TORONTO—Nervous about public speaking? You just need a lot of practice, says Thomas Moss, a speaker, writer and communications coach. He was speaking at MagNet this week, an annual magazine publishing conference in Toronto.  In his seminar Speak with Power, Moss shared several tips on how to improve your public speaking. And no, he did not tell us to imagine the audience naked.

Harness those butterflies

Use those butterflies in your stomach to your advantage. Use your nervous energy to help animate your speech.

The power of the pause

Captivate your audience by pausing every now and then, where appropriate. Silence is a great way to get people’s attention. This also helps you slow down when you speak. Often when people are nervous, they speak far too quickly or quietly. Speak from your diaphragm to project your voice.

Use your hands

It’s important to have good body language when you speak in front of an audience. Remember what your mother told you: Stand up straight. Put your shoulders back. And get your hands out of your pockets. “Your hands are the second most important part of communication,” says Moss. Let your hands express what you are saying.

Become one with your audience

Make eye contact and step away from the podium; it increases your sense of self-consciousness. You engage more with your audience when there are no barriers between you.

“People want to see you succeed,” says Moss. “Don’t give people a reason to not like you.” Contact: www.mossassociates.com

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