The fear of public speaking can be crippling to so many people including myself. My fear stems from childhood and has grown to palm sweating, teeth chattering proportions that I now avoid public speaking like the plague.
It started with a piano recital; I was probably around six years old, on the stage in a huge auditorium. While I can’t remember exactly what song I was supposed to play, I do remember cutting it by half and ending early. People clapped but even then I knew it was just sympathy clapping.
Then there was the school talent show, I was in 4th grade and gathered two of my friends to put on a play that I wrote based on a recent family vacation to Paris. Once we got on stage in front of parents and kids, I completely forgot the words. How do you forget the words to a play that you wrote, FEAR.
See my fear isn’t totally irrelevant even though it may be slightly irrational. Luckily I’m not the only one who gets the jitters when public speaking. Here are some things that have helped me calm my nerves.
Prepare
Take some time to write down what you are going to say, even if it's just key words to help move the conversation when you get stuck. Think of anecdotes that may help reinforce what you’re trying to say and remember the old saying – “Keep It Simple Stupid”.
Place
Visit the venue where you’ll be speaking before the event. If you can stand where you will deliver your speech, imagine speaking to the audience. Find a good place to leave a glass of water because you may need it during the event.
Preparation
Before any public speaking event, think about what you are going to wear so you will be comfortable. I know that I can easily get frazzled if I’m not comfortable with what I’m wearing. Even an out of place hair can get the jitters going. Practice breathing and practice your speech in front of a mirror. Create a cheat sheet that is easy to read in case you fumble during the event.
Poise and Posture
“Walk like you own the place,” is something my Dad used to say. Meaning when you are called to the podium stand up tall and look like you know what you’re doing. Before you start speaking, pause, look around at your audience and smile. You want the audience to like you, so look... likeable.
Pretend
If you’ve ever taken an acting class then this is a good time to put it to use. Pretend you’re not nervous. There’s no doubt that you will be nervous but try and keep your nerves to yourself. I usually like to address someone in the audience or better yet if someone comes in late put the spotlight on them for a minute.
Passion
This can kill a presentation in a matter of seconds, if you aren’t passionate, energetic and enthusiastic about you are talking about you will lose your audience's attention. I remember going to an interview extremely nervous and had to talk about my experience in front of a room filled with people – I walked out knowing I didn’t get the job. But when I go in knowing that I really what the job my confidence and passion shine through.
When it comes to public speaking it is all about attitude. If you are confident and passionate during your speech it will resonate with your audience and the event will be a success for you both.
Do you have a public speaking horror story or have any public speaking tips to reduce the jitters?
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