10 Steps to Maximize Your Public Speaking Skills

For Master’s students in Communication Studies, public speaking is not just an additional skill it’s a necessity. In today’s dynamic communication era, speaking in public is the key to conveying ideas, influencing audiences, and building credibility. However, mastering the art of speaking confidently and effectively is not easy for many people. This article discusses 10 practical steps that can help you develop public speaking skills relevant to both current and future academic and professional needs.

What is Public Speaking?

Public speaking is the art of directly communicating with an audience to deliver messages effectively, engagingly, and persuasively. In both academic and professional worlds, this ability is crucial, especially for Master’s students in Communication Studies. Speaking skills enable someone to present ideas confidently, actively participate in discussions, and even become an inspiring speaker.

Apa Alasan Public Speaking Itu Penting?

For Master’s students in Communication Studies, public speaking is not just about talking in front of people; it also helps build confidence and reputation. Here are some reasons why public speaking skills are essential for Master’s students in Communication Studies:

Effective Digital Communication: In the era of technology and the metaverse, the ability to speak effectively on virtual platforms such as webinars or social media is a significant added value.
Career Support: Mastering public speaking opens up wide opportunities in fields such as Public Relations, Marketing, and Branding.
Creating a Professional Image: Good communication enhances personal branding in both academic and business environments.
Clearly Delivering Ideas: In Digital Journalism and Corporate Communication, clear idea delivery is the key to success.

S2 Communication Science: 10 Steps to Maximize Public Speaking

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What are the Basic Techniques of Public Speaking?

To become a professional speaker, Master’s students in Communication Studies need to master the following fundamental techniques:

Thorough Material Preparation: Prepare your material well by studying the topic in depth and structuring your presentation systematically, starting from the introduction, content, and closing.
Know Your Audience: Understand the characteristics of your audience by learning their background so that your communication is more relevant, and adjust your communication style to meet their needs.
Optimize Body Language: Use body language effectively by maintaining eye contact to build connection and using appropriate facial expressions and supportive hand gestures.
Practice Consistently: Practice speaking consistently to achieve maximum public speaking performance. Practice in front of a mirror or record yourself for evaluation, and ask for feedback from mentors or friends.
Speak with Intonation Variety: Pay attention to how you speak using various intonations. Avoid monotonous tones and emphasize key points with voice modulation.
Clear Communication: Speak clearly so your message is well received by the audience. Good articulation improves audience comprehension, and managing your speaking pace makes it easier to follow.
Use Storytelling Techniques: Apply storytelling techniques to make your session more lively by sharing real-life stories or personal experiences to make it more interesting, and provide stories that are relevant to the theme.
Utilize Supportive Technology: In today’s fast-paced and advanced digital era, use technology as a tool to help you prepare material. Use presentation tools like PowerPoint or videos with impressive visuals, and also use social media to reach a wider audience.
Engage the Audience: Every event is held for the audience, so pay attention to involving them in the success of the event by giving space for discussion or Q&A and adding light humor to ease the atmosphere and avoid boredom.
Manage Nervousness: Manage the nervousness that often arises by practicing breathing techniques to calm yourself and focus your attention on the message you want to convey, not on your fear.

Mistakes to Avoid!

To make your presentation more effective, avoid these mistakes:

Reading the script without making eye contact.
Overusing technical terms.
Relying too heavily on slides without explaining them.
Lack of audience interaction.
Presentations that are too long and become boring.

Conclusion

Sharpening public speaking skills is a valuable investment for Master’s students in Communication Studies. By applying the right techniques, practicing regularly, and avoiding common mistakes, you will become a confident and professional speaker. These skills not only support careers in Public Relations, Communication Strategy, and Business Communication but also strengthen your position as a professional individual. Start developing your skills now and become an outstanding speaker!

Don’t let poor communication skills hinder your potential! Improve your public speaking skills by choosing the Master’s in Communication Studies at Telkom University, the best place to develop communication strategy competencies in the digital era. Register now and become a professional ready to compete!

Let’s Get to Know More About the Master’s in Communication Studies at Telkom University!

The Master of Communication Studies is one of the graduate programs at the Faculty of Communication and Business, Telkom University, which actively contributes to professional development, research, and entrepreneurial spirit in the field of communication science based on technology and digital media. This program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with a focus on improving digital literacy for Indonesia. The excellence of the Master of Communication Studies at Telkom University lies in two main concentrations that set it apart from similar programs: Digital Communication Management and Digital Media & Culture. With this approach, graduates are prepared to face challenges and seize opportunities in the digital era professionally and strategically.

Awards Achieved by the Master of Communication Studies at Telkom University

The Master of Communication Studies at Telkom University has demonstrated its commitment and quality through various achievements and awards. One such recognition was earned by Dr. Martha Tri Lestari, Head of the Master’s Program in Communication Studies, Faculty of Communication and Social Sciences, who spoke at the 4th International Conference on Media Science and Digital Communication held on October 28, 2024, in Bali. This inspiring event was organized by The International Institute of Knowledge Management (TIIKM) in Bali, Indonesia, under the theme “We Are in Action”: Digital Empowerment for Sustainable Development. Dr. Martha presented a topic titled Digital Analytics Utilization for Corporate Reputation.

As the head of the Master’s in Communication Studies, Dr. Martha Tri Lestari not only has extensive insight into digital communication management but also actively contributes to professional development, research, and innovation in communication science based on technology and digital media. Her dedication to bringing the Master’s in Communication Studies at Telkom University to the international level makes her an inspiring figure for students and colleagues alike. See more here.

Join the Graduate Program in Communication Studies at Telkom University!

Why should you join the Master’s in Communication Studies at Telkom University? Because the program actively contributes to professional development, research, and entrepreneurship in the field of communication science based on technology and digital media, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Moreover, Telkom University’s graduate program uses a blended or hybrid learning model. This means students don’t always have to attend classes in person. With this method, students can still find time to attend classes amid their busy work schedules.

Overall, the blended learning method is very effective because students can study online via video conferences and other media for certain materials. Meanwhile, for materials that can’t be studied online, students will attend on-site or face-to-face sessions at the Telkom University campus. Read more here.

How to Join the Master’s in Communication Studies at Telkom University?

After reading the information above, you are now closer to joining the Master’s in Communication Studies at Telkom University. Come and join us by visiting the Telkom University New Student Selection website here. The website provides information about registration, selection paths, tuition fees, and also offers scholarship programs.
More information about the Graduate Program (Master in Communication Studies) click here.

We will be waiting for you in the Communication Science S2 Study Program!

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