Win the Battle Over the Fear
of Public Speaking
By Kate Doscher
Sleepless nights, cold sweats, major doubts, racing pulse, headache, panic attacks; and a little voice in your head screams, “Just shoot me now!” Sounds like somebody has a public presentation to make and isn’t too happy about it!
Sadly, this is how many of us prepare ourselves for a round of public speaking when we should be filled with positive thoughts and using that “thinking” part of our brain instead of the “limbic” part that is governed by emotion and not logic.
Ask any Olympic medalist how they mentally prepared themselves for their competition and you’ll hear the same story every time…they visualize themselves “winning”. They do not allow themselves to entertain negative thoughts or even consider the possibility of failing. Of course you don’t win a gold medal just by thinking positive thoughts without the physical ability to go the distance.
The same holds true for making a presentation. Your information must be organized and easy to understand and your personal presentation must be of the highest quality. Fortunately, both are easily achieved by learning a few techniques and knowing something about human nature.
The most common mistake we make when preparing our speech, is that we forget there is a major difference between the written word and the spoken word. If we write a highly technical speech and attempt to read that content, we’re going to lose our audience. (Remember your least favorite, most boring professor from University? That’s what he was doing.) We must learn to write the way we speak, not speak the way we write. The easiest way to do this is to record your speech, without using notes, and deliver the information from memory. Then write your notes the way you hear them from the recording. The best speakers we have ever heard are wonderful because they are “talking” to us….not reading to us.
Body language is extremely important. Your approach to the podium and your general demeanor are what the audience will judge you on before you even open your mouth. To ensure that the impression you are making displays confidence and power, you need to walk in long, comfortable strides with your arms in a relaxed swing, your shoulders back, head held erect and not with your nose to the ceiling in arrogance or looking down at your feet in a defeated and shy manner. You want the audience to be thinking, “Here’s someone who is used to succeeding and being accepted.”
Once you reach the podium, having impressed the audience with your ease and confidence, you’re ready to speak to them. What we are often thinking as we take our place at the podium is, “They won’t like me. I’m going to say something stupid. I’m going to be boring.” But what an audience is more likely thinking is, “I want this person to be a good speaker. I want to learn something. I want to enjoy my time.” Knowing this makes the speaker’s job easier. Remember, you aren’t there to make new friends. You’re there to teach them something. That’s your job. That’s all you have to do to succeed.
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Be sure that your presentation has a beginning, middle and a definite ending.
If you must read from notes, use the top half of the paper only and double-space. This prevents your voice from vanishing as your head tips down to read the bottom. Always number note cards for quick assembly.
Maintain eye contact with your audience. Be sure to look from one side of the room to the other so the entire audience feels that you are addressing them.
Add humor whenever possible but do not use offensive or rude jokes.
When using audio-visual aids, be sure all necessary equipment is working hours before your presentation.
Tell your audience, ahead of time, that you will have handouts so they won’t take unnecessary notes instead of watching and listening to your presentation.
Know when to stop talking! Use a timer and gracefully wrap up your speech with time to spare for questions. Leave your listeners with a positive impression. Thank them and sit down.
Don’t forget to smile and enjoy!
