Public speaking can be a frightening experience. Feeling a little uneasy speaking in front of an audience is normal. If you are feeling totally overwhelmed and petrified with fear, there are some things you can do. The following public speaking tips will help you ditch the doom as you entertain, inform, and motivate your listeners.
Be Prepared - Memorize your speech. If you must have notes with you when public speaking to feel confident, just carry small note cards. Arrange the cards in the order of your speech and only include bullet points, not reams of text. The cards will keep your speech "on track". Do not read straight from your note cards, just look at them briefly.
Picture Giving a Great Speech - Practice seeing in your mind your speech going well. Picture giving your speech without fault to an audience hanging on to every word you say.
Get Familiar With the Stage - Visit the place you will be presenting a speech beforehand or arrive early the day of your speech. Take the time to get familiar with the stage, sound equipment, backstage areas, and any stairs leading to the stage. Pay particular attention to the amount of public speaking space on the stage so you are aware of how much room you have.
Do an Equipment Check - Take the time to check your audio-visual equipment. This includes conducting a sound check, learning to operate the microphones, music, projectors, and other public speaking equipment. Also, ensure spare parts are available, such as replacements for burnt out projector bulbs and extra cables. Do not allow faulty or broken equipment to ruin your speech. Ensure that your audio-visual crew is competent with what they are doing.
Greet Your Audience - When possible, take the time to speak with your audience as they arrive. Knowing the nature of your audience will allow you to feel more comfortable when speaking to them. You may even spark some ideas, stories, or jokes to include in your public speaking speech.
Take a Few Minutes to Relax - Make some time before your speech to prepare yourself. Take some deep breaths and get focused. Do not consume alcohol to relax before speaking. Direct your nervous energy into positive public speaking enthusiasm for your audience and your message.
If Things Go Wrong, Do Not Apologize - Most of the time your audience will have no idea something in your speech did not go according to plan. That is, they will not realize unless you apologize.
Remember That Your Audience Wants You To Do Well - Your audience is excited to hear you speak and they want you to succeed. They want to be informed by you and anticipate an entertaining and informative speech.
