We’ve all heard the statistics: people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of snakes, spiders, or even death. You are not alone.
It’s stressful to think about a room full of people whose judgmental eyes are on you. What if you forget what you wanted to say? What happens if she trips over the microphone cord or tucks her skirt behind her pantyhose? What if you have broccoli in your teeth, sauce on your tie, or get booed off stage? What if everyone thinks you’re an idiot?
Thinking this way is what leads most people to feel that death is a better alternative to public speaking, but it’s all in your imagination. Just like anything else you’ve learned to do, you can overcome your discomfort by understanding the mechanics and practicing.
The public is on your side
Have you ever expected a speaker to suck? To be boring? Fail miserably? Of course not! He wants to be entertained and informed just like the rest of the audience. He wants to see the speaker succeed. Even if the speaker is a complete stranger, you are rooting for them and really hope they do well.
Think about it. That’s why we watch game shows – we love to see people win! We want to see people succeed. It’s just human nature.
Your audience is rooting for you! Every person in the room expects her success. Remember this at all times: the audience is completely on your side.
Prepare for the best and the worst
One thing I’ve learned as a coach is that people spend so much time preparing for the worst things that can happen (and never do) that they forget to plan for when the best things do happen. Do you know how to handle success?
Approach your next speech from the perspective that you’re planning a really good experience. Then, and only then, make sure you have your bases covered for whatever may happen down the road. Know your speech well enough that if the projector isn’t working, you don’t need your PowerPoint. Memorize your opening and closing so that if you need to cut your time, you can. Bring an extra pair of pantyhose. Bring an extra tie. Do a sound test before the event to find out if it works and where dead spots are. Having a plan for things that could go wrong will allay a lot of your fears.
Throughout my career as a professional speaker, sound systems failed, lights went out mid-speech, stage stairs collapsed, fire alarms went off, venues changed, I was even asked to reduce my time. in half a minute before continuing. However, the odds are in your favor. These things have happened to me over the course of 15 years. Still, I’ve never been booed offstage. The public was still on my side.
Prepare yourself for the best possible outcome, but also to deal with any of the things that could happen, with the certainty that it probably won’t happen. Every ship has lifeboats, but no ships blueprints sinking Plan for smooth sailing, be prepared for rough waters if you hit them.
practice practice practice
Do you remember the first time you tried to tie your shoes? Roller skate? Ride in a car? Read? It was not easy. It took practice. Now it’s second nature. Talking is the same way. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
After you’ve written your speech, practice in front of the mirror. Then practice for a family member, even if he’s your dog. (My dog is my best sounding board). Practice for some friends. Practice in your car, in the shower, while taking a walk. Practice in your head. See yourself being calm, cool and dynamic.
Join a Toastmasters club. This is a wonderful organization that allows you to grow at your own pace in a supportive environment. You can practice your speech and get immediate feedback. It’s inexpensive and invaluable for a novice speaker.
you have this
On the day of your presentation, you’ll have hours of practice and preparation under your belt. It was all worth it. You feel ready.
Arrive at the venue early. Take a look at the room. Walk around the stage, if there is one. Perform a microphone and equipment check. Familiarize yourself with the speaking area. Look where your audience will be and visualize them smiling back at you.
A few minutes before your scheduled time to speak, go to the nearest bathroom. Look in the mirror. Look into your eyes. Tell yourself that you are smart and dignified. you have rehearsed Are you ready. Set your intention to give a dynamic speech. Do one last broccoli check on your teeth and hair.
Just before you go up on stage or to the lectern, take a deep breath. Release it slowly. Shake hands with the person who introduced you. Let them go. Then look around you and smile at your audience. They are on your side. You have this.