Being an entrepreneur requires you to have a wide set of skills. And public speaking is one of them. A very important one, in fact. You never know where you might run into a potential client, investor or future employee.

As entrepreneurs we are constantly meeting new people, going to networking events and grasping any opportunity we have to talk about our project. And that require us to know how to master effective public speaking.

Acing a pitch about your product or service is a priority. If you want other people to get on board and to get investors interested on what you’re doing, you can’t miss any chance to present your project. It’s a seize the moment thing.

With that in mind, here are six tips that can help you to instantly improve your public speaking abilities. And we are going deeper than just picturing the audience in their underwear… that just doesn’t work.

Introduce yourself

In a time where we are constantly bombed by tons of information, it’s very important to start making things personal. People want to know the person behind the product or service  they are consuming. And the same goes for investors. They need to trust the person they are giving their money to. Introduce yourself! Let them get to know you.

Really know what you’re selling

Ok. This might seem obvious, but is not. Sometimes we have a very clear idea of our project in our minds, but when it comes to talk about and explain it to others, we fall short. It’s of extreme importance to know everything about your project: time frames, budget, target, working methods, team members. Everything!

Keep it short and interesting

This sounds easier said than done. Specially because in these cases, we are talking about something we feel very passionate about. Our project, our baby. So it’s very easy that we get carried away. As much as we’d love to, we can’t ramble for hours. Make a list about the three most important things about your project. Narrow it down to the basics and don’t underestimate the attention of your audience.

Put emotion into it!

If you don’t feel it, no one will. You have to manifest and share your passion. But let’s be clear. Passion can be expressed in many ways and we are not talking about yelling or screaming or acting crazy. You have to take your audience through an emotional journey through your pitch: desire, enthusiasm, curiosity. Help them connect!

Breathe

This could be a difficult one considering the nerves public speaking causes in most of us. But proper breathing has many advantages. First, it helps you to modulate better and keeps you from stumbling through your speech. On the other hand, controlled breathing improves concentration and calms your nerves. Take a couple of deep breaths and relax!

Write a pitch and say it aloud everyday

As the wise say, practice makes master. Take some time to sit down and write a pitch. Then, read it until you have it and say it aloud everyday! When you’re having breakfast, taking a shower or before going to sleep. The key to effective public speaking is to be prepared. But keep it flexible! It’s not about “learning” your pitch, it’s about being ready.

Remember, no one knows your project better than you do. And in the entrepreneur’s world, public speaking is very important. Whether you’re in a networking event, or at a party, you should know how to talk in a way others connect to you and your project.

These few tips can help you improve your public speaking abilities. Of course, many of us develop our own methods to prepare for these situations. Do you have any personal rituals before giving a pitch you would like to share with the rest of the entrepreneurs community?