Take the Stress Out of Public Speaking
Follow These Tips to Reduce Your Fear of Talking to a Group
Feb 27, 2009
Chip away at your fear. Get comfortable with the idea of public speaking. Before you volunteer to make a thirty minute presentation at the annual company sales meeting, practice your skills by asking questions at a lecture or forum. Volunteer to make the announcements at your group's next fundraiser or to be a reader at church services.
Provide a Map
Break your talk down in small sound bites. Or jot your main ideas on index cards. Use the cards to give your presentation focus and direction. Print them in a large font so they are easier to scan for the main ideas. Number the cards, just in case you drop them in the middle or your talk. Or punch a hole in one corner and string the cards together on a keyring: Low-tech, inexpensive and effective.
Practice, practice, practice. Know your subject matter inside out and backwards. Resist the urge to read word for word.
Be at Your Personal Best
On the day of your speech or presentation, take extra care with personal grooming to feel your most confident. Be sure your haircut and color is fresh. Perhaps get a manicure. Wear something that you feel great in. Shine your shoes. Be sure your shirt is spotless.
Arrange to speak at a podium or table. Not only does it give you a place to corral your notes and some water to sip, but there's something about the physical barrier between you and the audience that acts as a security blanket and allows you to relax a bit.
Just before you take the podium, take a sip of water to break up that nervous lump in your throat. And don't forget to smile.
Bring Backup Notes
Bring an extra copy of your notes or your Power Point presentation, just in case. It's likely you'll never need them, but the sense of security you get from this will boost your all-around confidence. If you are traveling to give your speech do NOT pack your notes in checked luggage.
Be sure your talk Includes props or visuals such as photos or a Power Point presentation.The visual reminders not only make it more interesting for the audience, but they provide you with a map or framework to keep your talk on track. Do not read and repeat all the printed information on your slides or screens verbatim.There's nothing more boring for an audience than listening to a speaker read what they are viewing.
Leave adequate time at the end of your presentation for questions and answers. Some of the best information can be shared during Q and A sessions. If someone asks a question that stumps you, admit you don't know the answer and offer to take his/her contact information and send the info later.
Provide a list of links, your contact info and perhaps a handout for the audience to takeaway.Tip : distribute this after your presentation, not before, to prevent paper shuffling while you are speaking.
Boost your public speaking skills by carefully mapping and practicing your presentation and including visuals or using props. Always bring an extra copy of your talk. Feel and look your best with extra attention to personal grooming. Leave plenty of time for questions and provide a handout for your audience. And while following these tips may not make you into a great orator, they will likely make you will feel more confident speaking in front of a group.
 |
