Most of us have heard the phrase "the two things people fear most in life are death and public speaking, but not in that order." There are variations on it but all are on the same theme: public speaking, giving a speech in front of a roomful of people, can be a very scary proposition.
You wanna get over your nerves about public speaking? It's not going to happen. Not entirely it won't. Besides, nerves in public speaking helps to energize you to do a better job. You can learn to tolerate nerves and use them. Some fear is normal, just don't let it stop you from doing your job.
Fun in Public Speaking is in Details
There is a phrase actors use: the safety is in the work. Same with public speaking. You can learn to focus on the work, on the speech that you're giving. Easier said than done? Here are some tips to help you enjoy public speaking and be effective.
Public Speaking Needs Preparation
Imagine yourself heading to the podium to talk about Soviet advances in grain harvesting in 10 year period after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution. Keen to do it without preparation? The more you prepare the better you feel when you're standing their delivering the goods. Preparation gives confidence.
Worth doing? Then worth doing right. To begin, know your audience, consider who they are and what it is they are expecting. Here's some things to keep in mind:
- Who are your audience and why are they there?
- What do they know beforehand about the subject?
- What is it that they know about you?
- Is there attitude likely to be friend, hostile, what?
- Will there be questions and what will they ask?
- How long can you expect to be up there speaking?
All of the above will help you in knowing what to expect and knowing that is part of preparation.
Know Your Subject Before Giving a Speech
Sounds obvious, but you need to know your subject and know it well. More often anyone giving a speech does know the subject but check your facts, do some extra research, know your subject. When you are armed with the confidence that comes from knowing your subject you will not only be able to give your audience more of what they came for but you'll have a great experience doing it.
Here's some points on knowing your subject:
- Keep your presentation easy to follow.
- Avoid covering too much material.
- Develop points thoroughly and move on.
- Make your opening attention grabbing.
- Humor can be a nice release of tension.
- State the purpose: don't make 'em guess!
- Make no more than 3 to 5 major points.
- Your closing should recap your opening.
Rehearse Your Speech
Why not rehearse? It's fun and will give you more of what you crave right now – confidence. Rehearse so that you know when you're on your opening section, making a major point and when you're closing. And focus on those opening and closing remarks, work them like an actor works a scene.
Memorization is helpful for the opening and closing, but you will do fine if you've at least read those sections through and are aware of how you want to present them.
You might find it helpful to read the speech out loud to someone, and if you do, choose a family member or friend who is not going to be critical. Let them know you just need them to listen and to be positive. If they can't do that then don't bother asking them!
Stage Fright and Public Speaking
Nerves are a natural part of taking the risk of appearing in front of people. But again the safety is in the work. Filling your head with negative thinking is a disservice to you, your audience and subject. Get excited about your topic, this wonderful opportunity you have to share your knowledge, do the preparation and you will be fine.
As you sit waiting your turn to speak, use the time to be positive and remind yourself that you've prepared and are ready to give a your speech. If you want to pace around and can without being seen, do so. But make it positive pacing, full of the thought that you're ready to do the job.
A Summary of Effective Speaking
Effective speaking comes from recognizing that nerves are part of the process and from using that nervous energy to help you deliver your speech. It comes from knowing who your audience is and from keeping your remarks easy to follow. In general, effective speeches make only 3 to 5 points and make them thoroughly. Prepare by knowing your subject, rehearsing and by spending extra time with your opening and closing.
And finally be positive and consider that it's not every day you get the opportunity to deliver a speech. In fact, most people never do. It's a great challenge and the feeling you get from meeting it is worth every nervous moment. So go ahead – speak up!
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