your charm, credibility, and reliability.

And believe me, while you may win at first, you will eventually become plastic rather than diamond. My objective is for you to shine like a diamond. This makes you insecure and less confident, whereas being natural accomplishes the opposite; it's a makeover, believe me.

Refer to these people:

1. Donald Trump. He doesn't present to be someone else.

Whatever he says or does is himself. He is very proud of that, and people listen to his speech regardless of what he says. It's true. He is very natural in his speeches or public statements.

2. Stand-up comedians. How naturally they deliver their speech with no extraordinary vocabulary.

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2. Frame Your Statement.

When making a statement in conversation, speech or essay, use this simple method:

P - Point

E - Evidence

E - Explanation

L - Link

Make a point. Let's assume that eating salad is unhealthy. Add evidence: a recent study found that most salads contain worms.

Salads are uncooked, which means they contain a lot of chemicals like fertiliser and insecticides, as well as bacteria. This includes the presence of worms.

Then add an explanation and link it back to your point; furthermore, when worms enter our stomachs, they multiply. Soon after, you start the process of deworming, reducing gut health, thus salads are unhealthy because they are detrimental to health. As simple as that.

It applies to anything. Gossip, information, anything in general. This remark might be long or short, depending on how much information you want to express.

You make very direct and clear assertions obliquely. You would have acted on the 5Ws and H, effectively conveying the message across the room. This is how it works, and it is really effective. This makes you look clever and sends the impression that this individual understands what they're doing, regardless of how excited you are. Trust me.

This creates a striking impression. This strategy is also far more professional than addressing each point individually and repeatedly.

3. Body Language and Eye Contact

This is one of the elements you should not overlook at all. An effective message is more than just words, structure, and naturalness; it is also about how you convey it. If you go on stage and announce, "I am going to be the President of our school," but you stand like someone with cooked noodles attached to your legs, my friend, you will never be president. Sorry, but that is reality. Do this to give a more stronger impression:

While Talking;

1. Hand movements are precise on what topic you are talking about.

Use your hands according to what you are saying. If it is a very powerful point that will create a difference or leave an impact, then vigorous movements, such as aggressive hand movements, will be used.

If you are delivering a light-hearted speech or having a normal discussion, simple, graceful hand movements are more commonly used here.

2. Standing and sitting positions

When wearing heels, one leg ahead of the other while speaking makes you appear intelligent and elegant, whereas legs apart make you appear ready to wrestle. A good approach to capturing beautiful stage photographs.

When not wearing heels, for gentlemen and ladies, legs and shoulders are parallel to each other. The legs are not spread out, and the shoulders are narrow and close together. No.

They should be in a single frame. Imagine standing in a rectangular box that properly fits your shoulders, then align your legs accordingly.

Try not to slouch. Straight posture with the head held up high.

When sitting, please don't spread your legs wide. These are the etiquette rules unless you're with your best friend. Sit up straight, legs crossed, whether male or female. However, if you are wearing dresses or skirts, please refer to the British Royal Family's etiquette, which works nicely and effectively.

Lean in slightly to show you are interested in the conversation. Not too much though.

3. Eye contact

Maintain direct eye contact throughout the conversation. This reveals your genuine attention and builds trust in what they say and what you intend to say. Don't nod incessantly; instead, nod occasionally. This shows that you are genuine, rather than acting.

On stage, make direct eye contact with each person and continue to gaze around. This creates a connection with the audience, generating a strong sense of resonance with what you are saying. It's incredibly effective.

But

If you have stage fright and feel truly scared, move your head, making contact above their heads, slightly, with the wall, or in the empty space behind the audience. This technique is for you to confidently deliver the speech, while also making it appear like you made eye contact, making you a brilliant orator.

Tips;

Study how Adolf Hitler delivered his speech. How his body language conveyed his message and elements of his aggressive personality.

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4. The Common Mistakes You Make When You Speak

When you are in conversation or on stage, you make mistakes, which we will rectify.

A. Umm, what?

So like I said, ummmm, chocolate is good for health.

or

Like I said, what, yeah, chocolate is good for health.

I despise these two, and they are out of my speech setting. I warn everyone who is presenting a speech that if you bring confidence and body language, but bring this, it wrecks everything you've worked for. Trust me. If I were a judge, you'd simply drop from 10/10 to 0/10. Umm, what, and similar expressions are used when you pause to think about what to say next. As much as I loathe it, this is what you should do. Take a pause, no joking, stop talking for a second or two, look into the audience, make eye contact, contemplate, and then speak.

A. You build suspense and intrigue the audience more.

B. You look more professional when you speak, and the quality of your speech just rises.

C. You contemplate better making a much better comeback.

Use this trick in conversations, and you will undoubtedly win. Not a joke. I guarantee it a 100%.

When someone asks you a question, don't just say what! With that strange expression or go ummmm. No, don't do that.

You will ask the question again and respond after they have repeated it. It's quite professional and outstanding. You impress and have an impression. It's so good that you might utilise it in a professional context and get praised for such attributes.

B. Don't talk too fast

I can because I am a debater at that level, but if you are just giving a speech or having a conversation, please speak slowly, emphasise your words, and allow things to flow. When you speak quickly, you skip over points that appear unprofessional and serious. You also get an excess of saliva in your mouth, which makes talking uncomfortable and gross since you either spit it out or swallow it, both of which look horrible. Sure, it is normal, but that is not the point of this article.

When you speak quickly, you may lose track of the points you are making. You are not being held at gunpoint to deliver a speech quickly. So speak slowly and take your time; you're making a point, and the other person or audience is listening. Take your time to impress them and stand out as a speaker.

5. How do these tips help?

A. Better communication skills

B. More confidence

C. Better ability to deliver speech

D. Better chances of impressing people and looking more attractive

E. Better chances of acing any interview

F. You will be regarded more than others for the positions you aim for

These are skills to improve communication. Be authentic, be you.

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Conclusion

Sorry for the length of this article; however, you can refer to it instead of reading a book to learn how to be an orator. This article primarily stresses how to stand out as a speaker. These are day-to-day confidence-building skills.

Trust me, even if I am good at it, I have to practise these skills every day. The procedure is lengthy, but I guarantee that with everything, one step at a time, you will be unrecognisable. So go for it, be easy on yourself; you can do it, trust me. Just don't give up, be resilient, trust the process, and watch how bright you can shine. Best of Luck!!!!