Confidently Communicating: Proven Techniques for Practicing and Improving Public Speaking in English

Learn proven techniques to improve public speaking in English and boost your confidence on stage. Master body language, tone, and delivery with practical tips and Clapingo’s expert coaching.

Introduction

Public speaking is one of the most important skills in both professional and personal life. Whether you are giving a presentation at work, addressing a classroom, or speaking at a wedding, clear and confident communication matters. For non-native English speakers, the challenge is even bigger. Not only do you have to manage stage fright, but you also have to ensure correct grammar, pronunciation, and fluency.

The good news? Public speaking in English is a learnable skill. With the right strategies, consistent practice, and guided coaching, you can speak with impact and influence.

This blog will explore proven techniques to practice and improve your public speaking in English while also helping you improve presentation skills.

Why Public Speaking in English Matters

1. Career Growth – Leaders, managers, and employees who speak confidently stand out at work.

2. Networking Opportunities – Speaking well helps you connect with people globally.

3. Boosted Confidence – Overcoming stage fright makes you feel powerful in any room.

4. Clear Message Delivery – A confident speaker is trusted more by audiences.

5. Global Relevance – English is the most used business language worldwide.

DID YOU KNOW? 

Research shows that people with strong communication skills are more likely to earn leadership roles and promotions than those with only technical skills.

Common Challenges in Public Speaking in English

Many learners face these hurdles:

• Fear of judgment – Worrying about mistakes in grammar or pronunciation.

• Stage fright – Nervousness, shaky voice, or forgetting words.

• Accent concerns – Struggling with clarity or being misunderstood.

• Vocabulary gaps – Not finding the right words on stage.

• Monotone delivery – Sounding flat instead of engaging.

The first step is identifying your challenge. The second step is consistent practice and feedback.

Proven Techniques to Improve Public Speaking in English

1. Master Your Body Language

• Stand tall with open posture.

• Make eye contact with your audience.

• Use natural hand gestures for emphasis.

• Avoid fidgeting or looking at the floor.

2. Control Your Voice

• Practice volume control (not too soft, not too loud).

• Slow down your speech for clarity.

• Use pauses to let your message sink in.

• Stress important words for impact.

3. Structure Your Speech

• Opening: Start with a hook (quote, question, or story).

• Middle: Share 2–3 key points with examples.

• Closing: End with a takeaway or call-to-action.

4. Practice English Pronunciation

• Record yourself speaking and listen for mistakes.

• Focus on tricky sounds like “th” or “v.”

• Use tongue twisters to improve clarity.

5. Expand Vocabulary for Presentations

• Learn phrases like “Let’s move on to the next point” or “In conclusion…”

• Practice transitions to sound smooth and professional.

6. Engage Your Audience

• Ask rhetorical questions.

• Use short stories or relatable examples.

• Smile, it makes you approachable.

Clapingo Spotlight: How Clapingo Helps with Public Speaking in English

​Clapingo is an online English-speaking platform designed to help professionals and students speak confidently in English.

Here’s how it supports your public speaking journey:

1. 1-on-1 Live Sessions – Personalized guidance from experts.

2. Presentation Practice – Mock presentation sessions with feedback.

3. Accent Training – Learn to pronounce words clearly.

4. Confidence Coaching – Get over stage fright with real-time support.

5. Corporate Communication Skills – Learn to speak with impact in the workplace.

​Clapingo Pro Tip: Clapingo even lets you record and review your sessions to measure progress.

Tips and Tricks to Improve Presentation Skills

1. Rehearse Out Loud – Silent reading won’t prepare you. Speak your lines aloud.

2. Practice in Front of a Mirror – Notice your facial expressions and posture.

3. Use the “Rule of Three” – Break points into three simple ideas for clarity.

4. Time Your Presentation – Stick to the allotted time.

5. Get Feedback – Ask colleagues, friends, or mentors for constructive criticism.

6. Watch Great Speakers – TED Talks are excellent for learning tone and body language.

Did You Know?

• Warren Buffett once said that public speaking is the single most valuable skill you can learn to boost your career.

• Glossophobia (fear of public speaking) affects around 77% of people worldwide.

• Non-native speakers often outperform natives because they prepare and structure their talks more carefully.

Step-by-Step Practice Plan for Public Speaking in English

Week 1: Build Foundation

• Practice short self-introductions.

• Focus on pronunciation and clarity.

Week 2: Vocabulary & Expression

• Learn presentation-specific phrases.

• Record short speeches on daily topics.

Week 3: Delivery & Engagement

• Practice tone variation.

• Add stories and examples.

Week 4: Full Practice

• Deliver a complete presentation (5–7 minutes).

• Record, review, and refine with feedback.

Repeat this cycle until you feel confident on stage.

Clapingo in Action: Real-Life Results

With Clapingo, learners don’t just improve English, they transform into confident communicators.

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Using Storytelling to Captivate Your Audience

Stories are a powerful tool to make your speech memorable and emotionally engaging. Instead of listing facts, try to weave them into a narrative. For instance, if you are presenting a business idea, start with a short story of a client who faced a problem that your solution addresses.

Clapingo Practical Tip: Begin with “Let me tell you about a time when…” and end with a takeaway that ties back to your main message. Stories not only make your talk relatable but also give the audience something to remember long after your presentation.

The Power of Visual Aids

Visual aids can reinforce your message but only if used correctly. Slides should highlight key points not distract from your speech. Charts, images, and infographics can simplify complex ideas.

Clapingo Practical Tip: Follow the 6x6 rule: no more than six words per line and six lines per slide. Practice presenting without reading directly from slides to maintain eye contact with your audience.

Handling Q&A Sessions Confidently

The Q&A segment is often the most intimidating part of a presentation. Prepare by predicting likely questions and rehearsing concise answers. Listening carefully is crucial; it shows respect and helps you respond appropriately.

Clapingo Practical Tip: Repeat or paraphrase the question aloud before answering. For example: “So you’re asking how we can improve client engagement, right? Here’s what we recommend…” This gives you a moment to think and ensures clarity.

Mind Mapping Your Speech

Mind mapping is an excellent way to organize your thoughts visually. Create a central idea in the middle of a page, then branch out key points and sub-points. This technique reduces the chances of forgetting important points mid-presentation.

Clapingo Practical Tip: Use colors or symbols to differentiate sections. For example, red for key takeaways, blue for examples, and green for actionable steps. This method is especially useful for impromptu talks or short presentations.

Practicing with a Timer

Timing is critical in presentations. Speaking too fast can make you hard to follow, while running over time may frustrate your audience. A timer helps you practice pacing, pausing, and emphasizing key points.

Clapingo Practical Tip: Break your speech into segments and allocate specific times. For example: 1 minute for introduction, 3 minutes for the main content, 1 minute for conclusion. Adjust based on practice sessions.

Leveraging Power Phrases in English

Certain phrases make your presentation sound professional and smooth. They act as anchors for transitions and emphasize important points. Examples include:

• “Let’s explore this further…”

• “The key takeaway is…”

• “To summarize…”

• “Consider this scenario…”

Clapingo Practical Tip: Keep a personal cheat sheet of 10–15 phrases and practice incorporating them naturally into your speech.

Overcoming Stage Fright with Micro-Practices

Stage fright is common, especially when speaking in English. Micro-practices—short daily exercises—gradually build confidence. Even 1–2 minutes a day can make a difference.

Clapingo Practical Tip: Start by speaking in front of a mirror, then progress to a small group of friends. Gradually increase audience size. Celebrate each successful practice session—it reduces anxiety over time.

Recording and Self-Review Techniques

Recording yourself is a powerful way to identify and correct mistakes. You can notice filler words like “um” or “like”, track pacing, and refine gestures. Self-review also boosts confidence when you see your improvement over time.

Clapingo Practical Tip: Use your phone or computer to record short speeches. Watch the recording once for content, a second time for gestures, and a third time for pronunciation. Keep a checklist of things to improve each time.

Using Feedback to Accelerate Progress

Feedback accelerates growth by highlighting blind spots you might not notice. Ask peers, mentors, or Clapingo coaches to observe and critique your speech. Focus on one or two areas at a time to avoid overwhelm.

ClapingoPractical Tip: Create a “feedback log” with comments and action items. For example: “Improve eye contact” or “Use more transitions.” Review it before each practice session.

Building Confidence Through Consistency

Consistency is the key to improvement. Short, daily practice sessions are far more effective than occasional long sessions. Track your milestones—like delivering your first 5-minute speech fluently or presenting without notes.

Clapingo Practical Tip: Keep a small journal to note progress, practice time, and areas to improve. Celebrate small wins as they reinforce motivation and make public speaking less intimidating.

Conclusion

Public speaking in English is not about perfection—it’s about connection, clarity, and confidence. With the right techniques, daily practice, and expert coaching, you can improve your presentation skills and make an impact on any stage.

​Clapingo provides the perfect platform to practice, refine, and grow your public speaking skills. If you’ve been holding back because of language fears, now is the time to take the leap.

Read Also: Business English: 10 Tips on How To Give Great Presentations at Work​