Did you know that of all the things that people fear most, public speaking ranks consistently in the top 3. The The Book of Lists reports the Top Ten Human Fears as:

1. Speaking before a Group
2. Heights
3. Insects and bugs
4. Financial problems
5. Deep water
6. Sickness
7. Death
8. Flying
9. Loneliness
10. Dogs

What is it about public speaking that makes people shirk away? And is it something that you can train yourself in if public speaking doesn’t come naturally to you? The fact is that everyone will need to make a speech at some time. It maybe a birthday party or a company sales pitch. You need to know how to do this well. And the more you do it the better you get.

It’s an important skill if you are going to be in the business of managing people, or if you have a product to sell that involves presenting to others, or if you have a message to spread involving any concern. Here are a few basic tips if you are going to be doing any public speaking:

• Be relaxed. Easy to say of course, but it’s impossible to deliver a good speech if you are shivering with fear. We all remember someone who is holding their speech notes so tightly that it looks like they’ll tear it on the spot. It does not invoke confidence. When you walk to the stage or the lectern, take a moment to breathe, centre yourself and look at the audience as a group of friends. People want the presenter to speak well. They want to feel the confidence and clarity of someone who knows their topic. The public want to be led and are on your side.

• Know your subject matter. If you aren’t all over your topic then you are setting yourself up for a fall, particularly if someone asks a probing question. Make sure you have researched the topic well. Don’t recite your speech verbatim. You need to make good eye contact and connection with your audience.

 

• Be you. Everyone has a different style of speaking even in normal conversation. The public stage is hardly the place to try and speak like someone else. Find your own style and your own rhythm. Speaking well requires that you like yourself. Learn how to smile, to laugh, and to fully engage with your audience. And use humour in a way that suits your style. If you need to become more polished, consider doing a course like Toastmasters or hire a personal speaking coach.

And once you conquer a few speeches, you will be empowered and know that you can deliver when it’s needed.

Speak well!

In Health and Wellness