STAGEFRIGHT IS A BIGGIE. AND IT EVEN HAS ITS OWN NAME: ‘GLOSSOPHOBIA’
But the term “public speaking” no longer refers to just talking in front of a physical audience. It can also mean presenting to a virtual audience through online events, meetings, conferences. This blog exclusively focuses on how you can overcome your fear of public speak.
I hate speaking in front of large groups of people, yet I love picturing the standing ovation after delivering a great speech (you have to dream big, right?)
WHAT ARE THE COMMON FEARS WHEN IT COMES TO PUBLIC SPEAKING?
Looking like a fool Boring the audience
Being lost for words
People noticing your nervousness
People hating the presentation or, worse, getting up to leave
STEP #1: PREPARE YOUR ENVIRONMENT IN ADVANCE SO YOU CAN CONCENTRATE ON DELIVERY
Ultimately, you want to calm your nerves. Knowing that you’ve spent the necessary amount of time preparing not only your presentation but also your environment will ease that nervous feeling. Here are a few things to check before the big day:
WHAT EXACTLY WILL BE AVAILABLE TO YOU? - Laptop/tablet (do you need to bring your own?) Microphone , Projector or display, Presentation clicker , Power socket to plug in your laptop
FOR ONLINE PRESENTATIONS- Will you present from your machine or control the presentation via someone else’s computer? Will you need a webcam? Have you got a headset with a built-in microphone? If no headset, have you got a telephone with loudspeaker capability so your hands will be free to control the presentation? Have you got the log-in details?
REHEARSAL TIME -Have you set up a rehearsal beforehand so you can become familiar with your technology and surroundings?
SLIDES AND NOTES- Have you printed out your slides and notes in case of some sort of technical failure? In the worse case scenario, you will still be able to present, even if people can’t see your presentation.
Have you got the presentation saved in more than one place? For example, try multiple memory sticks in case one doesn’t work. You can also email the presentation to yourself or save it to a cloud storage service so you can find it quickly if you’re in a rush.
STEP #2: DON’T ALLOW THE TOPIC TO PETRIFY YOU
The one thing you’ll need most when speaking publicly is confidence. And nothing undermines your confidence more than being absolutely clueless about the topic you’re supposed to present on.
There are two ways to avoid getting rattled:
1. Pick a topic you’re an expert on.
2. If that is not an option and you’re stuck with a topic you know zilch about, cram as much knowledge as possible into your brain before the speech. Ideally, even get some hands-on experience with whatever it is you’ll need to talk about. Phew! Now that you know your stuff and you’re more prepared, the likelihood of looking like an utter fool has just decreased tenfold.
STEP #3: HAVE A STUNNING PRESENTATION READY
Before you even open your mouth, your audience will form an impression of you just by looking at your slides. So it’s imperative that you spend time crafting a stunning presentation — it’s just as important as the speech you give.
Arrange your ideas into a story arc
Conjure up a matching image for each idea
Use one idea per slide
STEP #4: PRACTICE AS IF YOUR LIFE WERE AT STAKE
Best of all, feeling secure about the opening line takes away much of the nervousness immediately before you go on stage. And once you’re past your first sentence, you’re in the flow.
Rehearse your presentations or speech at least five times out loud, sometimes coercing your colleagues to listen and provide feedback. Then spend extra time on polishing the opening and closing sequences and rearranging words and sentences until they feel just right. It all ties back to confidence. If you’ve rehearsed well, your confidence is high and that shows when you present. A smooth opening. No awkward pauses.
Do not forget to Smile & maintain eye contact with your audience.
Works every time!