Standing in front of an audience can be a daunting task, let alone to stand and talk in front of them simultaneously, in English. Giving a speech to a group of people who are well aware of the fact that you are going to talk requires a lot more than guts and will. It needs preparation and flexibility, too.
Based on several publications I have read, and people I have taught I have compiled a list down 10 steps (out of so many) that I believe can and will help you overcome the fear of speaking in public.
1. Prepare your points!
No matter how good you are in terms of talking, you will need to prepare your speech. Get your points right, have some facts to support them and make sure you know everything there is to know about the topic, backwards and forwards.
2. Prepare, Prepare then Practice!
You need to know what you are talking about. In most cases you will be speaking about something you are involved in or passionate about, and that’s great. The knowledge you have about your subject will work for you. Once you are happy with your content and knowledge, then and only then should you practice. A mirror and a recorder help here. If you know your stuff you should only need pointers or section headings. Let your knowledge and passion shine through and don’t be constrained by trying to learn a script.
3. Arrive on time, early is best!
Come early and get the mood right. Check the room and its size so you can tell how loud you should or shouldn't be. Get on the stage and move around it. Make sure you feel comfortable there.
4. Look confident and be confident!
Bring forth your self-confidence. If you think you are not confident enough, then take your time to have it. Do not rush as your confidence will slowly grow by time. And here is the best part, Your audience have absolutly NO IDEA you are nervous!
5. Make eye contact!
It is never a good presentation if there is no eye contact. Take time to look at all the people in the room. Look at your audience!
1. Prepare your points!
No matter how good you are in terms of talking, you will need to prepare your speech. Get your points right, have some facts to support them and make sure you know everything there is to know about the topic, backwards and forwards.
2. Prepare, Prepare then Practice!
You need to know what you are talking about. In most cases you will be speaking about something you are involved in or passionate about, and that’s great. The knowledge you have about your subject will work for you. Once you are happy with your content and knowledge, then and only then should you practice. A mirror and a recorder help here. If you know your stuff you should only need pointers or section headings. Let your knowledge and passion shine through and don’t be constrained by trying to learn a script.
3. Arrive on time, early is best!
Come early and get the mood right. Check the room and its size so you can tell how loud you should or shouldn't be. Get on the stage and move around it. Make sure you feel comfortable there.
4. Look confident and be confident!
Bring forth your self-confidence. If you think you are not confident enough, then take your time to have it. Do not rush as your confidence will slowly grow by time. And here is the best part, Your audience have absolutly NO IDEA you are nervous!
5. Make eye contact!
It is never a good presentation if there is no eye contact. Take time to look at all the people in the room. Look at your audience!
6. Find a friend in the room!
If eye contact makes you feel threatened in some ways, choose a target. Find someone among the crowd who presents you with warmth and possessiveness, look at him or her and gradually put your eyes on everyone else. Repeat the steps.
7. Don't forget to smile!
One of the best tips I can give you is to smile at your audience before you say a word. As smiles bring you happiness, give them back! Make sure the audience know that you are happy to be there. It is never wrong to smile at times even when the topic you are presenting is serious. Choose and take your time to smile.
8. Take a pause and breathe!
Do not rush your speech! Take some pauses in-between long sentences and breathe slowly. There is a phrase in speaking circles, when you need to make your point count “Pause till it hurts” allow your audience time to take in what you have just said. The more you rush, the more you will panic and probably lose confidence. So don't do it.
9. Use your natural tone and modulation!
Adjust you intonations and make sure they vary from slow and steady to fast and firm. Change them accordingly so that your speech won't be monotonous.
10. It's okay to be nervous!
Whenever you feel nervous, just know that you're being normal. Nerves are your body’s way of telling you this is important. Everybody will experience stage fright, and that includes the experts and those with more experience. The difference is how you handle it. Take it and play along with it. It's okay!
So, what are you waiting for? You know the steps, now speak!
Catch up with you again soon!
Paul Johnstone is the founder of
The Paradigm Shakers
Providers of Thought Provoking Training
Delivered by Subject Matter Experts
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