Successful Public Speaking, Rupert Read What do I mean by ‘public speaking’?: Hustings, Media, Doorsteps… There are two essential ‘secrets’ to great public speaking: Confidence and Practice

>How does one become confident? Partly, through practice, which really does make perfect. Also, through working directly on improving your self-confidence.

>Your self-confidence is partly about your self, but mainly about something much bigger than you: Your message, your values. What we all share. Your values and what you have done to promote them is what will survive you when you die.

>Do you need to compromise your message in order to appeal to your audience?: no. Tailor your message to your audience’s limitations, but above all: Tell the truth and be yourself. In this way, you embody (y)our values.

Methods to develop your self-confidence, apart from practice; including ‘Kumate, kumate, Ki-ora, ki-ora, Ha!!’

Preparing for the actual moment of public speaking; including: ‘BDG BDG, PTK PTK…’

Go out there and shine… And seek feedback, learn from your mistakes. One is always improving one’s public speaking skills. And one never overcomes all anxiety about it - feeling some anxiety is a mark of sanity… And remember: practice, practice, practice!