As someone trained in the art of public speaking, and generally comfortable with it (yes, there was that horse show in Winnipeg, Manitoba years ago with 10,000 people in the audience that freaked me out a bit), the notion that more people fear public speaking than fear death seems odd to me.
Me? I fear death a lot more than speaking.
But, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, in research verified November 23, 2013, fully 74% of the general population suffers from a fear of Glossophobia, also referred to as the Fear of Public Speaking. By comparison, Necrophobia, the Fear of Death, is suffered by only 68% of the general population.
If you suffer from Glossophobia, you recognize the symptoms of pounding heart and sweaty palms. You may go to extreme lengths to avoid having to speak in public, or suffer miserably when you do speak. Well intentioned peers may have suggested that you imagine your audience naked, to relax.
I don’t know about you, but imaging my audience naked either makes me laugh or get a tad uncomfortable. Neither helps in making an effective speech.
With literally thousands of presentations and speeches under my belt, I’d like to share with you 5 Tips to Becoming a Better Speaker.
1. Work backwards: If you’re like many, you have the topic in mind when you start, and work diligently to structure a speech that supports your topic. This method, while very logical, can result in stifling your thoughts and producing a less than relevant talk.
Try this instead: Allow yourself to think about what impact you want your speech to have and what general points you need to or would like to make. Let these dictate the process to write the speech. You’ll find that a more organic speech is easier to give.
2. Know your subject matter: Have you ever wondered why are YOU giving this speech? What makes you most qualified to give it? Negative thoughts like these can do damage to the most competent amongst us.
Try this instead: Remember that you ARE the expert to your audience. At the very least, you’re the one the organization asked to speak. Find your power in this knowledge.
3. Know your audience: Not all speeches are suitable for all audiences. Stay away from dusting off an “oldie, but goodie” without customizing it for your listeners.
Try this instead: Ask yourself if their technical knowledge matches your language and change, if necessary. Are they co-workers or employees? Add comments tailored for your work environment. Ask yourself WHAT they are hoping to learn and WHY they are there.
4. Prepare: If you’re someone who likes to read your speech, now is the time to stop that practice. Unless you’re the President of the United States, or some high ranking official who has a teleprompter handy, reading your speech separates you from your audience, making it more likely that you’ll feel unconnected and nervous.
Try this instead: Rehearse your speech. Rehearse your entire presentation (audio/PowerPoint, etc.). Rehearse until you are comfortable taking your eyes off of the page and making a connection with your audience. Your goal is to be able to give the speech with bulleted points on a notecard.
5. Relax: Really. You’ve got this. Let yourself shine. If thinking of your audience naked works for you go ahead…but maybe, you should…
Try this instead: I love listening to favorite music before a speech. It puts me in a relaxed frame of mind, and in that state, I give my best speeches. Find what works for you…you’ve earned it!
It’s true that you may not ever find public speaking to be one of your favorite things. For many, the need to give an occasional speech at work means that perfecting that skill is a career booster, so keep practicing. In the years that I’ve been presenting public speeches and seminars, the foregoing tips have kept me sane. I hope they work for you, too.