Getting Comfortable with Public Speaking

Do you get nervous while speaking to an audience?

It is no secret that most people do not like public speaking, some might even admit to be afraid of it as a result of shyness which is a very common disadvantage.

Public speaking is basically a presentation that is rendered to a live audience. It may be based on different topics aimed at educating, entertaining, persuading or influencing your listeners.

Although some people possess the natural speaking ability or may appear to be more charismatic than others, public speaking is regarded as a skill that can be learned if more effort is being put into it.

Whether your speech is being presented to fellow employees or given to a large gathering at a conference, the following tips are meant to improve your public speaking skills both personally and professionally thereby allowing you to be more comfortable when presenting your speech.

Effective Speech Writing

Writing down a speech is an essential first tip to achieving comfort while communicating with an audience. By so doing, a framework for your speech will be created which would enable you to see the formatting of the speech you are about to deliver. The written speech should contain the Topic, General purpose, Central idea and Main point. It should be written in such a way that, at the beginning of your speech you would have already grabbed the audience’s attention.

Keep Your Emotions in Check

It is normal to encounter some physiological reactions such as Sweaty Palms, Pounding Heart, Dry Ashy Throat or Trembling Hands. It is advisable not to engage with these feelings negatively as it might lead to poor performances during your speech.

Prepare, Prepare and Prepare Some More.

Another way to overcome nervousness is by going over your note continuously and practicing until you become comfortable with the material. While practicing your speech, you could video tape yourself or get a friend to critique your performance. I would sometimes practice in front of a mirror just so I could omit nervous facial expressions or gestures.

Be Yourself

Don’t just become a talking robot with no ounce of emotion when delivering a speech. Your audience would only trust what you have to say if you allow your personality to shine through while communicating with them.

Redefine Your Audience

By redefining your audience, you would be able to relate with them easily. You might be wondering how that could be possible especially with a bunch of people you barely even know. Redefining your audience basically means changing how you see your audience. In other words, instead of seeing the audience as potential clients, board of directors or your employers, maybe you could convince yourself that they are your close friends, uncles, aunties or even siblings. This is a technique I also apply during a job interview because of my phobia for female interviewers. I simply picture the lady as a sister or an aunt in order to present my speech and get through the interview as easily and comfortably as I can.

To sum up everything that has been stated so far, nobody expects anyone to be perfect in public speaking but if necessary time and effort is put into practicing, you will not only improve your skills in giving better speeches but would also find it easier to shake off your nerves.

Written by: Anthonia Arioghore.