Deborah OConnor October 22, 2013

 
We’ve all been there. Trembling fingers, elevated heartbeat, blood pressure rising – the fear of speaking in public can make even the staunchest extrovert panic. The good news is that stage fright can be conquered. Becoming a good public speaker is learned behavior. Let’s take a look at some helpful tips.

• Being prepared is the #1 thing you can do to be successful in public speaking. Before you start this preparation, ask yourself these questions:

1. What is my relationship with the audience?
2. How do I want them to perceive me?  
3. What am I trying to accomplish?
4. What do I want them to know?

Asking yourself these questions will help you formulate what you want to say and how you say it.

• Know your material. I don’t care what your topic is, if you do not know your facts, figures, and findings, you will not be successful.
• Record yourself speaking and listen to it to find areas that need improvement.
• Practice your speech on a friend and ask their opinion.
• Take a speech class. This can help you overcome nervousness and the fear of public speaking.
• Your first words are important and set the tone for the rest of your speech. You may want to thank the person who introduced you; you may also want to say something that connects you to the audience, such as: “Like many of you, I have been working in finance for some time.”
• Leading with a startling statement, a quote from a prominent or historical person, or a joke or anecdote are ways to begin your presentation. But be careful that nothing you say is vulgar or offensive and be sure it has something to do with your audience or your speech.
• Adjust your language to your audience. Don’t use the same language speaking to scientists as to artists.
• Keep your head up and your voice clear and steady.
• Keep your volume in control. Usually speakers get louder as they talk, so try to keep your voice even.
• Take your time. Most speakers talk too fast, usually out of nervousness.
• Try not to make more than two major points in a 20-30 minute talk. Most people remember only about 20% of what you say, so be sure that you know what you want them to remember.
• The closing is just as important as the opening. Save a great quote or a good joke. When you are finished, just say thank you and sit down.
• Do not go over your allotted time.
• Remember, everybody gets stage fright, and everyone can get over it. Be prepared and as relaxed as possible.
• I cannot emphasize enough the importance of practicing, practicing, practicing.

A correction to last week’s article, “The Etiquette of Dealing with Out-of-Bounds Behavior”:  “All employees are entitled to due process” is incorrect in the private sector.

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz