If speaking in public has always frightened you, don’t worry – there are many people just like you. It is actually a very common fear. Fortunately, the advice and suggestions presented in the following piece can prove truly helpful to just about anyone.
Commit your speech to your memory as soon as you can. When you have memorized the speech, you should then work on delivery. Memorize it and you will feel more comfortable with it.
In order to make the best presentation when speaking publicly, you must prepare thoroughly. What do you plan to say? You may want to research to make sure your statement are factual. Write down everything you are going to say. Practice your speech a number of times until you have it memorized. Being prepared can raise your confidence level.
After you memorize your speech, you should practice it over and over. Practice it frequently, and make adjustments as you see fit. Practice your pace and master breathing. 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.
Know your topic. Do careful research that enables you to view the topic from various angles. Think through what you want to say, and put those thoughts down on paper so you can follow your own train of thought. This will pay off during the question and answer session.
Learn your audience. If there is a way, find things out about some individuals in the audience. If it’s possible, try greeting them as they arrive and take the time to learn their names. By knowing who you are speaking to you, you can gain confidence.
If you accidentally skip part of your speech, roll with it. If you stop while speaking to correct the part you missed, it might throw off the rest of the speech. Bets are that your audience will not even notice you left out something, as long as you don’t call attention to it.
Even if you are speaking at an informal event, dress nicely. If you look and feel sharply dressed, your speech will reflect it. Men should wear ties if possible, as ties help to direct eyes towards your face as you speak.
To speak well, you must have a thorough understanding of the topic at hand. Make a thoughtful topic selection, preferably one that you know well. Stay conversational while delivering your speech. Use your knowledge to impress your audience.
Note Cards
Prepare with note cards if you need to. While you should have your speech memorized, you should carry a set of note cards with you to the podium. Do not write the whole speech down, but jot down important bullet points.
Don’t apologize for being nervous or making mistakes. You might be afraid of making yourself look silly, but your listeners are unlikely to notice. If you make a mistake, just correct it and move on without any apology.
When you speak to a large group, it is essential for you to have a voice that is clear and strong. Make sure that you have a cup of water handy as you are speaking to the audience. Avoid dairy and soda prior to your speech. It tends to make your saliva thicker, causing issues when speaking. Help your vocal cords relax by drinking hot tea prior to your speech.
Visual Aids
Be certain you have visual aids that are not the main attraction. Remember that they should support the speech you’re giving. Avoid letting them overshadow your words. Utilize visual aids of high quality to drive home important points. They need to be appealing and bright, but not distracting.
Are you scared of speaking in public? Do you shut down when you are on stage? You don’t have to be quiet any longer now that you’ve learned these tips.