Public speaking can be a frightening experience. Feeling a little uneasy speaking in front of an audience is normal. If you are feeling totally terrified and petrified with fear, there are a number of things you can do. The following public speaking suggestions will help you nix the nervousness as you entertain, inform, and motivate your audience.
Be Prepared - Memorize your speech. If you need to have notes with you when public speaking to appear confident, just carry small note cards. Arrange the cards in the order of your speech and only include bullet points, not whole sentences of text. The cards will keep your speech "on track". Do not read straight from your note cards, just look at them quickly.
Picture Giving a Great Speech - Practice seeing in your mind your speech going very well. Picture giving your speech perfectly to an audience hanging on for every word you say.
Get Familiar With the Stage - Visit the location you will be giving a speech beforehand or arrive early the day of your speech. Take the time to get familiarize yourself with the stage, sound equipment, backstage areas, and any stairs leading to the stage. Pay special attention to the amount of public speaking space on the stage so you are aware of how much space you have.
Do an Equipment Check - Ensure that you are able to check your audio-visual equipment. This should include conducting a sound check, learning to operate the microphones, music, projectors, and other public speaking equipment. Also, make sure you have spare parts, such as replacements for burnt out projector bulbs and extra cables. Do not allow faulty or broken equipment to ruin your speech. Make sure your audio-visual crew is competent with what they are doing.
Greet Your Audience - When possible, take the time to meet 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. Allow your nervous energy to become positive public speaking enthusiasm for your audience and your content.
If Things Go Wrong, Do Not Apologize - Nine times out of ten your audience will have no idea something in your speech did not go well. That is, they will not comprehend unless you apologize.
Remember That Your Audience Wants You To Do Well - Your audience is looking forward to hearing you speak and they want you to succeed. They want to be informed by you and look forward to an entertaining and informative speech.
