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Public Speaking – It Isn’t So Scary!
(This article can be reprinted; as long as the byline at the end of the article is included)
Linda Musgrove
TradeShow Teacher
www.tsteacher.com
linda@tsteacher.com
When you think of Public Speaking are you the type that says "Oh yeah, hand over that microphone and give me an audience!" OR are you more of the type that fears Public Speaking more than death? If you fall in the second category, don't worry, you're not alone; fear of Public Speaking has been reported as one of the top fears on people's minds!
This particular article will focus on a few tips to overcome those fears and physical symptoms you feel when having to speak before a group; such as pounding heart, shaking knees, sweaty palms, memory lapse, dry mouth and more! You know what I'm talking about!
What are Some Public Speaking Occasions in a Business Environment?
- Presentations
- Sales Meetings
- Seminars
- Impromptu Speeches
- Panel Discussions
- Leader of A Group
So Why Is Public Speaking Scary To So Many?
Fear Of:
- Listeners Disapproving
- Criticism
- People Walking Out of The Room in the Middle of the Presentation
- Mistakes
- Not Knowing the Audience or Material Well Enough
- Stumbling on Words
- "Blanking Out" and Forgetting What To Say
How Do You Prepare Yourself (Tips from the TradeShow Teacher)
- Create a Worksheet to Outline the Plan of Your Speech
You can use a Linear Format, BUT you should consider using the "MindMap" Format; for quite some time I
shuddered at the thought of using a MindMap, but once I forced myself to try this style of outlining, I
was amazed at how fast I was able to create speech outlines!
- Familiarize Yourself With the Room Whenever Possible:
Arrive early, or visit the location a few days before so you can feel more comfortable and envision
yourself giving the presentation in that "space".
- PRACTICE:
Need I say more?!
- Fake it 'Til You Make It!
Yes, Public Speaking can be scary!!! Just remember to fake confidence until you feel it - then nobody will
notice that you feel sick to your stomach! All presenters feel butterflies in their stomach before
presenting; they'd be lying if they said they didn't!
The first few times I did seminars I thought I was going to pass out! Instead, I smiled and acted like I
had done it a million times; after the seminar the audience rated the Seminar Content and Speaker as
Excellent on the Evaluation forms! After the first few times I presented it was easier to remind myself
that I will do a great job and that I just have to "Fake Confidence" until it catches up! The hardest part
for myself, and most presenters in general, is the introduction, once you get past that it's typically
"smooth sailing"!
- Don't Rush Through the Presentation:
Pace yourself and try not to talk too fast! Nobody will understand what you're saying!
- Relax Yourself:
No, not with some alcohol; having a "drink" is actually one of the worse things you can do before giving a
speech! What I mean is; before you go "on-stage" take a deep breath and relax yourself.
- Find Opportunities
Constantly be on the lookout for Public Speaking opportunities to hone your skills! The more you do it
the better you will become!
Top 10 Tips From Toastmasters
1.) Know your material: Pick a topic you are interested in. Know more about it than you include in your
speech. Use personal stories and conversational language – that way you won’t easily forget what to
say.
2.) Practice. Practice. Practice!: Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using.Revise as
necessary.
3.) Know the audience: Greet some audience members as they arrive. It’s easier to speak
to "friends" than to strangers.
4.) Know the room: Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the
microphone and any visual aids.
5.) Relax: Ease tension by doing exercises. Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.
6.) Visualize yourself giving your speech: Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and
confident. Visualize the audience clapping – it will boost your confidence.
7.) Realize that people want you to succeed: Audiences want you to be interesting, informative and
entertaining. They don’t want you to fail!
8.) Don’t apologize: For any nervousness or problem – the audience probably never noticed it.
9.) Concentrate on the message – not the medium: Focus your attention away from
your anxieties & concentrate on your message and your audience.
10.) Gain experience: Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking.
TO LEARN MORE about Toastmasters, click here: www.toastmasters.org
Linda Musgrove, the TradeShow Teacher helps companies improve their Trade Show Results through customized Educational Trade Show Marketing Programs; with programs for individuals, or entire departments and with the Trade Show Training Manual she authored, titled: Trade Show Training, for Increased Return On Investment. Visit http://www.tsteacher.com to register for the FREE Trade Show Tactics Newsletter! Call (888) 547-7410 for a FREE consultation.
More About the TradeShow Teacher
(This is for informational purposes and does not need to be included if you wish to re-print this article
Serious Businesses have Linda Musgrove, the TradeShow Teacher.
Why do these professionals actors and musical artists have coaches? To understand their audience, improve their performance, market themselves to their target audience and so on.
Why do businesses need the TradeShow Teacher? So they can speed your sales cycle, increase revenue and increase Trade Show ROI by learning how to:
- Select the Right Shows to Exhibit at
- Obtain Qualified Leads
- Target Public Relations and Marketing
- Design Effective Graphics and Messaging
- Set Strategic Goals and Objectives
- Create an Effective Lead Handling Process
- Master Networking Skills
- Streamline the Planning Process
- "Stand Out" from the Crowd
- AND MUCH MORE!
