7 Proven Ways to Become a Professional Public Speaker in Perth
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: 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









