Whether we like it or not, it’s inevitable that at some point in our careers, we will find ourselves facing what is the average person’s number one fear—dreaded even more than death—public speaking. Public speaking is a core career skill that spans across industries and professions. From job interviewing, to presenting at a conference, to an impromptu presentation on your report findings at a stakeholder meeting, or even worse—chairing an entire meeting yourself, public speaking dominates every aspect of your career progression.
According to LinkedIn’s “2023 Most In-Demand Skills” list published in Feb. 2023, “communication” was high on the list and held second place, preceded only by “management.”
Understanding how to master the skill of speaking effectively so that you convey a message that resonates with your audience is important, but being comfortable and relaxed as you deliver the message is equally essential.
So how do we conquer our fears of speaking in front of a crowd, a small room of 8-10 people, or a virtual Zoom call with 100 people?
Perspective first
You are most likely scared because the sea of eyes gazing solely in your direction is nerve-wracking. You don’t like being the center of attention, where everything hangs on the drop of your words.
What if I stutter? What if I have a mind-blank? What if I trip and look silly? What if my slides stop working? What if I’m not taken seriously? What if I don’t make any sense at all?
These are just some of the crippling thoughts that we entertain before speaking on a topic, in spite of our level of expertise.
The most important thing to remember is that your audience—regardless of their level—is just as human as you are. They too, anticipate the same fears when they are asked to present or speak in front of others.
Speaking is an art. It is most effective when, instead of being reeled out from one’s notes, it feels genuine, resonates, establishes audience connection, and is human.
So, no, you do not need to be a perfect speaker. You need to be a real, sincere, human. Be yourself.
Master your topic
Become an expert at your topic. Know it inside out, from every possible angle. Consider worst case scenario questions that could be asked of you after your talk, speech, or presentation is over. Think in advance of your audience so you will always remain a step ahead. This will greatly reduce your anxiety and enable you to confidently deliver the subject matter.
Organize your talk
There’s nothing worse than waiting until the last minute before you start cramming in what should have been hours of preparation. If you organize the layout and skeleton of your talk beforehand, it will be easier for you, and for your listeners to remember. Here’s a genius practice you can use to connect with your audience, so they remember your presentation instead of feeling overwhelmed:
- Tell them what you’re going to tell them
- Tell them
- Then, tell them what you’ve told them
In other words, introduce your topic, focus on delivering that topic, then conclude by reiterating the body while inserting an immediate call to action so your talk is more memorable.
The Rule of Three
On step 2 listed above (tell them), stick to just three points and no more. While it may be tempting to throw in every possible angle into your talk, this only leaves your audience more confused and unable to remember anything by the end. The historic Rule of Three used by orators and professional speakers around the world, ensures that you and your speech are memorable, while keeping your talk concise and to the point.
Use bullet points
While some may find it useful to write out a talk word for word, the problem lies in either memorizing it as it has been written out or reading it direct from the paper. The first option can scare you into a brain freeze; the second disconnects you from the audience.
You may then find it better to structure your talk into bullet points that include short phrases that merely allude to what you need to say, serving as a trigger reminder.
Laugh at yourself
Stuttered? Said the wrong word by accident? Spoke for the last two minutes on Zoom not realizing you couldn’t be heard until someone said, “You’re on mute!”? (Quite the common post-pandemic workplace conundrum.)
Laugh it off! It happens to all of us.
Part of being genuine and relatable to your audience while demonstrating confidence, means you brush such faux pas aside and take it in your stride. Accept yourself, flaws, and all.
Lock in with your audience individually
Another effective way to master the room while controlling your own nerves is to speak to individuals, not the room. Have you caught yourself speaking to a sea of faces and feeling helplessly overpowered as a result?
Try this instead:
For every phrase or sentence, lock eyes with an individual. Then move on to the next person. Not only will they feel that you are indeed noticing and talking to them, but you will also feel less panic and apprehension about everyone else who is watching you.
Relax your body
According to award-winning presentation design agency Ethos3, exercise greatly improves your ability to focus, boosts your mood, controls your blood pressure, and regulates your anxiety. Secure a solid night’s worth of sleep the evening before, and have a bottle of water nearby in case you need it. Finally, as you wait your turn to speak, take time to do some deep breathing exercises.
Your strongest fear doesn’t need to be an overpowering, crippling force. When you accept yourself as you are, are confident in your voice and your angle to the topic you are presenting, and take time to really resonate with your audience, you will find your nerves significantly reduced. Your next public speech can open a world of opportunities to you. All you need to do is prepare and show up.
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