Monday 8 April 2013

Public Speaking Tips for the Ordinary Person

By Zoe Smith


How are you when speaking in front of an audience? Are you comfortable and articulate-or do you find yourself stumbling all over yourself when you open your mouth in front of people? I have many friends who have had almost crippling public speaking anxiety. The good news is it can be overcome. Yes, you do not have to spend sleepless nights anymore worrying about each time you need to face people. Here are great public speaking tips you can use to help you in the future.

1. More often than not, we will have ample time to prepare before giving a speech. Gather every bit of material you can on the topic needed and study like crazy. You don't need to incorporate every trivia you got, but you must make sure that you know as much as you can about what you are speaking about. When you are confident on your expertise or knowledge of something, it will significantly ease the anxiety you are feeling.

Also, keep in mind that even if you have all this information in your head- do not read it verbatim. Speak from your heart. Be passionate about your topic. If you have prepared well and sincerely care about what you are saying, you will be an effective speaker.

2. If you are going to use power point, don't give a bullet point presentation unless you want to put people to sleep before the end of your talk. Make it as interesting as possible. Use colorful pictures, compelling images, engaging videos and sound bites. A short and straightforward presentation coupled with appropriate visuals is recommended.

3. Now, even if you are well prepared and have a fantastic presentation going for you-public speaking anxiety can still grip you. The scariest moment is 1 minute before your actual speech and when the fear hits you- take deep breaths. Imagine the positive outcome of your speech. Replay the points of your speech in your mind and envision your audience responding to it well.

4. It's always good to find at least one friendly face in the audience. If you don't have anybody with you-then look for someone who seems genuinely interested in what you are saying and direct your talk to him or her when the rest of the crowd is less than engaged. Even if one person was helped by what you have said, it has all been worth it.

5. If you want a successful talk, then engage your audience. Make your stories relatable or ask questions intermittently. Allow them to participate and make it seem like you are all friends simply having a good time. This not only dispels your own nervousness but the more positive the experience you leave your audience, the better they will remember what you have said.

Everybody has something to say-everybody. You might think you are the shyest person in the planet but there are people waiting to hear what you have in your heart. Use these great public speaking tips and make a difference today!




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