How Anyone Can Become a Better Public Speaker


Public speaking is an important skill that everyone needs to master and it’s something you can learn – trust me, as I’ve been there too. I wasn’t always a confident public speaker—in fact, I used to be filled with anxiety every time I had to speak publicly. The turning point came when I stopped stressing about the act of speaking itself and instead focused on connecting with my audience. I began telling more stories and smiling, which made my presentations more engaging. Over time, I picked up various tips and tricks that helped me improve. Once I understood that the audience genuinely wants to see you succeed, my nerves started to calm, and I became much more at ease.

Public speaking is a critical skill for lawyers and law firm business professionals. Whether you’re presenting in court, addressing colleagues or speaking at industry events, the ability to communicate effectively is essential. Here are some tips to help you become a strong public speaker.

Before You Start Presenting

Public Speaking Best Practices

Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking

Public speaking anxiety is common especially in high-stakes environments like the legal field. Here are some strategies to help you overcome this fear.

Creating a Strong PowerPoint Presentation

A well-crafted PowerPoint presentation can significantly enhance your public speaking efforts. Here are some tips to create effective slides.

Key Takeaways

  1. Tailor your message to your audience’s needs and concerns
  2. Practice thoroughly to boost confidence and reduce anxiety but don’t overprepare—trust yourself and save the best for the stage
  3. Start and end your presentation with strong, impactful points
  4. Use stories, examples and visuals to make your message relatable and memorable
  5. Engage with your audience through interaction and body language
  6. Control your pace and stay calm and confident throughout your presentation
  7. Prepare for and embrace nervousness, using it to enhance your delivery
  8. Create simple, visually appealing PowerPoint presentations that support your message
  9. Include your contact information on every slide so people can easily connect with you
  10. Introduce yourself effectively by telling stories and making a personal connection with your audience
  11. Use an agenda slide to outline the presentation and keep your audience engaged
  12. Address housekeeping items at the beginning to set the stage for a smooth presentation
  13. For online presentations, put your contact information in the chat and display your LinkedIn QR code on the screen for easy networking

Copyright © 2025, Stefanie M. Marrone. All Rights Reserved.
National Law Review, Volume XIV, Number 190