Determining Which Rules Are Good for Beginning Speakers to Follow
When deciding which rules are good for beginning speakers to follow, the most effective guidelines focus on audience connection, message simplicity, and controlled delivery. For those starting out, the absolute “golden rules” are to limit your main points to three, maintain consistent eye contact, and practice out loud at least five times before your presentation.
Public speaking is often cited as a top fear, but I have found through years of coaching that this anxiety stems from a lack of structure. By following a specific set of foundational rules, you move from “surviving” a speech to actually influencing your audience. This guide breaks down the essential frameworks that turn nervous novices into confident communicators.
Key Takeaways for Beginning Speakers
- The Rule of Three: Never try to convey more than three core ideas in a single session.
- Body Language: Use the “Triangle Method” for eye contact to engage the entire room.
- Pacing: Slow down intentionally; what feels “too slow” to you is usually perfect for the listener.
- Structure: Always use a “Hook, Meat, and Call to Action” (CTA) framework.
- Visuals: Follow the 6×6 Rule (no more than 6 lines of text, 6 words per line) on slides.
The Foundation: Which Rules Are Good for Beginning Speakers to Follow?
When I first started speaking at local business meetups, I tried to memorize every word. It was a disaster. I realized that beginner-friendly rules shouldn’t be about perfection; they should be about scaffolding. You need a structure that supports you when your nerves kick in.
The Rule of Three
The human brain is wired to remember things in groups of three. Whether it’s “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” or “Stop, Drop, and Roll,” triads stick.
For a beginner, this is the best rule to follow because it prevents information overload. If you try to give your audience ten tips, they will remember zero. If you give them three, they might actually change their behavior.
The 10-20-30 Rule for Slides
If you are using PowerPoint or Google Slides, Guy Kawasaki’s 10-20-30 Rule is a lifesaver.
- 10 Slides: The optimal number for a presentation.
- 20 Minutes: The maximum time you should speak.
- 30-Point Font: The minimum size to ensure everyone can read your text.
The “Hook” Rule
You have approximately 60 seconds to capture an audience’s attention before they check their phones. We recommend starting with a provocative question, a startling statistic, or a brief story. Never start with “Hi, my name is… and today I’m going to talk about…”
Mastering Delivery and Body Language
Understanding which rules are good for beginning speakers to follow regarding physical presence is just as important as the words themselves. Your body speaks before you do.
The Triangle Method for Eye Contact
Many beginners stare at the floor or the ceiling. To look like an expert, use the Triangle Method:
- Pick one person on the left side of the room.
- Shift to one person on the right.
- Shift to one person in the back center.
- Repeat.
This creates the illusion that you are looking at everyone, making the audience feel personally engaged.
The “Power of the Pause”
New speakers tend to rush because of adrenaline. In our training sessions, we teach the two-second pause. After you make a significant point, stop. Count to two in your head. This gives the audience time to digest the information and makes you appear more authoritative.
Managing “Filler Words”
Um, ah, like, and so are the enemies of clarity. While you don’t need to eliminate them entirely, reducing them increases your perceived expertise. A great rule for beginners is: When you feel an ‘um’ coming, just breathe. Silence is always better than a filler word.
Comparative Guide: Beginner vs. Advanced Speaking Rules
| Rule Category | Beginner Focus (Which Rules to Follow) | Advanced Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Content | Clear Rule of Three | Complex Narrative Arcs |
| Movement | Standing still or “Planting” | Purposeful Stage Use |
| Eye Contact | The Triangle Method | Individual Soul-Searing Connection |
| Visuals | 6×6 Rule (Simple Text) | Minimalist/Imagery Only |
| Length | Staying under time | Mastering the Q&A |
| Note Usage | Bulleted Cue Cards | No Notes / Extemporaneous |
Preparation Strategies That Work
If you are wondering which rules are good for beginning speakers to follow during the prep phase, the answer is deliberate practice.
The 5x Practice Rule
I have found that practicing a speech in your head is useless. You must practice out loud.
- Read 1: Read your script for flow.
- Read 2: Record yourself on your phone.
- Read 3: Watch the recording (it will be painful, but necessary).
- Read 4: Focus specifically on tonal variety.
- Read 5: Do a final “dress rehearsal” in the clothes you plan to wear.
The “Salami Slicing” Technique
Don’t try to memorize a 20-minute speech. Break it into chunks or “slices.” Memorize your intro and your outro perfectly. For the middle section, just remember your key transition points. If you know how to start and how to finish, the middle becomes much less intimidating.
Essential Technical Rules for Modern Speakers
In the age of Zoom and hybrid presentations, “speaking rules” have evolved. If you are presenting virtually, follow these technical guidelines:
- Lens Level: Your camera should be at eye level. Looking down into a laptop makes you appear looming and unapproachable.
- The 2-Foot Rule: Sit or stand about two feet away from the microphone to avoid “popping” P-sounds and distortion.
- Lighting First: Ensure your primary light source is in front of you, not behind you. Being a silhouette ruins the connection with your audience.
Common Pitfalls for New Speakers
Knowing what not to do is just as vital as knowing which rules are good for beginning speakers to follow.
- The “Data Dump”: Beginners often feel they need to prove they are smart by sharing every statistic they found. Expert Insight: Data supports the story; it is not the story itself.
- Apologizing for Nerves: Never tell the audience you are nervous or that you didn’t have time to prepare. They can’t usually tell you’re shaking until you point it out.
- Reading from Slides: If you turn your back to the audience to read your own slides, you lose all authority. Slides are for the audience, not for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important rule for a first-time speaker?
The most important rule is to focus on the audience, not yourself. When you shift your mindset from “How do I look?” to “How can I help these people?”, your anxiety naturally decreases.
How long should a beginning speaker’s presentation be?
Ideally, aim for 15 to 18 minutes. This is the “TED Talk” length for a reason—it is long enough to be substantive but short enough to hold human attention spans.
Should I memorize my entire speech?
No. Memorization leads to a “robotic” delivery. If you forget one word, you might panic and lose your place. Instead, memorize your opening line, your main points, and your closing statement.
How do I handle a Q&A session if I don’t know the answer?
Be honest. Use the “Bridge Technique”: “That is an excellent question. I don’t have the specific data on hand, but what I can tell you is [related fact]. I’ll follow up with you after the session.”
Which rules are good for beginning speakers to follow regarding humor?
Only use humor if it comes naturally to you and is self-deprecating or highly relevant. Avoid “jokes” for the sake of jokes. A funny observation about the industry is much safer than a scripted “knock-knock” style joke.
