With public speaking, there’s no magic shortcut—it’s all about putting in the reps. Like any skill worth mastering, the key is consistent practice. But let’s face it, not everyone hits the stage as often as a pro like Shawn Doyle. Fortunately, there are ways you can sharpen your skills solo. That way, when you do get your moments in the spotlight, you’ll be comfortable and ready to go.

Maybe you’re aiming to be the next TED talk sensation, or just want to wow your team at the next meeting. Whatever your goal, finding ways to practice public speaking is key. We learn best by doing.

At Shawn Doyle’s interactive training sessions, participants are up on their feet within the first five minutes, engaging in exercises designed to boost their confidence and skills. So, how about we bring some of that magic to your living room? Here are three interactive activities you can do on your own to get more comfortable on stage.

Rave About Something You Love

Start with something easy. 

Set a timer for one minute and record yourself giving an impromptu speech on any topic that you’re passionate about. The only rule? No preparation allowed. 

Think of something that people normally tell you to shut up about, and pretend like your friends are there rolling their eyes as you go on and on about whatever it is you obsess over. This activity is designed to help you get comfortable speaking off-the-cuff and minimize the anxiety that comes from being afraid you won’t have anything to say. 

The more you practice, the better you’ll become at thinking quickly and delivering spontaneous speeches. So, grab your phone, hit record, and start talking. You might surprise yourself with how much you have to say when you have the space to speak openly without judgment.

Get Hyped About the “Unhypeable”

Enthusiasm can make or break your speech. If you want your audience to be excited about your topic, you need to show enthusiasm yourself. 

Now let’s try something a little more difficult: Choose an item or idea that you’ve never given much thought to—say, a kitchen utensil, or why fish are never thirsty—and practice talking about it with genuine enthusiasm. 

Use your voice, emphasis, and body language to make the topic seem like the most exciting thing in the universe. This activity helps you develop the skill of injecting enthusiasm into any presentation, making your delivery more engaging and dynamic.

Try Creating A Story Around A Photo

Storytelling used to be a respected profession, and for good reason. It’s a powerful way to connect with an audience. If you aren’t naturally good at it, don’t worry—it takes practice. 

For this exercise, look at the image above and then spend a few minutes crafting a story around it. Practice delivering your story with clear pronunciation and engaging body language. This exercise helps you think on your feet, develop storytelling abilities, and boost confidence in impromptu speaking situations.

To make it even more effective, present your story to your family and friends. Not only will it be fun, but it will also get you more used to speaking in front of crowds. 

This activity may seem silly, but Shawn Doyle says he’s personally seen this help his clients get more comfortable with spontaneous speaking and storytelling. So, consider all aspects of the image, create a narrative, and try to get a reaction from your audience if you’re brave enough.

Getting Comfortable Takes Practice

As you practice these exercises, remember that growth happens outside your comfort zone. Don’t be afraid to push yourself, make mistakes, and even feel a little silly at times. That’s all part of the process.

Consider recording your practice sessions. Watching yourself can seem cringe-worthy at first, but that’s actually a good sign! It shows that you have room to improve. While doing these exercises, you’ll catch habits you never knew you had and start seeing yourself progress.

And why stop here? Get creative and invent your own exercises. The more you challenge yourself, the more prepared you’ll be for any real-world speaking scenario.

Lastly, don’t forget to celebrate your wins, no matter how small. Nailed that one-minute impromptu speech? Give yourself a pat on the back. Made it through your fish enthusiasm without cracking up? That’s progress!

Remember, every great speaker started somewhere. With these tools in your arsenal and a commitment to regular practice, you’re well on your way to becoming a confident, engaging public speaker. 

If you’re looking to accelerate your journey and skip the awkward stage, reach out to Shawn Doyle. His expert guidance and interactive training sessions can fast-track your public speaking success, helping you become the powerful communicator you’re meant to be.