One of people’s top five fears is the act of public speaking. It even outranks death for some. Given how scary public speaking can be, it is wise to prepare for it in advance with a few ideas. Use the tips in this article to address your issues with public speaking.
Regardless of how much experience you have, it is never easy to get an audience involved with what you’re saying. You need to work hard to attract their attention and harder to maintain it. Since this is technically a performance, you have to work to get the desired results.
If you use a timer, you can accurately gauge the length of your speech. This will allow you to edit your speech to keep it within the necessary time constraints. If you find your speech is lacking length, add a little extra information to help fill time. Also, don’t rush through your speech when it comes time to give it.
Know your material inside and out. You should even know facts and jokes about the topic of your speech. It is possible to work them into your speech as you get a feel for your audience. Your thorough knowledge about the subject is also great in the Q and A that follows up the speech.
When making a speech, always face the audience. Do not let yourself become distracted by something else happening in the room. It is important that the audience has your undivided attention, in order for them to get the message that you would like them to get.
Practice your speech once it’s memorized. Practice often so you can make adjustments if they are needed. Also master breathing and pace. Make sure there are pauses between key points so that people can react with applause. Whenever possible, practice your speech on the very equipment you will use.
Know the crowd makeup before you give the speech. Look up the list of attendees at the event. Greet them at the door and ask their names. You will give off a friendlier vibe by becoming personal with some of the audience.
You may want to consider using a story to engage your audience. Prior to the day of your speech, make an outline of your story. Make sure the story is complete from beginning to end. Base your story on something that happened in real life.
Become familiar with the venue in which you will make your speech. Test your voice in it to see how far it projects if you aren’t using a microphone. Practice using any equipment you need so that you know how it works. Make sure you know the right way to use visual aids or any relevant equipment. Figure out how much eye contact you must make.
Deep breathing can really help to calm your fears before a public speaking engagement. Take several breaths and exhale before you start to calm your nerves. Inhale through your nose for a four-count, and exhale through your mouth for a five-count. Do this six times to calm yourself down.
It is important to know your material if you want to feel confident about speaking in public. Pick something that is interesting to you. Keep a conversational tone, you are are sure to impress the audience with what you know.
Before starting your speech, try to win over the audience. Greet them and shake their hands or smile at them. Giving off such positive energy will instill public interest in your speech.
Public Speaking
As stated earlier, public speaking is often one of the top five fears most people have, with some even more scared of public speaking than dying. However, you don’t have to allow your public speaking fear to have control over you. Take what you have learned and translate it into public speaking greatness.