You aren’t alone if you have a fear of public speaking. Many people avoid it like the plague. Luckily, the advice that follows can help you have more confidence if you find the need to speak in front of others.
You must not think that just because you are talking, people are listening. You have to get their attention and hold on to it. Since this is technically a performance, you have to work to get the desired results.
Know your speech through and through. After you have committed the speech to memory, now is the time you want to perfect your delivery. If you have the speech down pat, it gives you an opportunity to add lib as you go through it in front of a crowd.
Time your speech to know the length of your speech. That way, you can make edits to stay within the allotted time. If you find that your speech is very short, consider beefing it up with a little research. Don’t rush during the speech.
In order to make the best presentation when speaking publicly, you must prepare thoroughly. Be prepared when it comes to your topic. If you’re not sure of a particular fact, it’s best to do your research before stating it. Write down the ideas you wish to convey. Go over your remarks again and again until you have them memorized. This will boost your confidence and impress your audience too.
Learn as much as you can about the subject you are presenting. Don’t just memorize words, understand facts and even have a relevant story or joke on hand. Work them in on the fly depending on how you gauge your audience. Have a question session at the end of your speech.
Always face your audience during your speech. Don’t let yourself get distracted by things occurring around the room. You are trying to convince your audience of something, which means that it is very important for them to have your full attention.
Learn as much as you can about the subject you are presenting. Even if you memorize your material, it’s helpful to know other aspects of your topic that are not included in your speech. Depending on the type of audience and how receptive they are, you can weave in stories as you go along. Draw on your general knowledge in the Q&A session following your presentation.
Practice your speech frequently once you have it memorized. This will allow you time to tweak the speech if needed. Pay attention to your speed and to how you breathe as well. Be certain your speech timing allows for potential applause or other interruptions. Use the equipment you are going to use for the speech to practice if you can.
Make sure you are acquainted with your audience. Look to see if you know anyone in the audience. Then, greet them as they enter the room. Getting familiarized with some of the audience can make the event feel friendlier.
Get to know your surroundings before your speech. Learn how loud you need speak before the event. Use the equipment on hand, if necessary. Use visual aids effectively. Figure out how much eye contact should be made.
Practice your speech more than once after you memorize it. This will allow you time to tweak the speech if needed. Pay attention to your speed and to how you breathe as well. Give yourself some pause time after making key points. It is also advisable that your speech is practiced in the place you plan on giving it.
5 Seconds
Deep breathing can help curb your anxiety. Before speaking, breathe in deeply and exhale fully several times to center and prepare yourself. First, inhale and hold it for 5 seconds. Then slowly exhale for about 5 seconds. Do this about 6 times to calm yourself down.
Dress well for the event. If you feel and look sharply dressed, it will reflect in your speaking. If you are a man, you may wish to wear a necktie. This directs people’s eyes to your face and head, which helps them focus on what you are saying.
Be aware of the audience you are speaking in front of. If you can, find out who is attending the event. Greet your audience when they walk through the door. By knowing who you are speaking to you, you can gain confidence.
Do not touch alcohol before your speech. While you might think a drink will calm your nerves, it can cause you to slur words and become forgetful. You don’t want to stand behind the podium feeling tipsy because you may forget what you want to say or your speech may be slurred.
Before starting your speech, try to win over the audience. Smile while they’re walking into the room, and give a friendly handshake or two. Your audience is sure to show great interest if you have a good attitude.
Once your speech is prepared, practice it often to the point that you have it mostly memorized. Practice it while you are looking into a mirror and try using different hand gestures or facial expressions that help to make your points. Ask family members for feedback after practicing your speech before them. They will be able suggest ways to make the speech even better.
Tell a true story to practice speaking publicly. Prior to getting on stage, sketch out what you want to say. Give a good introduction and conclusion to surround the story. Make sure your story is based on a real life event and your words will come off as authentic and natural.
Note Cards
Utilize note cards. You should know the bulk of your speech by memory, but having on note cards won’t hurt. Write down key points on your note card to refer to while delivering your speech.
If you feel nervous or feel you are failing, never let it show. Even if you are nervous, display confidence and your audience will feel confident in you. If you do make a mistake, correct it and continue with your speech.
When making a public speech, become acquainted with the room. Listen to how well your voice will be projected. Try out the equipment to see how it works. Learn how to use any visual aids that might be present. Consider the amount of eye contact that you must make with the crowd.
Picture your upcoming speech in your head. Have a visual of giving the speech and seeing how the audience reacts to what you say. You’ll be more confident if you think the audience will respond well.
Prior to making a speech, get the audience on your side. This is not to say that you should start right out with a joke. You can mention about something that happened to you on your way to the venue, that you think your audience can identify with. This is a great way to initiate a connection with the audience.
The topic of speaking in public should not be taken lightly. You need to learn the proper techniques and prepare thoroughly. Keep in mind that it takes a great deal of practice before a speaker feels comfortable. Prepare yourself and your speech should be memorable. Taking these steps can help you get more from public speaking.
If public speaking makes you nervous, use deep breathing techniques. Doing some deep breathing and full exhalation prior to speaking helps calm you down. Breathe in deeply and exhale slowly. Do this six times, and calm will be yours.
Were you always afraid of raising your hand to speak when you were in school? Do you rarely contribute because speaking up makes you nervous? Now you can speak in public without any fear any longer.
from Personal Coaching Center http://ift.tt/2efKkYq
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