In the workplace, a fear of public speaking has a 10% impairment on wages and a 15% impairment on promotions.
Evidently, it’s crucial to know how to speak confidently in public. Many people feel nervous and short of breath at just the thought of addressing a group of people. But this is a feeling that you can overcome.
Read further for seven public speaking tips that can help you shake off that anxiety.
1. Practice, Practice, and Practice Some More
Whether learning an instrument or delivering a speech, putting in time and energy always reaps results.
A fear of public speaking can often come from a feeling of being unprepared. Through practice, you will start feeling more confident and comfortable each time you deliver your speech.
Practice does not necessarily make perfect, but it will make your speech a whole lot better.
2. Use Minimal Notes
Practice is key, but avoid learning your speech word-for-word. Determine your main points and create an outline with simple prompts to keep yourself on task. Don’t read from a script unless you absolutely have to because it will sound robotic and uninspiring.
It’s essential to connect with your listeners through eye contact, keeping them engaged and alert. Avoiding eye contact is a coping mechanism to avoid anxiety, but it actually makes you more nervous.
3. Consider Your Audience
The speech is for the audience, not for you. So find ways to connect with them and tailor your speech with them in mind. What do they want to know? Are they fellow professionals, or would they be confused by your workplace jargon?
An engaged audience will boost your confidence. Get corporate media training here to ensure your message is on point.
4. Record Yourself Speaking
It’s a good idea to practice in front of a mirror so you can see yourself delivering the speech. Go one step further by recording a video on your phone. Watch it back, and you may pick up on awkward quirks that you hadn’t noticed before.
Now you can avoid these issues and improve your public speaking skills before stepping out in front of an audience.
5. Let Your Personality Shine
Be authentic and be yourself. Share a personal story or anecdote. The audience will trust and encourage you if they feel your authenticity.
Know your topic well, but allow your enthusiasm and personality to guide the speech. Trying to be someone else is stressful. Meanwhile, being yourself will put you and your audience at ease.
6. Use Tools to Keep Your Audience Engaged
If half your audience has fallen asleep, it’s a good sign you need to go back to the drawing board.
Employ humor, an engaging video, or other visual prompts to present a topic that could bore your audience. You can break up a long talk by posing questions to your listeners.
7. Accept Your Nerves
You can create a bigger problem for yourself by resisting whatever you are feeling. You’re nervous because you care, and that’s something to be celebrated instead of feeling shame.
Accept the nervousness and choose to channel that adrenaline into creating something beautiful.
These Public Speaking Tips Are Sure to Help
Follow our public speaking advice, and you’ll be delivering a speech like a pro in no time.
Remember that no one is born a great speaker. Practice and preparation are vital components to rid yourself of nerves. Be yourself and have some fun.
Did you find these public speaking tips helpful? Well, take a look at more of our great blogs before you go.
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