8 tips to speak confidently in front of an audience...

Written by Janani D'Silva, active gratefulness practitioner, coach and technology consultant.

Imagine the audience naked! Just be yourself! Be confident! Don't make eye contact - look to the back of the room! Smile and fake it!

We hear of so many helpful tips and tricks on how to successfully speak in front of a room full of people. The fear of speaking in public is right up there - with varying statistics on the percentage of people who feel it. But you know what, having spoken with a large number of highly successful executives and people entering the workforce, this fear is common at all levels, and at different times depending on what's at stake.

Here are some critical factors for success in speaking confidently.

1. Preparation is key. Knowing your material, double checking for accuracy, checking your message and what story you are telling will put in you good stead for speaking effectively. Even if you've only been advised of a meeting 10 minutes prior, take time to construct the sequence of what you want to say and the key message you want to leave the audience.
2. Tune in. In a meeting, tuning into what is being said, what people are actually asking and wanting to know, will help you respond in a meaningful way. Be mindful that you aren't so prepared that you fail to actually listen to what others are asking.
3. Have a back up plan. If you are really not feeling confident that you'll have the answers to what people are going to ask, put measures in place. Ahead of the meeting introduce the concept of a 'parking lot' and advice that if there are any questions that need deeper inspection that you'll note it down there to get back to the person on. Use the board when you aren't certain, and make sure you definitely get back to the person. Practice what you will say if you get stumped on something - "I hadn't thought of that, can you tell me more", or "That's a good point, let me investigate further and get back to you". Always be honest - choose to never make something up on the spot to get you through.
4. Find your voice. Some people find their voice can waver, go squeaky or break when nervous. Consciously bring your voice down a notch to keep the tension out of your voice.
5. Slow down. We tend to speak quickly when we are nervous, so slow yourself down on purpose, take time to take a breath, and continue.
6. Drink room temperature water. You will find this calms your nerves and also helps your voice from cracking.
7. Watch what you are doing with your hands. Avoid carrying anything in your hand whilst presenting if your hands tend to shake. I find carrying a pen (but not clicking it!) gives my hands something to do.
8. Check your focus. The single, most valuable piece of advice I can give is, remember you are not the center of focus. Your audience is the center of your focus. You are there to share some valuable insight, information or opinion. It's not about you, how you look, how you sound or what you're wearing, so don't be preoccupied with what you think people are thinking of YOU, focus on your message!

Bring your authentic self to any presentation, voice what you have to say, what you actually think, and take the small measures to shake off your nerves to convey your point of view to shape outcomes. It'll help you and help others - so try these tips out!

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Thank you for reading my article. I coach and mentor the junior workforce in the organisation I work for, and am also a mother of three, wife of one and friend of many! I have been in management consulting and technology project delivery for 19 years and my joy comes from helping clients, colleagues and friends succeed personally and professionally.