How to Speak Out in Public

Author: Monica Porter
Date Of Creation: 17 March 2021
Update Date: 1 July 2024
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How I Overcame My Fear of Public Speaking | Danish Dhamani | TEDxKids@SMU
Video: How I Overcame My Fear of Public Speaking | Danish Dhamani | TEDxKids@SMU

Content

Public speaking is something that many people fear, and even this fear has its own name, "glossophobia" (fear of public speaking). Fortunately, by properly preparing and applying some techniques to stay calm, you can overcome your feelings of anxiety and speak confidently in public about any reason and owner. which subject.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Prepare your speech

  1. Determine why you want or need to speak. Perhaps you must speak or give presentations at school or work, or you may be invited to speak on a topic of your expertise or passion.Keep in mind the reasons for having to speak in public while preparing to help you focus on what to convey to your audience or what you want to achieve through your speech.
    • If you have to give a lecture in class, be sure to carefully review the topics and directions to make sure the presentation meets all the requirements.

  2. Get to know your audience so you can tailor your content to their interests. In order to attract the attention of your listeners, it is very important to provide information relevant to them. When possible, find out the listener's age, background, and education level. You should also be aware of their beliefs and values ​​and their attitudes towards the topic you are about to present so that you can tailor the content to make your speech more convincing.
    • Talk to a wide range of audiences before making a speech to learn what is important to them and why they are participating in your presentation.
    • For example, when speaking to a group of high school students, you need to use simpler and more humorous language; When speaking to soldiers, you have to be more standard.

  3. Keep in mind your goal as you prepare speech. Depending on the situation, you will need to research the topic before you start writing content. Next, you need to create an outline that includes all of the main points you want to convey. Give facts and some metrics along with personal experiences, even a little or two if you think they'll be well-received. Write down the entire speech on a sticky note so you can practice.
    • Always remember why you're talking about this topic and make sure the whole piece is focused on your goal or the call to action.
    • An engaging opening or introduction is crucial. Share stories, metrics, or facts to grab listeners' attention and make them want to dig deeper.
    • Present key points in logical order so that your argument can be understood by the audience. Use change words / sentences to guide the listener to the next content.
    • End your speech with a thoughtful story, facts, or a call to action for your audience to ponder after you've finished your presentation.

  4. Remember the allotted time, if any. If you are attending a limited presentation event, be sure to deliver within the time allotted. You will practice presenting at different speeds and note the completion time to consider reducing content. In most cases, the shorter the content, the better!
    • Typically, a 5-minute speech will have about 750 words, while a 20-minute speech will consist of 2,500-3,000 words.
  5. Practice speaking until you don't need to see the note. It is important to be prepared when speaking in public. While you can start practicing by reading what you've written, the goal is to memorize the key points or at least remember the key points, so that you don't have to rely on your sticky notes while giving a presentation.
    • Don't just practice from the beginning of your speech. Try starting from different sections so that you will know each section. This way, if you get lost or can't remember what you've said, you'll get used to starting from a different part of your presentation.
    • You can practice speaking in front of the mirror, in the car, or when gardening, exercising, cleaning, shopping or just about anything. This way, you will remember the content better and have more time to practice.
  6. Prepare supportive images if you like or find necessary. Image support will help in reducing anxiety. Besides, you and the viewer will also easily focus on the image. If you find the right theme or event, create a slideshow, bring in tools, posters, or share pictures to help clarify the main points.
    • Remember to have a backup plan in case the devices don't work! If necessary, get ready for a presentation without image support.
  7. Use an image aid tool. The photo assistant is your friend. Even if what you say does not require an aid, you should still project something on the screen next to or behind you. When the audience has something to see other than you on stage, you'll feel more at ease. However, don't look at the screen - look at your computer or memorize the presentation so the information on it is like an extension of your mind.
  8. Repeat what you said. Repeating key phrases once or twice is a great way to emphasize the main points, and repeating questions from your audience not only gives you more time to think, but also gives the impression that you are pay attention to their questions. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Stay calm

  1. Admit that you are worried. Don't be afraid to let other people know your feelings. Try clasping your hands, breathing deeply, and standing with confidence to control your nervousness and anxiety; This method will also help you become calmer. Admit to the crowd that you're feeling anxious is also not a bad idea, which will make you feel more understanding and at ease.
  2. Reshape your audience. Don't imagine people in front of you naked or just friendly pigs, as this is too silly. Instead, change your perception of them: see them as students of the same age and are as nervous as you are because they are about to present when it's their turn, or see them as a bunch of exemplary old friends. the face is familiar and supporting you.
  3. Visit the venue before the event. If you've never been to the place you're going to give a presentation, trying to figure out what the place looks like can worry you. So, do your research in advance so that you get used to the place and know the location of the toilet, emergency exits, etc.
    • This will also help you plan your travel routes in advance and know how long it will take to get to your destination on the day of the event.
  4. Take care of your appearance. Having a good look will help you feel more confident, so take some time to work with your appearance before giving your presentation. Choose clothes that are stylish but still relevant to the event. Get a haircut or nail care if you need to bolster your confidence.
    • In most cases, casual pants and a shirt are good for presentations. Or, you can also wear a suit and wear a tie or pencil skirt and blazer. Make sure your clothes are clean and free of wrinkles.
  5. Recognize your fear so you can overcome it. Don't feel ashamed when you are afraid of public speaking. Admit that you are afraid and accept the feeling. You might think, "My heart is pounding, my mind is empty and I'm very nervous." Next, you will tell yourself this is normal and the adrenaline that causes these symptoms indicates that you care about what you do.
    • Turning adrenaline into a passion helps you communicate to your audience why what you say is important.
    • Visualizing yourself succeeding in a presentation can help you perform better; So take a few minutes to imagine all is going well.
  6. Let go of your bewilderment before you go on stage. The hormone adrenaline can overwhelm you with energy of anxiety. Before giving a presentation, try jumping jacks a few times, shaking your hands, or bouncing to your favorite song. You will feel calmer and more in control when facing an audience.
    • You can also exercise the morning of your presentation to dispel anxiety and release energy.
  7. Take a deep breath to stay calm. You've probably heard this advice a million times, but it's true: deep, controlled breathing can really help calm you down. Inhale with 4 counts, hold your breath for 4 counts, then exhale with 4 counts. Repeat until you feel the pulse is no longer fast and everything is under control.
    • Avoid talking too fast, panting as this leads to too fast breathing.
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Method 3 of 3: Presentation of speech

  1. Face the audience. While it may feel like avoiding the eyes of the people staring at you, facing your audience and talking to them face to face makes you look more confident. Stand up straight and stretch. Surely you can do this!
  2. Act as if you were chatting with your friends. Thinking about the entire audience and their reactions can make you even more nervous. Instead, pretend you're talking to someone you know and trust. This is a way to help you stay calm and feel more confident.
    • Many people even offer the idea of ​​an audience wearing pajamas, but this can make you feel more anxious or uncomfortable. However, if you think this is a way to ease your anxiety or fear, feel free to do so.
  3. Speak with a moderate speed. Many people speak very quickly when they are nervous or want to quickly complete a task. However, speaking quickly will make it difficult for the audience to grasp what you say. On the other hand, you shouldn't be too slow to make the audience bored or think you look down on them. Speak with the speed you would normally use when chatting with someone.
    • In particular, you should aim to speak 190 words per minute when giving your speech.
  4. Speak loudly and clearly so everyone can hear your content. When speaking in public, it's important to make sure the entire audience can understand what you're saying. Speak out loud, round and clear with a strong voice. Use the microphone when you are equipped. If not, speak louder in casual conversation, but avoid shouting.
    • Practice saying a few tongue twisters to warm up before the presentation. For example, repeat the sentence “Sticky rice is village sticky rice. Rice class in the layers of her heart brightly "or" Eat grapefruit in the afternoon ". If you are giving an English presentation you can practice saying "Sally sells seashells by the seashore" or "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers".
  5. Make eye contact with the audience. If you have a friend or relative coming to your presentation, look at them. An encouraging nod or a smile can reassure you and help you feel more confident. If you don't know anyone, choose a few audience members and look at them from time to time. This is how your audience feels more connected to you while you give your presentation.
    • If you are too scared of making eye contact, look at a point above the audience's head. However, you should avoid looking at the ceiling or looking at the floor.
  6. Express your thoughts clearly while speaking. Avoid speaking in a steady voice and stand still like a rock. In casual conversations, people will relax, use hand gestures and express emotions through facial expressions. You should also do the same when giving public speaking! Show your enthusiasm and let your audience know why this topic is important to you through your body language and tone.
    • Show your emotions so that your audience can sympathize with you. As long as you don't go too far and show a strong emotion that you can't keep talking. Create a balance between professionalism and passion.
  7. Pause as needed. Silence, especially when there is purpose, is not a bad thing. Don't feel like you have to keep talking. If you feel nervous or forget what you said, pause for a few seconds to organize your thoughts. Besides, if you make an important argument or think about it, stop to let the audience absorb what you just said.
  8. Keep talking even if you make a mistake. Clumsy use of words or omitting an important idea can freak out. Remember, however, that everyone makes mistakes, and the audience won't see mistakes as big of a problem as you think they are. So, instead of "standing still" or running off stage, take a deep breath and continue performing. Don't focus on your mistakes - instead, focus on communicating so that your audience understands your message.
    • Nobody is perfect and you shouldn't expect the presentation to be perfect! Be yourself.
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Advice

  • Join groups like Toastmaster to improve your public speaking skills.
  • Participate in speaking activities to learn what makes a great speech and what to avoid.
  • Don't think that you have to pretend to be a different person when speaking in public. Let your audience know who you are and why your point of view deserves attention.

Warning

  • Avoid reading on sticky notes or slides when possible.
  • Don't underestimate yourself. Even if things go wrong, this is still not the end of the world.