Speech Tips

The Nerve Factor: Overcoming Your Fear of Public Speaking
Sheila Allee

You've probably heard it said many times -- the No. 1 fear for most people is PUBLIC SPEAKING. According to the Book of Lists, fear of dying ranks seventh on the Top Ten Fears List. People would rather die than give a speech!

So what's everyone so afraid of? Mostly, it's the fear of losing face in front of an audience. People fear their minds will go blank. They fear they might faint. They fear the audience will judge them as inadequate.

But you don't have to let nervousness hold you back. You can overcome your public speaking fears. And in the process, you can advance your career or advance a cause. You can win an election or entertain a group. You can inspire a sales force or instruct some students.

Here are a few techniques for conquering the nerve factor:

Eye Contact That's right. Looking your listeners in the eye will help you with stage fright. Remember the old saw about facing what you fear the most and the fear dissolves? It applies here.

Besides, if the truth were known, your audience wants you to succeed. They want to enjoy your speech, not squirm in their seats because the speaker is about to faint behind the podium.

One of my favorite techniques for diffusing my own nervousness is to smile as I'm talking (if it's appropriate to my remarks.) I find that audiences mirror the speaker. If I'm smiling, they will, too.

Practice, Practice, Practice I mean two things here. First, practice your speech until you know it cold. Practice in front of the mirror. Practice in front of a friend or family member. And if it's an extremely important presentation, practice on videotape and critique yourself. And practice in the actual room itself with all visual aids.

And second, take every opportunity you can to speak in public. The more you get in front of an audience, the more confident you will be.

A good way to get lots of practice is by joining Toastmasters International. Most communities have at least one chapter and in larger cities, there are multiple groups to choose from. Meetings are held weekly, and every attendee is expected to speak each time.

Believe in What You're Saying If you're committed to what you're saying, it's much easier to concentrate on your words and forget the fact that you're the center of attention.

Besides, if you don't believe in what you're saying, it will show and the audience will lose interest.

Visualize Success While you're rehearsing, visualize that the speech is a success. Visualize yourself in front of the audience. You're smiling. You're confident. You're giving a stellar performance. You're having fun! The audience is having fun!

A final word. Remember that everyone gets nervous -- even accomplished speakers. That nervous feeling is really a good thing -- it's energy that can be channeled in a positive direction if you practice the techniques mentioned here.

BONUS TIP OF THE MONTH: If it will boost your confidence, it's okay to rely on notes or a script during your speech. Just don't depend on them too much or it will distract your audience.

Next month: Putting Pizazz in Special Occasion Speeches

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