Many people work in jobs that require them to speak to an audience of their peers, team members or strangers. It could be at an office meeting, training session, or a public venue. How many people genuinely enjoy public speaking? Trust me… few people do! If not managed well, it can have a negative impact on ones self-esteem and create anxiety. Alternately, it is a great confidence booster.
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The First Time
I was elated when offered the opportunity to conduct quarterly training sessions on a compliance topic to an entire business complement of approximately two hundred individuals in varying positions. However, reality soon set in upon realizing that I must get it right to ensure that all team members were on board with the business goals. Yes, I was nervous but I survived the moment! Surprisingly, after my first session, I found myself looking forward to the next.
Public speaking is an acquired skill; very few people are born with the gift of gab and can hold an audience’s attention for more than a minute.
The Butterflies
The butterfly in the stomach sensation is the adrenalin rush from excitement and anxiety; wanting to do well and the fear of failure. Public speaking gets easier as you talk more and become more relaxed with your audience. So, expect to have a few butterflies fluttering around from time-to-time.
According to a Human Resources manager, once you lose the butterflies, you lose your edginess – the feeling of wanting to do well – and your delivery becomes stale. So, hang on those butterflies, they normally fly away after the first five minutes or so, as you settle into your presentation.
Tried And Proven – Public Speaking
Some activities that I found useful and you may as well:
Train. Take a public speaking course. It will help you to deal with the fear of speaking in front of a live audience. It also improves the way you engage with others.
Prepare. Do your research. Double-check the information to make sure it’s relevant to the topic.
Know your audience. Tailor your presentation to the individuals who will be hearing it. You would not use the same language with middle school children that you use with business managers.
Practice. Use your family and friends as your audience and allow them to give you feedback. Your bedroom mirror is great too!
Audio / Visual Media. Check your audio / visual equipment at least a day prior to your delivery. Work with your IT department to make sure everything is up and running as it should. IT support will be your best friend for this activity and should be within easy reach in the event that issues arise during your presentation.
Be Early. Be in the meeting area to meet and greet the participants, it’s a terrific way to introduce yourself and have a light moment before your begin your presentation.
Voice Control. Project your voice so that it fills the space and draws the audience in. Modulate – know when to raise or lower your voice to make a point. Speak clearly and calmly, pace yourself. Do not shout, it creates noise.
Breathe. Find a quiet place and practice deep breathing before your delivery. Taking deep breaths can be calming and help you stay focused.
Feedback. Important so that you can take the necessary steps to address problems and concerns, and improve your next session.
Don’t dismiss the after-thoughts on how you managed your delivery as these will help you to grow into the role and perfect your craft.
T’s Motto: Life Matters…You Matter!
Connect with us @ https://t-worktalk.com/ and be inspired. Certified In Public Speaking, I hope you find the content useful.
DISCLOSURE: THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED ON THIS BLOG ARE MY OWN. THE CONTENT MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS.
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Pabkic speaking can be hard. When I have to do a speech I’m concentrate on what I’m saying and trying to look on auditorium not at someone in it.
Beautiful post. Giving speeches can be so nerve wrecking. I like to remember my why, and that helps me pull through.