Fear of public speaking is one of the most common phobias, with estimates that up to 75% of people experience anxiety, albeit at different levels. If you’re uncomfortable with addressing an audience, you certainly aren’t alone. But it’s a necessary skill for the vast majority of people, especially when you want to increase the visibility or reputation of your organization. Whether you are presenting to a small group or on stage in front of a large audience, there are simple things you can do to increase your comfort level.
Know your topic
If you have anxiety about public speaking, don’t compound it by being unprepared about your topic. Typically, you won’t be asked to speak on a topic you have NO familiarity with, but there may be a difference between where you are and the amount of knowledge it takes for you to feel comfortable presenting. Make sure you are informed before putting yourself in a difficult situation.
Be conversational
Even in situations where people have voluntarily signed up for you to teach them about a topic, that doesn’t mean they enjoy being “lectured.” Keeping your remarks more conversational and involving the audience by sharing personal stories, language choice, and your approach will not only make your audience feel more invested, but will make you feel more comfortable.
Build up to speaking in front of larger audiences
Volunteer to speak at smaller and more intimate venues so you can practice your public speaking skills and build your confidence. Start with informal remarks to a gathering of your friends or leading a meeting for a small group of co-workers and steadily build up toward larger or more intimidating groups and locations.
Practice
Practice giving your remarks ahead of time. Out loud. It may feel silly, but don’t shortchange this part of the process. It will help you identify any areas you may not know as well, where you tend to get off track, or words you stumble over. Make sure to keep going throughout the entire speech, regardless of how you feel like you are doing.
Ideally, tape this and watch the video. This is a great way to help you note areas where you can improve. But most importantly, it puts you in the role of the audience so you’re reminded to focus on them, rather than yourself. Feeling discouraged by mistakes? Keep in mind that you are your own worst critic and will be focusing much more specifically on items to critique than your audience will.
Ignore the “imposter syndrome”
Imposter syndrome is when an individual feels, despite their achievements, that they aren’t good enough or don’t deserve their success. They feel like they are “faking” and will be exposed as frauds who don’t belong. If you have this feeling constantly, that’s a bigger issue to address. But it’s common for everyone to feel this way at times. Give yourself a pre-speech pep talk that reminds you of the skills and achievements that have led you to be asked to speak.
Channel your anxiety into an adrenaline push
Stress can be both a positive and a negative. Eliminate outside sources of anxiety by showing up to the venue on time so you can get a lay of the land, not eating heavy or highly acidic foods, bringing a bottle of water, reviewing your notes, and taking deep breaths. This will help you channel that stress into adrenaline and make your energy apparent to the audience.
Join a group or take a class
Is your anxiety based off not feeling like you are good enough at public speaking? These tips should help improve your skills too, but if you feel like you need additional assistance consider signing up for a public speaking group or a class. Many community colleges and adult education centers offer focused classes at relatively low-cost that are convenient for a professional schedule.
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