Does Your Heart Race, Your Knees Knock, Your Mind Go Blank?

One of the most common issues clients bring is a fear of public speaking. People tell me that “From the moment I’m asked to deliver a speech or presentation, even it’s not for a month, I can’t stop thinking about it”.

The ability to speak fluently, to provide information that is easy to understand or to influence decisions is vital to the workplace.

There are many ways to enhance your confidence as a public speaker whether for internal work meetings to colleagues that you know or to a wider audience who are not known to you personally. Or perhaps you’ve been asked to speak at a charity event or a family wedding?

Here are some of my top tips to reduce public speaking anxiety

1. Find out about your audience and pitch your speech at the right level
2. Prepare several days in advance to avoid last minute panic
3. Set clear objectives & write content to achieve them
4. Have a clear structure, easy for you & your listeners to follow
5. Practise your speech aloud
6. Know your opening lines fluently
7. Time it to be sure you don’t over-run
8. Write clear, easy to view notes, with bullet points
9. Focus on your listeners, not self-consciously on yourself 
10. Prepare answers in advance for expected questions; also prepare to answer the worst question you could be asked

It is essential to think carefully about your

• structure
• content
• choice of words

Remember your audience has nothing to refer to; they are reliant upon you to take them on a journey so make sure you keep them with you to the end. Is it logically structured? Does the content meet your objectives? Are you pitching it at their level? Will they understand the terminology? Is there too much jargon?  

What is the origin of communication?

Communication is key, so where does the word originate? It comes from the Latin 'communis' meaning 'shared understanding'. The relationship with your audience is paramount. Many speakers are over-reliant on visuals. While they are important, if the slides can speak for themselves, there is little purpose in having a speaker. So focus on creating a relationship with your audience. Show that you’re interested in them.

“Hook” them into your speech with questions, quotes & brainteasers, to provide variety. Use facts, figures, examples and anecdotes, not generalisations. Ensure your body language is pleasantly confident and be assertive and respectful in answering their questions. Always end on an upbeat note.  

Finally, a reminder in particular to practise your opening lines. The more familiar and relaxed you feel at the outset, the more likely the rest will fall into place.