When it comes to public speaking, others will typically tell you to pay attention to your body language, choose your words wisely, be engaged with your audience, maintain eye contact, and know your content. Although these are all great things to know, knowing what you need to know is half the battle. Practicing each skill can have its own challenges in itself. If you’re not one to attempt public speaking, then you need to find alternative ways to build those skills. The best ways I have found which help improve public speaking skills is through games such as Taboo, Hedbanz, Guesstures, Charades, Cranium, and Catchphrase. Each game has a specific skill which you can use to improve on. Keep in mind this list is non-exhaustive.
Taboo improves word choice and speaking in front of others.
Taboo’s premise is to get other people to guess the word on your card without using the word or a list of other similar words. Playing this game helps with economizing word choice because your selections are limited to the rules of the game. You’ll also think fast about word associations which will aid your team’s word guess. Lastly, it allows you to be in front of people who will be listening attentively while you speak.
Hedbanz improves engagement with your audience.
Hedbanz game is based on learning what word is on your card as a result of asking questions to the crowd. While this game is similar to Taboo, it indirectly focuses on learning interactions with the audience. You will ask questions and they will respond with simple answers. You will read their body language as you ask questions and ultimately you’ll improve audience interaction. The key is to learn how to ask the best questions from the crowd.
Guesstures/Charades improves nonverbal communication.
Both Guesstures and Charades are similar because the main player must communicate a word to other players without making any sounds. By playing either one of these games, you will be able to focus on your non-verbal communication towards others. You can only use gestures, so this game your ability to convey a message with, you guessed it, your gestures. Based those gestures, others interpret your message differently, so you’ll become aware of different messages you convey to your team. Although we usually forget about body language, this will be a great way to practice mindfulness.
Catchphrase helps with working under pressure and word selection with your audience.
In playing Catchphrase you will try to get your teammates to guess the word on the screen by describing it. Similar to hot potato, you pass the device to other members of the game as quickly as the rules permit. The premise of the game is to not have the device in your hand when it buzzes. The result, you are trying to think and act quickly describing the word on your screen while economizing your word choice. In the last 10 seconds of the clock, the timer speeds up. Similarly, it simulates a stress response and if you can manage to mentally block out the sound of the clock, you will be able to work through it calmly. If you can’t block out the clock, then keep practicing because you’ll get it soon enough.
Cranium is a catch-all for skills.
Cranium has four categories: sculpting/drawing, trivia questions, a word variety, and performing a song or acting/impersonate a celebrity. This game is sort of a catch-all because it provides a little bit of every skill during your turn. You will practice nonverbal, verbal and performance while in front of others. If you play no other game, at least try this one.
All games improve one skill or another, but confidence improves with all games.
All the games mentioned help you think quickly on your feet and allow you to compete against others. Since these games are played in a stress-free atmosphere, you think less about performance anxiety which leads you to feel comfortable in front of others. Most games mentioned require players to be silly in front of others which is not an easy task to complete. As you realize that playing these games is not as difficult as you thought, then you’ll feel overpowered with energy to overcome any public speaking appearance. As you play more and more, your skills will naturally develop and your level of confidence will also improve. If you can recall any person speaking in public, the best ones appear relaxed and comfortable in front of others. This appearance partially comes from the confidence they emanate. For now, pick one game, start playing and the rest will naturally follow.
All games improve one skill or another, but confidence improves with all games. Click To TweetIf you like what you read, share on social media and comment below your ideas for practicing public speaking.
Photo Credit: Patrick Q Flickr Creative Commons.