How to Succeed in Public Speaking

Do you get sweaty palms and jittery knees when the thought of standing up in front of a group of people enters your mind? Do you feel like screaming and running the other way when faced with the prospect of standing up at a podium? Are your nightmares filled with visions of having to talk to a group, with no idea of what you are supposed to say? Never fear. You’re not alone. There are many people who do not relish the thought of being in front of a group, or delivering a speech to a captive audience. Since there are so many people who are uncomfortable with this situation, there are some good techniques and approaches to use, which help you to stay calm and focused in the face of your nerves.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Time to practice
• A plan for your speech, either completely written out or in outline format
• Note cards

1. Practice your speech. This is the first, and possibly the most important, aspect to think about when preparing to speak in public. You must practice, practice, practice. Write your speech down in its entirety, if necessary, before you begin. Make sure you understand everything that must be covered, from the beginning to the end. Draw up an outline, and make sure that you have included everything you want to say.
   
   Ask a friend or family member if you can practice on him. No matter how much you practice, you will most likely always feel as if you are not entirely prepared. That’s okay–it’s a natural feeling to have. But if you are well rehearsed, chances are that this feeling will only be fleeting. Once you get up on that stage, you’ll find that you quickly get into the swing of your speech. Why? Because you practiced!
2. Know your subject. It is highly important that you know the subject of which you speak. If you are not sure about it, do a lot of research and study up, so that you know the topic backwards and forwards. If you are speaking about something of which you are an expert, then all the better.
3. Be enthusiastic about the subject. Your excitement and energy will rub off on your audience. They’ll feel how much you love what you’re talking about, and will be right there with you at every moment. If you are not exactly thrilled with your topic, try and find something about it that really gets you interested, and focus on that thing. It’s important that you have a positive connection to the topic at hand–otherwise, your audience will see that you are disinterested, and they will become disinterested too.
4. Make eye contact with your audience. This is important to remember, because it’s the best way to make a connection with them, and it will draw them into what you’re saying. It can be difficult to do, but you’ll find it easier once you get going, and realize that they are genuinely interested in your talk. The more you look at them, the more they’ll be engaged.
5. Use relaxation techniques before you begin. Practice deep breathing exercises, and try to rid your mind of those racing thoughts, which do nothing but make you more nervous. Breathe in slowly through your nose, and out through your mouth. While breathing in, lift your arms up from your sides until they are above your head, palms together. Turn your palms out, and slowly bring your arms down again to your sides, breathing out as you do. Keep your eyes closed and your mind composed. Repeat this exercise as often as you can or as necessary. It will help you to relax and stay focused.
6. Eat a well-balanced meal an hour or so before your speech. Make sure that you have the energy to think with clarity and that you are not hungry. Drink some water but not too much. It would be too bad if you had to excuse yourself halfway through!

Tips & Warnings

• Remember–your audience wants you to succeed. They are with you 100%. Think of them as friends whom you are talking with, about something they are really interested in.
• Make up some note cards to bring with you, which will give you an outline, or “roadmap”, of where your speech will go. Don’t write your outline in sentences--just think of some key words that describe each segment of the speech, as you want it to progress. For example, if your speech is on--say, speech-giving--you could write up your cards to say: 1. “Practice your speech. With friends/family.” 2. “Know your subject. Research. Be an expert.” 3. “Be enthusiastic. Focus on one thing.” And so on. Just remember to look up from your cards as much as possible. Try not to use them as something else to focus on. They should be a tool for you to use, not a crutch to lean on.
• Make sure that when you practice, you also focus on your vocal pattern. Try not to use a steady monotone, but instead use inflections and emphasis, especially on the points you feel are important. A voice that rings with good energy is a voice that creates interest.

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