How to Master the Art of Public Speaking

overcome that stage fright

Some people fear public speaking more than death. However, the fear of public speaking doesn't need to stop you from presenting. You just need to practice, visualize your performance and ask for feedback. Here are some tips on how to get your groove and do a public speech with ease.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Practice
• Confidence

1. Practice and visulaize. Practice your presentation in front of the mirror, record and watch youself and assemble small group of co-workers to give you their feedback. In each practice session, visualize your successful speech and all the steps to it. This includes walking to the podium, reading your notes, how you will look at the audience and even what hand gestures you will use.

2. Exercise shortly before your speech. Exercise creates extra oxygen in the blood, which can increase your ability to focus and concentrate. It is also stress relieving. Exercise varies, but it is important to get 15 or 20 minutes of brisk workouts about an hour before the speech. Take into account the time you'll need to shower off any sweat.

3. Self affirm your abilities. This means reflecting on your personal strengths before speaking. It will boost your confidence and decrease anxiety. Perhaps doing so will help you gain confidence in knowing that you are mentally prepared prior to the speech.

4. Allow yourself to be a little nervous. A little bit of stress is good for you because a small amount of stress speeds up the heart rate and improves mental focus. In the short term, this can be beneficial to your speech.

5. Practice makes perfect. After a successful speech, stress levels go down. Doing several successful speeches allows the body to decrease stress levels each time. Eventually you will reach a point where the brain disregards the original fear. A perfect example: A child who is afraid of school on his first day begins to become confident after being in school several days from experience. Your speaking experience will boost your confidence so that you'll naturally flow through a speech like you would if it were normal chatting.

Tips & Warnings

• Presidential candidates practice to the point where speeches become second nature. You can never practice enough. Pay attention to blunders and mistakes in successive speeches to correct them.

• The amount of speeches needed towards an individual's success varies with each person.

References

• Toastmasters International: 10 Tips for Public Speaking