You Can Learn To Become An Efficient Public Speaker

You Can Learn To Become An Efficient Public Speaker

High among the list of scary things for many people is the fear of public speaking. Few things can strike fear into the heart of a person and one of them is facing an audience.

At any point in anyone’s life, a person has the opportunity to talk in front of an audience. Everyone who is faced with such a dilemma knows those familiar feelings of anxiety. This situation is often accompanied by sweaty palms, shaky voices, palpitations, and sometimes a few sobs.

It is at this precise moment that “visions” come -- thoughts of being laughed at and ridiculed emerged. You imagine standing frozen in front as you forgot what to say, mumbled along, and placed everyone to sleep.

At this point, you are yanked back into reality by the sound of the presenter introducing your name. What follows next can be pretty ugly.

Those who have experienced similar situations know how difficult and uncomfortable it is to make a speech. Even confident people can sometimes be stopped by stage fright. This has led many people to despise public speaking.

Yet there are people do it with such seemingly relative ease! It is because they know that public speaking is like a skill that can be learned. It can be learned by anyone, including you.

One of the most important things in preparing to make a speech is to maintain a positive mental attitude. Let your fears pass through you and realize that many people have done this before and therefore, you can do it too.

Here are some things to remember in making a speech:

1) Preparation is key.

You must know your topic inside and out. Write an outline of the speech, highlighting all the key points. Prepare possible questions and answers. It's important to understand the topic and not just to memorize words. That way, even if you forget the words mid-speech, you still have confidence to continue.

2) Practice as much as possible.

You must practice until you know it by heart. Use a timer to control the pace of the speech. A timer is useful especially if there is a time limit. Practice in front of a mirror and practice in front of friends. Ask for their opinions on how to improve your speech.

3) Arrive at the venue early and get a feel of the place.

Try rehearsing on the actual podium. Consider your appearance. Dress well in comfortable clothes. This will inspire confidence in your self, as well as, make good impression on the audience.

4) Breathe deeply.

It is normal to feel anxious before a speech but you can't let nervousness stop you from being effective. Deep breathing increases the flow of oxygen into the brain. This helps maintain a clear mind. It would also be good to have a glass of water on hand.

5) Don't be afraid of the audience.

Never assume that the audience knows more about the topic than you do. The audience isn’t there to hurt you. They are there in order to hear what you have to say. Pretend that the audience is composed of friends and family. Better yet, have one of your friends who listened to your speech attend.

Remember to maintain a positive mentality at all times. Never entertain the thought of messing up. Be confident in your preparations and in yourself. Believe that you can do it and you will.

Anyone can learn to speak in public confidently. All it takes is some practice and a positive mental attitude to overcome this common fear.