6 Steps to More Relaxed Public Speaking

If you search in Google for the term “public speaking tips” you get roughly 2.6 million responses. That seems like a lot, but when you have to be the one standing in front of the group there isn’t enough information in the world that could get you over that fear.

I have been a Public Speaker for years and one fact remains constant. You always put more pressure one yourself during preparation for your talk than anyone will subject you to during your presentation. Over the years I have developed some tips that may seem obvious, but once completed, will really put your mind at ease, trust me.

Step #1 KNOW OF WHAT YOU SPEAK!
Everyone listening to you will assume that you know more about your topic than anyone else in the room. This may or may not be true but you must KNOW YOUR TOPIC. Be prepared for any question someone might throw at you. And when you do get a tough question just remember this easy response. ‘That’s a Good Question’ followed by a moment of ‘deep thought.’ This gives you a few seconds to formulate your answer. It works. Just watch anyone being interviewed on TV!

Step #2 Whenever Possible - Get to Know your Audience
Greet attendees prior to your speech if possible. Familiarity promotes confidence. Besides, think of the benefit you provide the topic you are to speak on when you take the time to meet people before you go on.

Step #3 Work from a Podium
When delivering a speech you need an anchor. A place to call home while in front of your audience. Working from a Podium gives you this anchor. A place to collect your thoughts and store your notes. It is also a great way to keep you from pacing back and forth or swaying while talking.

Step #4 DO NOT Memorize your Speech
Know your speech almost by heart but please don’t memorize it!! Work from an outline that you can refer to so your entire message is covered. Trying to memorize every word of your speech just puts additional pressure on you. Also, if you get interrupted with a question or other disturbance you will have difficulty remembering where you left off!

Step #5 Don’t Hesitate to Repeat Yourself
When you find yourself with only a mouthful of uhs and ums because you lost your train of thought? Just stop yourself, repeat the sentence as if to add importance, and replace the uhs and ums with silence to allow your points to hit home.

Step #6 Be Animated
Animate your speech. Most people think that good communication is mouth-centric. Nothing could be farther from the truth! To be a powerful communicator, you have to use your entire body. Gestures and body language add energy and enthusiasm to your speech.

Do you realize that many people fear speaking in public more than they fear dying? Maybe because dying is abstract and appears far away while the podium is right in front of them. Either way, you really can come to grips with your fear. Maybe you won’t enjoy it, but you’ll be able to get through it easier. I can’t emphasize enough that half of your battle will be just knowing what you are going to say, and anticipating what others are going to ask. It can be easy!

These are tips can really help you take your next step in public speaking. Do you realize that people pass up promotions because they will be required to speak publicly?

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