Introduction
Ever had to speak at an event in Perth and felt your hands shake a little? I have. The first time, I wasn’t sure if anyone would look up. I’m Nathan Baws, and I’ve stood in front of rooms where no one knew my name.
I’ve given toasts by the Swan River. I’ve pitched ideas in busy CBD boardrooms. It never felt easy at first. But if you want to become a professional public speaker, those nerves can shift. I’ve learned that with time and effort, speaking becomes less about getting it right—and more about reaching people.
I’ve spoken at markets in Fremantle and dinners in Subiaco. Some talks landed. Some didn’t. But over the years, I found a rhythm that works. Here are seven things that helped me improve. They might help you too—whether you’re at a big festival or just a quiet event with a few people.
Key Takeaways:
- Practical steps can help anyone become a professional public speaker.
- These methods suit any Perth event, from cozy gatherings to big conferences.
- Nathan Baws uses these tricks to deliver talks that light up Perth audiences.
Nail a Clear and Engaging Delivery
Take Your Time Speaking
To become a professional public speaker, clarity is your best mate. Rush your words, and you’ll lose folks faster than a Perth summer breeze. I watched a speaker at a community night take it slow, and 230 people hung on every syllable. I once sped through a talk and saw eyes glaze over—big mistake. Speak clearly and pause to let your words land.
Stick to Plain Language
Fancy words are like sand in your shoes—annoying and unnecessary. To become a professional public speaker, talk like you’re grabbing a coffee with a friend in Leederville. At a Subiaco seminar, a speaker used simple words, and 160 people, from teens to CEOs, followed every bit. Skip the jargon to keep your Perth crowd engaged.
Give Your Talk a Roadmap
A speech without structure is like driving to Fremantle without a map. To become a professional public speaker, plan a clear start, middle, and end. At a local fair, a well-organised talk about Perth’s history hooked 300 listeners. Jot down a quick outline to guide your audience smoothly.
Practice Until It Feels Like You
You won’t sound natural unless you practise. Do it out loud, not in your head. If your aim is to become a professional public speaker, this matters. I saw a man give a speech at a Scarborough wedding. Nothing dramatic. He’d clearly gone over it. It was simple, but you could tell he meant every word. That’s what stayed with people.
Build Confidence That Shines
Stand Like You Mean It
Confidence grabs attention and helps you become a professional public speaker. A strong stance says you’ve got this. At a Joondalup school event, a speaker stood tall, keeping 200 kids glued to their seats. I find standing steady calms my jitters. Hold your head high and breathe deep to own the stage.
Laugh Off the Mishaps
Tech glitches or hecklers can throw you off. To become a professional public speaker, stay cool. At a Northbridge art show, a speaker chuckled when the mic cut out, keeping 250 guests with them. Once, my slides failed mid-talk, but a quick joke saved the day. Smile and roll with it to stay in control.
Move with Warmth
Stiff gestures or slouching push people away. To become a professional public speaker, use open hand movements and look folks in the eye. At a Claremont fundraiser, a speaker’s natural gestures connected with 140 donors. Keep your moves relaxed to make your crowd feel included.
Know Your Stuff Cold
If you don’t believe in your message, your audience won’t either. To become a professional public speaker, master your content. At a Perth business lunch, a prepared speaker won over 150 clients. Prep hard to speak with heart and earn trust.
Sprinkle in Some Perth Charm
Bring Your Voice to Life
A flat voice is like a rainy day at the beach—nobody’s thrilled. To become a professional public speaker, add energy to your tone. At a Perth charity run, a lively speaker got 400 runners buzzing. I mix up loud, soft, fast, and slow to keep the crowd hooked.
Crack a Light Joke
A good laugh breaks the ice. To become a professional public speaker, toss in a bit of humour. At a Leederville event, a quip about Perth’s coffee addiction got 90 people grinning. I once joked about getting stuck on the Kwinana Freeway, and it warmed up the room. Choose a local gag to spark smiles.
Weave in Perth’s Spirit
Bland talks don’t cut it here. To become a professional public speaker, mention Perth’s beaches or markets. At a Fremantle festival, local references warmed 310 hearts. A nod to Kings Park makes your talk feel like a yarn with friends.
Be Real, Always
People respond to honesty. Not performance. If you want to become a professional public speaker, say what you mean. Don’t pretend. I remember a seminar in Subiaco. One speaker talked about a sunset in Perth. Simple story. But it was real, and everyone felt it. That’s what people remember.
Match Your Audience’s Vibe
Feel the Room’s Energy
To become a professional public speaker, tune into how your crowd’s feeling. At a Burswood music night, a speaker matched 600 party-goers’ excitement with an upbeat tone. Watch if your audience is pumped or mellow and adjust to keep them with you.
Tailor Your Talk to the Event
Every Perth event has its own flavor. To become a professional public speaker, shape your words to fit. At a Swan Valley corporate retreat, a customised speech won over 130 executives. Match your talk to the occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a conference.
Speak to Everyone
Perth crowds mix young kids, families, and professionals. To become a professional public speaker, make your talk inclusive. At a Northbridge market, universal stories grabbed 400 shoppers of all ages. Use broad themes or questions to pull everyone in.
Adapt on the Fly
Unexpected changes, like a sudden venue shift, can pop up. To become a professional public speaker, stay flexible. At a Cottesloe wedding, rain moved us indoors, but a quick tweak kept 135 guests smiling. Adaptability keeps your audience engaged, no matter what.
Connect with Heart and Soul
Know What Matters to Your Crowd
Understanding your audience’s values helps you become a professional public speaker. At a Perth fundraiser, a speaker tapped into 250 guests love for community, boosting donations. Learn what your crowd cares about to make your talk hit home.
Share a True Story
Personal stories make people trust you. To become a professional public speaker, tell a real moment. At a Leederville reunion, a tale about fishing at Hillarys warmed 100 guests. I’ve found sharing a personal memory creates a bond that lasts.
Watch How They React
Reading your crowd’s faces helps you become a professional public speaker. At a Subiaco conference, a speaker slowed down for 200 thoughtful expressions, making the talk stick. Adjust your pace based on their reactions to deepen the connection.
Show You Genuinely Care
Making your audience feel valued is everything. To become a professional public speaker, lean into Perth’s community spirit. At a Fremantle talk, a warm delivery made 280 guests feel seen. Show your crowd they matter to build a strong bond.
Prepare Like a Pro
Master Your Content
Knowing your material inside out helps you become a professional public speaker. At a Claremont corporate event, a well-prepared speech impressed 150 clients. Study your topic deeply to speak with ease and keep your Perth crowd locked in.
Get to Know Your Audience
You can’t just walk in and speak. It helps to know who’s in front of you. That’s part of how people become a professional public speaker—they pay attention. There was a fair in Northbridge. One speaker mentioned something small about Perth. People listened. It felt familiar. That’s why it worked.
Rehearse Your Delivery
Practice polishes your performance. To become a professional public speaker, go over your tone and pacing. At a Joondalup school event, a rehearsed talk captivated 200 students. Run through your speech until it feels like a natural chat.
Keep Your Talk Organised
A scattered speech loses people fast. To become a professional public speaker, create a clear structure. At a Scarborough festival, a well-planned story about Perth’s coast held 510 guests. Outline your talk to guide your audience without a hitch.
Conclusion
To become a professional public speaker, focus on clear delivery, unshakable confidence, local charm, adaptability, heartfelt connection, and thorough preparation. These seven ways can lift your talks, turning any Perth event—from weddings to corporate gigs—into something truly special. At Nathan Baws, I pour these strategies into every speech to leave audiences inspired. Want your next event to be the talk of Perth? Head to https://nathanbaws.com/ to book me as your speaker and create a moment that sticks with your crowd.
FAQs
How do I get going with public speaking for Perth events?
Start by practicing your talk in front of a mate or even just a mirror to get the feel of it. I always toss in a bit about grabbing a coffee at Fremantle markets to make it feel local. Keep your words simple and run through your speech until it’s as easy as a yarn with a friend.
Why does clear speech matter at Perth events?
Some talks fail because people can’t follow. I’ve watched it happen. The speaker is too fast. Or they mumble. Listeners lose interest. One by one. When the message is clear, they stay. That’s all you need.
How does confidence help my talks shine in Perth?
When you’re confident, people lean in and trust you. I’ve felt my nerves settle standing tall at a Subiaco event, and the crowd notices it. Prep hard, walk out like you own the stage, and you’ll grab attention, whether it’s a wedding or a work pitch.
Can these tips work for small Perth gatherings, like a family barbecue?
You bet, they’re spot-on for cozy events like a backyard get-together in Subiaco. A personal story that fits the group makes everyone feel connected. Keep your delivery warm and friendly to make those small moments special.
Why does charm matter when speaking to a Perth crowd?
Charm’s like a cold beer on a hot Perth day—it puts smiles on faces. A quick quip about our love for Kings Park barbecues always gets a chuckle. Toss in some local humour to make your talk feel like a chat with mates.
How does sharing something heartfelt make my speeches better?
A real story hits people right in the feels. I told one about a quiet moment by the Swan River at a Leederville gig, and it warmed everyone up. Share something true to build a connection that keeps your audience with you.
Why’s practicing my speech such a big deal?
Practice keeps you from stumbling and lets you sound like yourself. I’ve run through talks for Perth events and felt way more at ease when the moment came. Go over your speech until it feels as natural as chatting with a friend.
Will these tips help me at outdoor Perth events, like a beach wedding?
For sure, they’re great for spots like Scarborough or Trigg Beach. I’ve learned to speak loud over the ocean breeze and match the relaxed vibe. Adjust your energy to keep outdoor crowds engaged and smiling.
How do I handle Q&As without tripping up?
Q&As can be a bit tricky, but I keep it light with a nod to something Perth, like our bustling Northbridge markets. Practice quick answers to stay ready, and let your personality shine to tackle questions with confidence.
Where can I book a top-notch speaker for my Perth event?
Head over to https://nathanbaws.com/ to book me, Nathan Baws. I use these tricks to deliver talks that make your event, from weddings to corporate gigs, a hit with your Perth crowd.
