One of the most popular tips for public speaking is how to overcome fear of public speaking or dealing with public speaking nerves.
When we talk about giving speeches or presentations, people seldom discuss about the importance of your voice, having extensive vocabulary, non-verbal communication skills or other persuasive speaking tips, but instead they mostly harp on how to overcome the fear of public speaking. phobia.
Here is a consolation for those who have public speaking anxiety.
You're not the only unfortunate few who has this fear of speaking in front of a crowd.
Practically, every other person you know has this gripping fear of public speaking.
So, how to overcome fear of public speaking? Remember the quote: "He who fails to prepare is preparing for failure."
This applies to public speaking as well. Of all the tips on public speaking, preparation is the most important factor in delivering an effective speech or presentation.
When you have well prepared yourself before you speak, you would have gathered enough courage and confidence to face your audience.
Because you are familiar with your material, and you have an idea who is your audience.
Plus, you know exactly what you are going to talk about and you have ample suitable content to satisfy your listeners.
Even if you would to fumble a bit here and there, you know you can make it through your speech or presentation.
Preparation is the key to an effective presentation or a powerful speech. Other than a proper and thorough preparation, here are some more useful tips which can help you to reduce your speech anxiety further.
1. Get To Know The Venue:
I am sure you know that pop singers or rock bands always have stage rehearsal and sound checks before they take the stage for their live performance.
Just like them, you as a speaker should do the same too. Familiarize yourself with the venue or the room.
Arrive early on the day to get the feel of the place where you are going to deliver your speech or presentation.
Walk around the room and also stand at the lectern. and have a good look of the place.
When the actual time comes, you will feel so much at home with the place, so to speak.
At the same time, check with the sound system and other technical stuff which you might be using, for instance, slide projector, power point for your laptop, etc.
2. Meeting The Audience:
Try to meet and greet some of the audience as they arrive.
Have a casual chat with them.
After meeting and laughing with them, you will feel more relaxed to speak to them later; rather than suddenly going up there and start speaking to a group of total strangers.
3.How To Feel Relax:
Do some simple vocal, facial and physical exercise, just before you step out to speak.
One popular way to relax your strained facial muscles, is to open your mouth wide and eyes wide tightly. Do it a couple of times.
Pace casually around and breath deeply can ease your tension too.
Another great way to loosen up, is to jump on the spot a couple of times backstage, just before you step up on the stage.
4. Focus On Your Material:
Remember, your audience is there to listen to your material. Focus on the message which you are going to share with them.
Speak clearly and slowly so they can understand you.
Do not apologize unnecessarily. If you do that, it would attract their attention and they would think you are nervous or unprepared.
5. Be Positive:
Since you have already knew you have thoroughly prepared your material and have enough rehearsal; that will muster your confidence.
So, think positive and visualize yourself doing a commendable speech or presentation.
These five tips can greatly help to reduce your fear of public speaking. In addition, the more experience you have delivering speeches or presentations, that will definitely enhance your confidence further.
Happy speaking and all the best to you.
