Public speaking can be a scary experience. Feeling a little uneasy speaking in front of an audience is normal. If you are feeling totally overwhelmed and petrified with fear, there are many things you can do. The following public speaking suggestions will help you ditch the doom as you entertain, inform, and motivate your audience.
Be Prepared - Memorize your speech. If you need to have notes with you when public speaking to appear confident, just have small note cards. Arrange the cards in the order of your speech and only write down bullet points, not paragraphs of text. The cards will keep your speech to the point. Do not read straight from your note cards, just glance at them quickly.
Picture Giving a Great Speech - Practice visualizing your speech going brilliantly. Picture giving your speech perfectly to an audience hanging on to every word you say.
Get Familiar With the Stage - Visit the location you will be giving a speech beforehand or arrive early the day of your speech. Make the effort to get familiar with the stage, sound equipment, backstage areas, and any stairs leading to the stage. Pay particular attention to the amount of public speaking space on the stage so you know how much space you have.
Do an Equipment Check - Take the time to check your audio-visual equipment. This should include conducting a sound check, learning to operate the microphones, music, projectors, and other public speaking equipment. Also, ensure you have spare parts, such as replacements for burnt out projector bulbs and extra cables. Do not let faulty or broken equipment ruin your speech. Ensure that your audio-visual crew is competent with what they are doing.
Greet Your Audience - If it is possible, take the time to speak with your audience as they arrive. Knowing the nature of your audience will help you feel more comfortable when speaking to them. You may even obtain some ideas, stories, or jokes to include in your public speaking speech.
Take a Few Minutes to Relax - Make some time before your speech to get yourself prepared. Take some deep breaths and get focused. Do not consume alcohol to relax before speaking. Allow your nervous energy to become positive public speaking enthusiasm for your audience and your content.
If Things Go Wrong, Do Not Apologize - Most of the time your audience will have no idea something in your speech did not go well. That is, they will not comprehend unless you apologize.
Remember That Your Audience Wants You To Do Well - Your audience is looking forward to hearing you speak and they want you to succeed. They want to learn from you and anticipate an entertaining and informative speech.
