Public Speaking

Public speaking means talking in front of a group of people. It might be giving a presentation in class or speaking at an assembly. Many people feel nervous about public speaking, but it is a skill anyone can learn. Good public speakers practice and prepare before they stand up to talk.

Tips for Public Speaking

Know your topic well so you feel confident. Practice your speech out loud several times. Make eye contact with your audience. Speak clearly and loudly enough for everyone to hear. It is okay to feel nervous because even famous speakers get butterflies in their stomachs.

Famous Speeches

Some of the most powerful moments in history were speeches. Martin Luther King Jr.'s I Have a Dream speech inspired millions of people. Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address is only about two minutes long but is one of the most famous speeches ever. Good speeches can change the world.

Fun Facts

• Fear of public speaking is one of the most common fears in the world.
• Ancient Greeks and Romans studied public speaking as one of the most important subjects.
• The Gettysburg Address is only 272 words long.

Did You Know?

The art of public speaking is called oratory, and people who are great at it are called orators.