Stephan Hornick
Community Goblin & Master of the Archive
Platinum WoA
Wizard of Story
Wizard of Combat
Borderland Explorer
The Game Master as Public Speaker
From JohnnFour | updated December 10, 2020
Roleplaying Tips Newsletter #004
In opinion polls, people fear speaking in public more than they do dying. Even though game mastering is not quite the same as public speaking, I admit I still felt a twinge of nervousness this past September when I set-up my GM screen after a year-long hiatus and started a brand new campaign.
I think it’s of great value to view game mastering as a form of public speaking and for you to constantly look for ways to improve your public speaking, or “game master oratory”, skills.
Last week we discussed a very simple, yet powerful, technique to add impact to your voice. Here are three more easy and effective public speaking tips to add impact to your sessions:
- Eye contact. Look your players in the eye to make them feel connected to you and draw them more personally into your game.
- Use gestures. Make purposeful hand, face and body gestures to add colour to your words. Gestures increase your own energy and enthusiasm as well as bring your stories to life.
- Be enthusiastic. Your enthusiasm will raise the energy level at the whole table. It is very infectious and everybody will have more fun.
Last edited: