How to Get 1% Better at Public Speaking Every Day
Becoming a great speaker does not happen by accident. It happens through deliberate design, consistent action, and a commitment to getting a little better every single day. Continuous improvement in public speaking is not about perfection, it is about progress. When you focus on small, daily improvements, those actions compound over time into confidence, clarity, and skill.
If you want to improve your public speaking, you do not need to wait for big stages or special opportunities. You can get 1% better each day by building a speaking habit, using the Nano Speech framework to practice with purpose, and trusting the compounding effect to do its work.
The Power of Compounding and Daily Improvement
Continuous improvement works like compound interest. You might not see a visible difference every day, but small progress adds up. In finance, compound interest helps money grow faster because you earn interest on your interest. The same principle applies to skill development.
If you learn one new technique, apply one piece of feedback, or practice one small section of your speech each day, that learning compounds. The progress you make today becomes the foundation for tomorrow’s improvement. Over time, that effort multiplies into mastery.
How the Compounding Effect Works for Speakers
Think of learning to play an instrument. You start by learning a single chord. The next day, you add another, and then another. Eventually, you can play full songs. You did not transform overnight; you compounded small progress into meaningful skill.
Public speaking works the same way. Each day that you prepare, rehearse, or reflect, you strengthen your skill set. Even on days when you cannot see the improvement, you are laying the groundwork for future results. The key is to stay consistent and trust the process.
Building the Habit of Daily Speaking Practice
If you want to become a better speaker, consistency matters more than intensity. Practicing once a month will not create lasting change. Building a small daily habit will.
The Nano Speech framework makes daily practice easy and structured. It is based on three parts: Open, Body, and Close.
Use the Nano Speech Framework to Guide Practice
Each day, practice a short, 60-second speech using this format:
Open: Start with a strong hook — a question, story, or statement that grabs attention.
Body: Share one key idea or lesson with a supporting example.
Close: End with a clear takeaway, reflection, or call to action.
By creating short daily Nano Speeches, you build rhythm, structure, and confidence. Over time, you become more natural at crafting openings that grab attention, delivering key points clearly, and closing with intent. This will help you when you scale conversations into presentations.
Patience, Consistency, and the Reality of Improvement
One of the biggest challenges in developing as a speaker is our desire for instant results. We live in a world where we expect everything now: instant streaming, next-day delivery, and immediate feedback. This culture makes long-term growth feel slow.
But speaking is a long-game skill. You cannot become captivating overnight. The speakers who grow the most are the ones who show up every day, reflect on what works, and keep improving 1% at a time.
The Compounding Math of Small Gains
In his book Atomic Habits, James Clear explains that if you get just 1% better every day, you will be 37.78% better after one year. After three years, you will be more than double where you started. Improvement is not a quick win, it is a consistent commitment.
You may not notice daily change, but when you look back after months of deliberate practice, you will see how far you have come.
Personal Development as the Foundation of Growth
Continuous improvement in speaking starts with understanding yourself. Before you can grow your communication skills, you must know who you are, how you learn best, and what drives you.
Get to Know Yourself
Taking time to learn about your personality and preferences helps you grow faster. For example, I learned that I am an introvert who recharges through quiet time. When I discovered this, I stopped forcing myself to match the energy of extroverted speakers and instead focused on preparation, reflection, and intentional delivery. Knowing myself helped me manage my time, energy, and focus more effectively.
When you understand your strengths, you can design a practice routine that works with you rather than against you.
Read, Reflect, and Apply
Reading is one of the most powerful ways to grow, but it only works if you act on what you learn. When I read Essentialism by Greg McKeown, I realized I was spending time on trivial things. I applied what I learned, cut distractions, and focused on meaningful work.
Do the same with speaking. When you read about techniques, try them out. When you watch great speakers, analyse how they use pauses, rhythm, and storytelling. Then apply what you learn in your next practice session. Over time, this builds real, lasting improvement.
Showing Up and Staying Consistent
To get 1% better every day, you must show up. Some days you will not feel motivated, and that is okay. Rest when needed, but avoid letting a break become a new habit.
Consistency is what turns effort into results. Even short practice sessions count. Rehearse your next talk, deliver a Nano Speech, or record yourself speaking for one minute. Every small action compounds.
When you keep showing up, you build discipline, resilience, and skill, even when progress feels invisible.
Measuring Progress Without Pressure
Improvement in speaking is not always measurable day to day. You will not see dramatic results every session, and that is fine. Instead of tracking perfection, track consistency.
Reflect after each practice. Ask yourself:
Did I communicate my message clearly?
Did I connect emotionally?
Did I build anticipation or curiosity?
Progress is often about awareness. The more intentional you become about your practice, the faster your improvement compounds.
Key Principles for Continuous Speaking Improvement
1. Focus on the Process, Not the Outcome
Growth happens in the daily actions, not just the big moments. Focus on the habit of practice, not just the next performance.
2. Build Momentum with Small Wins
Celebrate progress, even when it feels small. Every good rehearsal, improved delivery, or new insight adds to your growth.
3. Trust the Compounding Effect
Real improvement takes time. Be patient and consistent, and let the compounding effect turn daily effort into long-term skill.
The Power of 1% Daily Improvement
Improving as a speaker is a lifelong process. You do not need to be perfect; you just need to keep improving. Every time you read, practice, or reflect, you take one step forward.
Continuous improvement is built on small habits, deliberate practice, and patience. Use the Nano Speech framework to structure your daily speaking practice, show up with intent, and trust that each small effort will compound into confidence, clarity, and impact over time.
If you focus on getting 1% better every day, you will look back one year from now and realise just how far you have come. If you want more actionable tips on improving your public speaking skills, check out the Ultimate Guide to Public Speaking article.
More From Liam Sandford
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