Many people fear speaking publicly in front of others. They usually try to avoid these situations. Sometimes you just have to do it, though. This article contains some great ideas to help you master your fears regarding speaking in public.
You must not think that just because you are talking, people are listening. You need to work at keeping the audience focused on what you’re saying throughout the entire speech. Your speech is a performance, you have to make people want to listen.
When you practice your speech, be sure to time it. This will help you make any edits and time your speech appropriately. If it’s too short, try finding more information to add to it. Also, never rush through your speech.
Prepare in advance the best that you can before a speech. Know exactly what you are going to say. To support a particular fact, research it thoroughly before stating it. Write down what you want to say. Keep practicing your words until they are embedded in your memory. Preparation allows you to be more at ease.
Know your material inside and out. Think about the material that you are trying to get across. If you have time, you can add in some of these things throughout your speech as needed. In addition, you can rely on them during the question and answer period or during follow-up conversations.
After you memorize your speech, you should practice it over and over. Try practicing tweaking your speech when you can. Practice your pace and master breathing. Leave time for any interruptions, such as applause or laughter. If at all possible, practice delivering your speech utilizing the actual equipment that will be available at the time you make the actual speech.
Do your homework on the topic you are presenting on. Do research that comes at your main topic from many different points of view. Make certain that your speech addresses the questions that other points of view are concerned about. A thorough presentation can pay off when you’ve got the audience asking questions.
Know who you’re speaking to. Connect with them before you begin your speech. If possible, greet them as they enter and ask their name. Practice their names in your mind. Feeling comfortable and familiar with some individuals in the audience makes the process much friendlier.
Become familiar with the venue in which you will make your speech. Learn how far your voice carries if there is not a microphone. Use the equipment on hand, if necessary. Learn how you can use any of the visual aids if they are present. Find out what eye contact range you should have.
An excellent way to calm nerves before public speaking is by breathing deeply. Inhaling deeply and exhaling completely helps to calm your nerves before starting your speech. Breathe in for a count of four, and then breathe out for a count of five. Repeat this set six times to enhance your calm.
To give a great speech, you have to practice. Try using a mirror or tape recorder to help you hear and see yourself during practice sessions. If you are able to practice in front of others, that is even better.
Dress well for the event. If you feel that you look good, your speaking will reflect that. You don’t have to wear a suit, but wear something nice that will impress the audience.
Try not to drink booze before speaking. You may think that it will help you loosen up and be more confident, but it can have quite the opposite effect you want. There is little worse than getting ready to give a speech and forgetting everything due to the alcohol you drank before the speech.
It is possible to teach yourself to be a good speaker. All you need to do is take the time to learn how to approach it best and then practice, practice, practice. All it takes is the time to practice and learn the right skills. The next time you’re called upon to give a speech, keep these tips in mind. They will help you immensely.
Onaolapo Adeyemi is a travel and technology writer. If he’s not on tour, you’ll find him in New York with his wife, and pet parrot hanging out at Starbucks.
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