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10 Tips
For Successful Public Speaking (source:
Toastmasters
International)
Feeling
some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and
healthy. It shows you care about doing well. But, too much
nervousness can be detrimental. Here's how you can control
your nervousness and make effective, memorable presentations:
- Know the room. Be familiar with the place in
which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the
speaking area and practice using the microphone and any
visual aids.
- Know the audience. Greet some of the audience as
they arrive. It's easier to speak to a group of friends
than to a group of strangers.
- Know your material. If you're not familiar with
your material or are uncomfortable with it, your
nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise
it if necessary.
- Relax. Ease tension by doing exercises.
- Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine
yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear, and assured.
When you visualize yourself as successful, you will be
successful.
- Realize that people want you to succeed.
Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating,
informative, and entertaining. They don't want you to
fail.
- Don't
apologize. If you mention your nervousness or
apologize for any problems you think you have with your
speech, you may be calling the audience's attention to
something they hadn't noticed. Keep silent.
- Concentrate
on the message -- not the medium. Focus your attention
away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your
message and your audience. Your nervousness will
dissipate.
- Turn
nervousness into positive energy. Harness your nervous
energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.
- Gain
experience. Experience builds confidence, which is the
key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide
the experience you need.
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