Sandgate Toastmasters

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Taking the Terror out of Talking

  Educational Session by Trevor



So, your symptoms are

  • Knees shaking

  • Breathing difficulty

  • Voice wavering

  • Heart pounding

  • Mind is blank


No, it’s not love, but fear of speaking in public.

This is very common for both experienced and inexperienced speakers to be nervous, the difference being, knowing how to control and use the nerves to your advantage.

Fear of public speaking is the greatest fear ahead of heights, spiders, finance problems and even death.

These symptoms are the result of fear - what we are afraid of. It is what destroys our self-confidence.

M Y T H S

What are the MYTHS about public speaking?

That People are natural born speakers!

When have you heard “only natural born speakers sound relaxed and confident when they speak”

WRONG

The only reason they sound good and look good is because they practice. Seasoned speakers have more opportunities to speak, they are speaking in an encouraging environment. Being a good speaker is a matter of learning and most importantly, of “wanting to”

Speaking is a skill and skills can be learned.

NERVES ARE UNCONTROLABLE

Imagine your mind to be like a transmitter that can only do one thing at a time, - receive or transmit – it is up to you. If you are preoccupied with nervous tension that is all you will transmit, and you cannot transmit your message. You will never lose your nervous tension, therefore use it to your advantage. Nervous tension when used properly can enhance your presentation. It can certainly give it that extra edge.

I’ll forget my speech

The key is to control those butterflies in your tummy.

Good speakers keep the butterflies flying in formation and not all over the place.

Use of notes will assist with confidence at the start. Never try to be word perfect. Don’t psych yourself up to forget what you are about to say.

I’ll make a fool of myself

Don’t try to do too much too early. If you start slowly and build up, you will gain confidence. Don’t attempt to run before you can walk. Keep it simple, and most of all, be you and be natural.

TURNING ENERGY INTO POSITIVE FORCE

The Key is Experience/ Familiarisation

As mentioned, ‘so called natural born’ speakers have benefited from experience. They are familiar with public speaking, and are capable of controlling their nerves. By taking advantage of opportunities to speak in front of people, reduces fear, and helps to build your confidence.

Understand that audiences want you to succeed. It is not the end of the earth if you stumble or forget a point. You will survive, and the audience will forgive you. After all, we are not playing for sheep stations are we.

Become familiar with where you are speaking. You will feel much more comfortable walking into a situation that you know. So, try out the speaking area, stand up on the stage, walk around the room, get a feel for the place. There is a distinct advantage if you know the room and environment.

PREPARATION/PRACTICE

Prepare your topic. Make sure you do your research. Give yourself plenty of time to prepare and practice your presentation. Never, never leave things to the last minute.

Practice your speech over and over, not only to yourself, but out loud. Use your family, and if there is no one around, use some stuffed animals or toys. Visualise that these are the audience and look at them in the eyes. Practice your speech in front of a mirror. We are our own worst critics. Record your speech into a tape recorder. Video yourself and play it back. This is a great resource for correcting those mishaps. At first it’s a bit scary listening to yourself or seeing yourself, but you will get used to it and it will be a valuable tool.

Mental Rehearsal/Visualisation

You can use your thought processes to overcome nerves and achieve a positive result. Imaging yourself presenting your speech. Close your eyes and see yourself being introduced to the audience, walk to the lectern confidently, smiling, picture yourself speaking clearly and the audience responding. When you finish, the audience claps enthusiastically. Visualise your success. This is a technique often used by public speakers and top performers in business, sport and the arts.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES

Relaxation and breathing techniques can help the nerves.

Isometric exercises will help the tension caused by stress by increasing circulation and oxygen for example in the neck, shoulders arms. Deep breathing counters shortness of breath caused by anxiety.

Helps to focus the mind and helps with your voice projection.

Breathing from the diaphragm – inhale – stomach and diaphragm should expand, not the chest.

Count to four whilst inhaling – see the numbers in your mind – exhale thinking I am in control – by doing this it helps to focus the mind.

Combined breathing and counting will enhance your speaking technique

SUMMARY

  • Preparation

  • No one is a natural born speaker

  • The magic words are “I want to.”

  • Relaxation is an important part of developing effective communication

  • Picture yourself relaxed, confident and entertaining

  • To control nerves, breathe deeply and count slowly to four. Tell yourself  “I am in control.”

  • Don’t try to be word perfect

  • Be natural




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