Public speaking questions

Common public speaking questions with short answers

How do I get over my fear of public speaking?

Rehearse out loud several times over several days, breathe out slowly before you start, and speak in small rooms first so each step feels a bit easier (Stand Up, Speak Out). Guide: how to get over fear of public speaking.

Why do my hands shake, and how do I stop it?

Adrenaline tells your body to speed up its movements (Stand Up, Speak Out). Long exhales, a short walk and note cards instead of a sheet help. Guide: how to stop shaking when nervous.

Can the audience tell I'm nervous?

Mostly not. Audiences do not perceive the level of nervousness that speakers report feeling (Stand Up, Speak Out).

How fast should I speak?

One recommended band is 120 to 170 words per minute (100th Monkey). Answer: how to slow down your speech.

How do I stop saying um?

Slow down and use a short silent pause where the um would go, then record yourself and count. Answer: how to stop saying um.

Where should I look?

At one person for a full thought, then someone in another part of the room. Guide: eye contact in public speaking.

How should I practice?

Out loud, standing up and timed, several times over several days, and in front of other people when you can (Stand Up, Speak Out). Answer: how to practice public speaking.

Should I memorize my speech?

Usually not. Extemporaneous delivery, a planned talk spoken from brief notes, is the style used in the great majority of situations (Saylor).

What if I go blank?

Pause, glance at your notes and carry on. If you make a mistake, don't stop to correct it: keep going (Stand Up, Speak Out).

Public speaking questions in a job interview

Roles that involve presenting, teaching, sales or management often include public speaking questions in the interview. The interviewer wants a real example and what you learned from it, not a claim that you love the stage. Common ones:

• Tell me about a presentation you gave. How did you prepare?
• How do you adapt a talk for an audience that knows less than you?
• Describe a time a presentation didn't go to plan. What did you do?
• How do you handle nerves before speaking?
• How do you deal with a hard question from the audience?

Answer each one with a short story: the situation, what you did, and the result. For the nerves question, an honest answer works best: name the routine you use, such as rehearsing out loud and a slow breath before you start, rather than saying you never get nervous.

How to handle public speaking questions from the audience

1. Plan for them

   Write down the five questions you would most dread and practice a short answer to each, out loud.

2. Repeat the question

   Say it back in one line so the whole room hears it, and so you get a few seconds to think.

3. Answer short, then stop

   Give the answer first and one reason or example. Then check: "Does that answer it?"

4. Say when you don't know

   "I don't know, but I'll find out and send it round" keeps your credibility. A guess that turns out wrong costs more.

Many public speaking questions from audiences are really comments. Thank the person, pick out the question inside it if there is one, and move on.

Answers in this section

• How do I stop saying "um" when speaking?Slow down, use a silent pause and count your fillers.
• How to slow down your speechAim for about 120 to 170 words per minute and land every full stop.
• How to practice public speakingOut loud, on the clock, recorded, then with real listeners.

Looking for the bigger picture? The practice plan covers all 12 skills, and the exercises turn them into daily reps.