Released on Apple Podcasts and Spotify on April 29, 2025
One of the biggest fears people face? Speaking in front of an audience. But what if you stopped thinking of it as a speech—and started seeing it as a conversation?In this special episode of Knowledgecast, Jack Williams breaks down the essentials of public speaking in a way that’s simple, practical, and confidence-boosting. Drawing from his workshops for students and business professionals, Jack shares real-world advice on preparing, presenting, and connecting with your audience—whether it's a room of 10 or 1,000.
“You’re not giving a speech. You’re having a conversation with a group of people—one person at a time.”
Listen now to learn:
- Why nervousness is normal—and how to manage it
- How to use body language, voice, and energy to win your audience
- Simple breathing and stretching exercises to calm pre-talk anxiety
- The power of moving, anchoring, and making eye contact
- Why you should never try to memorize a full speech
- How to structure a message for maximum impact and a strong finish
Whether you're preparing for a school presentation, a work meeting, or a keynote, Jack's insights will help you approach the opportunity with clarity, confidence, and a conversational spirit.
Shift Your Mindset:
You’re not giving a speech—you’re having a conversation with a group of people, one at a time.
Anxiety Is Normal:
Nerves mean adrenaline is flowing.
Most of your nervousness is only noticeable to you.
Calm Your Body:
Use deep breathing, simple stretching exercises, and avoid caffeine or extreme temperatures before speaking.
Focus on Delivery:
65% of audience perception is body language
38% is voice and tone
Only 7% is your exact words
Voice Tips:
Use a speaker voice louder than your natural tone
Keep a conversational, varied tone with natural inflection
Body Language Tips:
Move and anchor to different parts of the room while speaking
Maintain strong, natural eye contact with each section of the audience
Preparation Over Memorization:
Don’t memorize word-for-word—use bullet points or outlines instead
Being fully prepared boosts confidence and allows natural delivery
Simplify Your Message:
Focus on 3–5 key points your audience will remember
Finish Strong:
Always signal the conclusion ("In conclusion…" or "In summary…")
Recap your main points with clarity and confidence
