The DIY movement has unlocked talent and insight professionals didn't know they had. This extends to public speaking. Yes, many are learning to be their own public speaking coach, saving thousands of dollars and earning the sweet satisfaction of mastering a skill they assumed only big-time leaders could showcase.
As a speech coach, I have been able to boil down what you need to do to these five steps:
One, figure out your best public self. We all have a number of professional personas. The challenge is to select the fit that's most natural and holds up under stress. This often requires trial and error. Those who can't go through that process are simply too self conscious. Believe it or not, former Chrysler head Lee Iacocca was a mediocre speaker. He took a Dale Carnegie course and would fly out to an event a day before. There in his hotel room he would practice practice practice in front of a mirror. Eventually he found his best speaking self. The rest is history as he riveted Americans who demanded he run for president.
Two, set up a kitchen cabinet of trusted family, friends, and colleagues to gently but insightfully provide you a check list what worked, what didn't, and possible remedies. Apply what makes sense to your evolving performance art.
Three, focus on the audience, not yourself. The current issue of THE ECONOMIST points out that most mediocre or even horrific performances happen because the professionals - be they speakers or athletes - were preoccupied with themselves. Instead they should have been in the zone or absorbed in the activity. Being audience-centric comes from being committed to delivering a talk which those sitting there couldn't have gotten elsewhere. You are on a mission.
Four, have someone you know videotape your actual presentations. Review them with those you trust. The key here is to have the goal of continual improvement. The art of public speaking is a learned one. Anyone can get better at it, if the effort is invested.
Fifth, coach someone else on a pro bono basis. We learn the most when we attempt to help others learn something new. You can volunteer at the Salvation Army coaching the unemployed on how to present themselves for jobs.