Many individuals do not enjoy getting up and speaking in front of others. If speaking in front of a crowd makes you feel uneasy, don’t worry any longer. There are plenty of things to do that will help relieve you of these scary feelings. Consider all you are about to learn any time you have the opportunity to speak in front of a crowd.
After writing a speech, time yourself. This allows you to edit the speech if necessary to keep it at the right length. If you need to fill in more time, look for more pertinent information on the topic. Finally, don’t rush when speaking.
When addressing an audience, face them during every word of your speech. While it can be easy to get distracted by other things around you, don’t! Your audience should have your complete and focused attention.
Memorize your speech before you do anything. When you get to the point where you can give your speech at any moment, then you are ready to practice your overall delivery. With your speech firmly implanted in your mind, it will be much easier to naturally ad lib when you finally give it.
Audience Members
Know who your audience is. If you can, it would be good if you could find out who will be attending. If possible, greet the audience members individually as they come in. Having a feeling of familiarity with some audience members can make the whole presentation or speech feel more friendly.
Learn how to do some deep breathing in order to calm your nerves before speaking publicly. First, take a deep breath and hold it for about three seconds. Then exhale very slowly. Do this a few times, and you’ll see that it does help. Inhale for a count of four, then exhale for a count of five. Repeat this process six times, and soon you will feel more at ease.
Know your material inside and out. You should even know facts and jokes about the topic of your speech. This will help you to engage the audience. It’s also good to use them to help reinforce your points in your speech by offering a question and answer session as a follow up.
No matter the venue, always look your best. If you look and feel sharply dressed, your speaking will reflect it. Wear a necktie if you want to draw the audience’s attention towards your face.
Engage your audience prior to delivering your speech. Greet the audience members as they enter. This helps you to appear positive and friendly, and it makes people interested in the contents of your speech.
Practice your speech as much as possible so that it becomes second-nature. Try practicing in the mirror and use different facial expressions and hand motions. Ask family members for feedback after practicing your speech before them. Good preparation ensures that you will make the best presentation possible.
Make sure you look at your audience when giving a speech. Avoid becoming distracted. You are attempting to convey a point or be persuasive, so you must be completely present.
Note Cards
Make use of note cards. While you should commit your speech to memory, keep a written copy handy in case you lose your place. Having an outline on note cards can help refresh your memory of the main points you don’t want to accidentally forget.
Do not discuss your fears with your audience. You may feel like a fool, but they may not see it. If you happen to commit an error, just make a quick correction and keep moving without saying you’re sorry.
Know what you are talking about, inside and out. Research it from various angles so you have a good understanding of the topic. Then, write down the key points you want to touch on during your speech. You’ll be glad you prepared when you can adequately answer questions.
Warm the audience up before you give a speech. You should not take it as always starting a speech with a joke. For instance, you can talk about an incident that occurred as you traveled to the event if it is something that your audience can relate to. This is a way to make an initial connection with your audience.
Get yourself into the proper frame of mind. Feeling nervous is natural. Everyone experiences a little anxiety and nervousness right before an important speech. Thinking negatively isn’t okay. If you think you’ll do badly, you may. Think that you’ll succeed, and you will.
A great way to build rapport with the audience is by starting it with a story. This can be something from your past. This will make you subject matter seem more human. When preparing your story, don’t incorporate inappropriate or offensive material.
Learn your audience. If you can, it would be good if you could find out who will be attending. Stand by the door as they come into the room, and try to get to quickly know them. This will give the event a more personal atmosphere.
When you are about to give your speech, have an understanding of the types of people who are in the crowd. Every audience has different expectations. For instance, co-workers will be looking to gain knowledge. Family and friends may just be looking to be entertained. Regardless of your audience, it’s always important to deliver what they are looking for.
Don’t tell the people how afraid you are. This will reduce the credibility of your speech. Lots of times, the speaker believes the audience knows that they’re nervous, but this isn’t usually the case. Try to convince the listeners that you are in command of the situation, even if your true feelings are the opposite.
Speed should be monitored when speaking in public. Because you are nervous, you are likely to speak too fast, which will result in your audience missing some of the key points you make. Speaking too slowly and your audience will be bored. Practice your speed until you get it just right.
Tell a true story to practice speaking publicly. Before you give a speech, make an outline. The story needs a defined beginning, middle, and a clear ending for the best communication of ideas. Base your story on an actual event to make your words seem natural and real.
Now you should have a better idea of how to approach your public speaking fears. Use what you learned here when you have to make a speech. You’ll be more comfortable the more you use these techniques. Begin using them right now!