How to Sound Natural when Speaking in Public

Whether you’re speaking at an event or on camera, being authentic is harder than it looks. Manufactured situations can be nerve-inducing and cause you to put on a front to overcome the anxiety.

It’s easy to become self-conscious as you try to sound polished or professional, but often that just creates a sense of stiffness.

Even an audio-only podcast appearance can cause anxiety.

I remember once I had a guest on a podcast I produced for a former employer and she was so nervous - she found it impossible to speak in a natural manner.

Yet, as soon as I pressed the stop recording button, the pressure to perform disappeared and she was free to come across as her normal, relaxed self.

It can be tricky to finesse that crucial balance between being natural, yet attuned to your audience - but there are a few tricks you can learn to maximise authenticity while not trying too hard.

Let’s explore some techniques to help you relax and be yourself when speaking in public.

👥 Speak as if You’re Talking to a Friend 👥

When you speak to a friend, you act normally. You don’t try to impress or put across a false persona - you simply share your thoughts as an equal. If you take this approach when public speaking, you can avoid sounding stiff or rehearsed.

This will help you to relax your tone. Your vocal chords won’t sound strained and your anxiety to please - to PERFORM - will reduce.

It’s rather easy to sound natural when you're speaking to colleagues or friends, but what if you’re speaking in front of hundreds of strangers?

It’s more challenging, yes, but it’s not impossible. Even in larger groups, you can still maintain that friend-to-friend energy without the pressure to perform.

💡Timeless Takeaway: In Ancient Greece, Aristotle emphasised the importance of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional connection), and logos (logic) to engage an audience. By speaking with trust and emotion, as you would with a friend, you become more relatable and impactful.

🖊️Preparation is Crucial. But Consistency is Better🖊️

It’s tempting to over-prepare, but the most effective speakers know their core message and stick to it - no matter what.

In my time working in the media, I interviewed a lot of politicians. They were often smooth, but it wasn’t because they were naturally charismatic; they had mastered the art of preparation. They had a persona they would switch into, one that was practiced and consistent. This helped them stay on message, even when thrown curveballs.

While you’re probably not going to be grilled live on air anytime soon, bearing this in mind can help to answer tricky interviewer/audience questions without going off-piste.

It’s important to prepare - but you can only prepare so far. If you have a core message you refer back to again and again, you can stay grounded in the moment and speak with confidence.

💡Timeless Takeaway: Winston Churchill, a master orator, relied on preparation and consistency. His carefully rehearsed speeches, especially during WWII, helped him speak with clarity and confidence, while his focus on core messages like resilience and hope was key to his success.

💬Tailor your Speech and Reduce Discomfort💬

When you give a speech or talk, it’s critical to tailor it for your listeners. This reduces the chance of straying into topics that are beyond your expertise.

The more focused you are on your message, the less likely you are to get distracted or overwhelmed by unexpected questions or situations.

One random question and your confidence can rapidly drop, leaving you outside of your comfort zone. You’ll want to minimise these situations as much as possible, because the more they arise, the less natural you’re likely to sound.

💡Timeless Takeaway: In his famous speech In Catilinam (Against Catiline), Cicero adapted his message to suit different groups. When addressing the Senate, he focused on logical arguments and the threat to the Republic. For the Roman people, he used emotional appeals, stirring fear and outrage about Catiline’s conspiracy.

🤫Control the Pace. Silence is Your Secret Weapon🤫

A well-timed silence allows both you and your audience to digest information, creating emphasis and making your words resonate. Instead of rushing from one thought to the next, a brief pause lets your message sink in.

This is particularly important on camera or in virtual meetings. Don’t feel pressured to rush through your thoughts and fill every moment with speech.

A few seconds of quiet can give you time to gather your thoughts and project a calm, confident demeanor allowing you to deliver your message thoughtfully without the need to perform. Silence is a tool that, when used correctly, adds to your authenticity.

💡Timeless Takeaway: The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates' method of questioning, known as the Socratic method, often involved pauses, giving the listener time to reflect

👏Connect and Build Rapport👏

Connecting with your audience is a surefire way to boost your confidence and make you sound more natural.

Looking into the camera, maintaining a relaxed and genuine demeanor, and even smiling can make a huge difference in how natural you come across.

When you're speaking to a camera, for example, it's easy to imagine it as an intimidating, silent observer. But try this instead: Imagine that the camera is a person. Picture them sitting right in front of you, listening intently.

Acting as if you’re having a one-on-one conversation helps to reduce the sense of distance and successfully builds rapport.

💡Timeless Takeaway: US President Abraham Lincoln, known for his ability to connect with audiences, often addressed his speeches directly to the hearts and minds of those he was speaking to. His speeches, such as the Gettysburg Address, spoke to the core of American values and identity.

🌰 In a Nutshell 🌰

For those new to public speaking, the biggest mistake is often trying too hard. Until you've developed your own style and confidence, it's essential to relax and ease into the experience.

Pushing too hard can make you seem stiff or inauthentic, so it's best to avoid overperforming before you’ve had more practice.

When nerves kick in, the key is to minimise anything that might disrupt your natural flow.

Focus on preparation, speak as if you're having a conversation with a friend, and keep your core message at the forefront. These strategies will help you stay grounded and present, allowing you to sound genuine and in control.

Until next time,
Hannah 🌠