Make Public Speaking your new Super Power.

A tiny section of the population is born with the ability to speak publicly naturally. The rest of the people dread addressing large groups and only do it if they have to or avoid it like the plague. The good news is that it is a skill that can be learnt and used as a key differentiator in your toolbox as an effective leader.

Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking and is the most common phobia ahead of death, spiders, or heights. Research shows that public speaking anxiety affects over 70% of the population.

There are many ways to tackle this anxiety, hone this skill and deliver a memorable speech.

1. Nervousness Is Normal. Practice and Prepare!

All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts?and trembling?hands. Do not associate these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good. The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat makes you more alert and ready to give your best performance.

The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare and prepare some more. Take the time to go over your notes several times once you have become comfortable with the material, practice—a lot. Videotape yourself, or get a friend to critique your performance.

2. Know Your Audience. Your Speech Is About Them, Not You.

Before you begin to craft your message, consider whom the message is intended for. Learn as much about your listeners as you can. This will help you determine your choice of words, level of information, organization pattern, and motivational statement.

3. Organize Your Material Most Effectively to Attain Your Purpose.

Create the framework for your speech. Write down the topic, general-purpose, specific purpose, central idea, and main points. Make sure to grab the audience's attention in the first 30 seconds.

4. Watch for Feedback and Adapt to It.

Keep the focus on the audience. Gauge their reactions, adjust your message, and stay flexible. Delivering a canned speech will guarantee that you lose the attention of or confuse even the most devoted listeners.

5. Let Your Personality Come Through.

Be yourself, don't become a talking head—in any communication. You will establish better credibility if your personality shines through, and your audience will trust what you have to say if they can see you as a natural person.

6. Use Humor, Tell Stories, and Use Effective Language.

Inject a funny anecdote in your presentation, and you will certainly grab your audience's attention. Audiences generally like a personal touch in a speech. A story can provide that.

7. Don't Read Unless You Have to—work from an Outline.

You are reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can jog your memory and keep you on task.

8. Use Your Voice and Hands Effectively. Omit Nervous Gestures.

Nonverbal communication carries most of the message. Good delivery does not call attention to itself but instead conveys the speaker's ideas without distraction.

9. Grab attention at the Beginning, and Close with a Dynamic End.

Do you enjoy hearing a speech start with "Today I'm going to talk to you about X"? Most people don't. Instead, use a startling statistic, an interesting anecdote, or a brief quotation. Conclude your speech with a summary and a strong statement that your audience is sure to remember.

10. Use Audiovisual Aids Wisely.

Too many can break the direct connection to the audience, so use them sparingly. They should enhance or clarify your content or capture and maintain your audience's attention.

Practice Does Not Make Perfect

Good communication is never perfect, and nobody expects you to be perfect. However, putting in the requisite time to prepare will help you deliver a better speech. You may not be able to shake your nerves entirely, but you can learn to minimize them.

If you want to learn in a safe and structured environment, consider joining Toast Master International, wh has over 300 000 members and 15 000 clubs in 149 countries across the world. They have helped many people from various backgrounds become confident speakers, communicators and leaders.

With the proper focus, you can turn Public Speaking from a fear to an essential asset in your leadership toolbox.

Credit: Esther Snippe, NSAC, Majorie North