2026 is here. A new year full of potential.
Here are 26 New Year’s resolutions to take your public speaking to a new level in 2026.
In no particular order:
1. I will prepare thoroughly.
2. I will have a clear message.
3. I will always ask myself: “Why should the audience care about my message?” If I cannot answer that question, I will find a new message. Or a new audience.
4. I will arrive early for my speaking engagements.
5. I will have a back-up plan in case the equipment doesn’t work.
6. I will have much less text on my slides.
7. I will give a presentation without slides.
8. I will use a prop in a presentation.
9. I will read one book on public speaking and presentation skills.
10. I will seek—and be open to—feedback on my performance.
11. I will join Toastmasters or another speaking association.
12. I will seek out speaking opportunities at work.
13. I will give a speech without notes.
14. I build stories into my presentations.
15. I will remember that being a little nervous before a speech is normal.
16. I will make eye contact with the audience.
17. I will pause more often when speaking and become comfortable with the silence.
18. I will not speak longer than my allotted time.
19. I will learn about logos, ethos, pathos and kairos, and how to use them in my presentations.
20. I will use a quote in presentation.
21. I will use humour, when appropriate.
22. I will be willing to be vulnerable on stage.
23. I will remember that my audience doesn’t expect me to be perfect; they expect me to be present.
24. I will remember that, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “All the great speakers were bad speakers at first.”
25. I will accept that the degree to which I improve is directly related to the consistency of my effort over time. I now understand that I am playing the long game.
26. I will enjoy the ride.
So there you go. Take your pick, or add your own.
Happy New Year and all the best for a health, happy and successful 2026! 🎇
