FACT – Public Speaking is one of the scariest things a human being can do.
Why?  Well because when we stand there in front of an audience, we are literally ‘exposed’.  It is almost as if we are naked!  Our inner voice is saying:

“Will I remember what I want to say?”
“Will people like me?”
“What if……?”

It is not surprising that with that much negativity going on, most people will avoid it if they can.

Sometimes a business role requires this skill and those who have it can persuade, inform and motivate more effectively than those who don’t.

So how should you go about starting?  You will find lots of articles on social media to do with reducing your fear.  Most will talk about using a positive mindset, practising and concentrating on what your audience wants, but this doesn’t reduce the subconscious nature of the FEAR which this situation generates.

Obviously, personality plays a part. If you are an extrovert, the opportunity to ‘perform’ in front of an audience will be jumped at but if you are an introvert, the opposite reaction will be more likely.

I believe that, as with other problems in life, if you have enough understanding of what works and what doesn’t, you can reduce the fear.

Preparation
You can’t do Public Speaking at the drop of a hat!  Even when people say they can, they are never as effective as someone who prepares.

Structure your content logically:

• An opening which catches the interest
• Main points which are linked well (perhaps tell a story)
• A conclusion which requires action on the part of the audience and leaves them with something memorable.

Practice
Now practice your delivery as many times as you can.
Aim for:

• Spontaneity (try not to read from a script)
• A relaxed body without distracting movement or gesture (ask someone else if you’re not sure).
• Enough vocal power(if you have a quiet voice read my earlier blog HERE)
• Good clarity – this is mainly about controlling the pace so that you have time to think and speak precisely.
• Check facial expression (try some of your presentation into a mirror to see how you come across)
• Very good vocal variation (this includes using Pitch, Pause, Inflections, Volume and Tone Colour effectively)
• Use note cards if it helps you to remember details.
• You are NOT a poor speaker if you use notes – they show your professionalism.

Power Point
Your slides are not a means of recreating the speech.  They should not be a way of giving a handout to your audience.  They will be successful if:

• They are visual
• Pictures or graphs
• They do not contain many words
• They produce a smile
• They make the audience remember a point

Spend a little time getting this right.  It should not be a last minute rush.

So now we come to the mindset.

Let me ask you a question . . . . . . .

Have you ever sat in an audience and hoped that the speaker would be rubbish?   No, of course you haven’t!

Your audience is WILLING you to be good.  They want to hear what you have to say.

Try to carry this thought as you step onto the platform or stand up from your chair.

THE AUDIENCE IS NOT YOUR ENEMY.  They are a POSITIVE in the communication equation.

Take a few deep breaths.  This really works – it steadies your body and powers your voice safely.

So now it’s over to you.  Give it a go and I think you’ll be surprised at how good you feel when you’ve done your first presentation.

If you still need help, come and join me on 17 April at Leicester for a short day course for beginners.

10:00am to 3:30pm for £60 including a light lunch.

Call Ann on 01623 627636 to register – then you will:

Speak wisely

                Speak well

                        Speak Loud & Clear!

Twitter: @VoiceExpert