How to Speak in Public

Many people have a fear of public speaking. They worry that they will lose their words, bore the audience or somehow make a fool of themselves. It is easy to try to avoid public speaking, but that usually doesn't work out. Everyone has to speak publicly at some point in their life. You may give a presentation in a class or a meeting. Or you'll give a toast at a wedding. Maybe you'll have to give an acceptance speech for some honor you've received. Follow these steps to satisfy your audience and transcend your fear of speaking publicly.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Relax. Don't pressure yourself to be perfect. Your audience doesn't expect you to be. They want you to succeed just as much as you do. Release nervousness by shooting down all your anxious thoughts. If you're thinking you'll forget everything, remind yourself that you are prepared and knowledgeable. Visualize yourself doing well.

2. Be yourself. You are not Jack Canfield or Tony Robbins. So, don't try to take on some caricature of what you think a public speaker should be. Share your true personality with your audience, and they'll find you relatable. Pretend to be something that you're not, and they'll detect it.

3. Know your topic. Try to speak about a subject you know well. Research the topic to make sure that you are comfortable. Public speaking is easier when you don't feel like a fraud.

4. Know your audience. Tailor your message for the group you are speaking to. If you're at a church function, then dirty jokes certainly won't go over well.

5. Give value. Base your speech on 2 or 3 main points. Your audience will not remember every little detail you tell them. They'll be satisfied if they leave with something they can use, and that is what public speaking is all about.

Tips & Warnings

• Hold a small object in your hand to channel your nervous energy.
• Pick 3 points throughout the room and focus on them alternately.

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