The fear of public speaking is very common. For certain people, it is worse than death. Since speaking in public can be so intimidating, it is a good idea to prepare ahead of time by implementing some ideas. Use the following tips to squash your fears when it comes to public speaking.
Memorize your speech beforehand to reduce your anxiety. After you know the words, work on how it comes across. Knowing your speech beforehand gives you that flexibility and allows you to be a lot more comfortable.
Regardless of how much experience you have, it is never easy to get an audience involved with what you’re saying. Therefore, you must be very clear and to the point if you want to engage them. You are performing for them, and speaking confidently to win them over is key to achieving the desired results.
When getting ready to engage in public speaking, make sure you are familiar with your topic. Research the topic thoroughly. Carefully hone in on your own points and prepare your remarks carefully in clear notes that you will be able to follow easily. You’ll know your prep was worth it when your audience is engaged enough to participate eagerly in a Q&A session.
Memorize your speech before you do anything. Once you have your speech memorized, then the delivery method you choose can be worked on. You will be more comfortable on stage when you have memorized your speech.
Be aware of the audience you are speaking in front of. If you know who is attending, it will help you to engage them better. If possible, greet a couple of them and find out what their names are. You will give off a friendlier vibe by becoming personal with some of the audience.
If you want to give a good public speech it is very important that you adequately prepare in advance. Be aware of the message you wish to impart. Do your homework to back up your statements, if you must. Have some notes to refer to. Practice your speech a number of times until you have it memorized. You will be much more confident when giving your speech if you are properly prepared.
Become familiar with the hall or room where you will be giving your public speech. How far will your voice carry or is there a microphone? Use the equipment on hand, if necessary. Utilize visual presentations to help your content reach the audience. Know what the eye contact range is and what you need to do to perfect it.
Understand the material thoroughly. You should even know facts and jokes about the topic of your speech. Find a way to put them in your presentation. Also use them to reinforce your speech in questions and answer sessions or follow up conversations.
No matter what kind of mistake you make, simply forge ahead. Stopping somewhere in the middle to re-add it can ruin the entire speech. In addition, others are unlikely to recognize the omission if you don’t draw attention to the issue.
Public Speaking
Practice some deep breathing to help you through your speech. You can gain control of your nerves by taking several deep breaths before you go onstage. Inhale through the nose for four seconds, and then exhale through the mouth for five. Do this six times, and you’ll start to become very calm.
Some find public speaking to be even more intimidating than death itself. As mentioned previously, it is among the five biggest fears that people have. Do not let yourself become hampered by this very real fear. Keep the tips shared here in mind to gain control over public speaking instead.
Dress to impress, even for events that require casual attire. It will help to reflect a professional attitude. You don’t have to wear a suit, but wear something nice that will impress the audience.