Public speaking has been discussed to you - the fear has taking hold! What next?
Well, you're not alone; fear of public speaking is very , very common. It is even recognised as an official fear! Glossophobia.
Olivia MacDonnell from ConfidentSpeak meets people each day with this "phobia" and she now shares 7 Steps to taking (some) of the terror out of public speaking.
Step 1. Stop panicking, Start Planning
Well it's all in the planning! And that does not mean opening PowerPoint slides. Take biro and paper in hand, and ask yourself:
1. Why are you talking in public?
2. What are you wanting to achieve by the end?
If you can't answer this clearly you shouldn't be talking in public - you are wasting your time and your public's time.
Step 2. Stop considering yourself and start thinking about your audience
Most folks can only think about themselves and how afraid they are of talking in public. You are not going to get anywhere by doing this!
Ask yourself:
1. Who's my audience?
2. What are the questions going thru their minds?
3. Why are they there?
4. What do they care about?
5. What's relevant to them?
Once you can answer these, you may then tailor what you need to achieve with what the onlookers cares about.
I mostly tell folks "public speaking is about the general public, not you!"
Step 3. Simple Structuring - Power of Three
If you're inexperienced at public speaking - start by structuring your message in a simple, clear way:
1. Structure your talk into 3 key chunks/points.
2. Make each point applicable, understandable and memorable.
3. Repeat and Sum up.
Step 4. Start speaking to folk, not talking at them!
Think about "the public" as buddies. Use simple language, freed from language. Employ a conversational style. Make life easy for the listener. Just talk with folk not at them.
Step 5. Taking for fear out of public speaking - You gotta keep Breathing!
There is not any sorcery wand or spell to make that fear of public speaking go away. Once you've planned thoroughly, rehearse and rehearse aloud.
The only real way to reduce nerves and assume control is to take the time to respire deep inside your ribcage in opposition to high in the chest. This takes practice however it works.
Step 6. The public doesn't see your fear.
You want to think about this as soon as you walk into that room "so how you walk, how you stand, how you"Own the Space". Slow everything down "stand tall, walk tall.
Step 7. What's your voice asserting about you?
Firstly , talk slowly. If your voice lacks energy and emotion "your audience will tune out. Ask yourself "what emotion are you wanting your audience to feel (concern? Excitation? Wonder). You then have got to convey this emotion in your voice.
Best of luck with your next public speaking event.
Well, you're not alone; fear of public speaking is very , very common. It is even recognised as an official fear! Glossophobia.
Olivia MacDonnell from ConfidentSpeak meets people each day with this "phobia" and she now shares 7 Steps to taking (some) of the terror out of public speaking.
Step 1. Stop panicking, Start Planning
Well it's all in the planning! And that does not mean opening PowerPoint slides. Take biro and paper in hand, and ask yourself:
1. Why are you talking in public?
2. What are you wanting to achieve by the end?
If you can't answer this clearly you shouldn't be talking in public - you are wasting your time and your public's time.
Step 2. Stop considering yourself and start thinking about your audience
Most folks can only think about themselves and how afraid they are of talking in public. You are not going to get anywhere by doing this!
Ask yourself:
1. Who's my audience?
2. What are the questions going thru their minds?
3. Why are they there?
4. What do they care about?
5. What's relevant to them?
Once you can answer these, you may then tailor what you need to achieve with what the onlookers cares about.
I mostly tell folks "public speaking is about the general public, not you!"
Step 3. Simple Structuring - Power of Three
If you're inexperienced at public speaking - start by structuring your message in a simple, clear way:
1. Structure your talk into 3 key chunks/points.
2. Make each point applicable, understandable and memorable.
3. Repeat and Sum up.
Step 4. Start speaking to folk, not talking at them!
Think about "the public" as buddies. Use simple language, freed from language. Employ a conversational style. Make life easy for the listener. Just talk with folk not at them.
Step 5. Taking for fear out of public speaking - You gotta keep Breathing!
There is not any sorcery wand or spell to make that fear of public speaking go away. Once you've planned thoroughly, rehearse and rehearse aloud.
The only real way to reduce nerves and assume control is to take the time to respire deep inside your ribcage in opposition to high in the chest. This takes practice however it works.
Step 6. The public doesn't see your fear.
You want to think about this as soon as you walk into that room "so how you walk, how you stand, how you"Own the Space". Slow everything down "stand tall, walk tall.
Step 7. What's your voice asserting about you?
Firstly , talk slowly. If your voice lacks energy and emotion "your audience will tune out. Ask yourself "what emotion are you wanting your audience to feel (concern? Excitation? Wonder). You then have got to convey this emotion in your voice.
Best of luck with your next public speaking event.
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And finally, if you are keen on public speaking tips, please check out ConfidentSpeak at Public Speaking Centre.
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