You feel like your stomach is doing backflips and your palms are all sweaty just by thinking about public speaking? Well, you’re not alone. For many of us, speaking in front of a group can trigger a fight or flight response that makes us want to run in the opposite direction. Especially since we’re so used to remote meetings and remote situations, public speaking is more daunting than ever. But with the right tips and techniques, you can be standing on that podium or in the front of the room with Beyonce-style confidence in no time. From deep breathing exercises to success visualization, we’ve got you covered with effective strategies that will make you look like a professional in front of any audience. Here are our 7 tips and tricks for the job:
5 tips to overcome your fear of public speaking
1. Be an expert in your subject
When it comes to public speaking, knowledge is power. Although it is a little obvious, it is an important point to remember: the more you know your subject, the more confident you will be when you show it to others. So, be sure to research your topic thoroughly and gather as much information as possible. This may mean reading articles or books, watching videos related to your topic, talking to experts in the field, or even attending relevant events to gain new insights. Continue your research—there really is no such thing as being prepared! This will not only strengthen your confidence but also make your talk more interesting and informative to your audience. In all things, be omniscient.
2. Prepare notes or create note cards
Organization is key when it comes to delivering a successful speech or presentation. Creating a notebook or note card can help you stay on track, and keep you from getting lost in your thoughts or choked by nerves. What makes a successful note card, you may ask? First of all, you obviously want to avoid reading everything you talk about on a single piece of paper. So, start by turning your points into the most popular promotional messages, and take the time to organize them into a logical order that flows well and makes sense to your audience. Don’t worry about getting everything perfect on the first try, as you can always revise as you go along. Not only will this help you stay organized and focused, but it can also reduce some of the stress and anxiety that comes with public speaking. If one of your biggest fears is drawing holes, then this tip is your best friend.
3. Make eye contact
Eye contact is not only important for building a connection with your audience, but it also helps you keep them engaged and focused on your presentation. Looking down at your notes or down throughout your speech will distract the audience from looking elsewhere, such as at their phone or the type of sandwich they’re going to have on vacation. their lunch. By making eye contact, you let your audience know that you care about them and their presence in the room. No one wants to be with someone they can’t communicate with, right? If you are afraid of looking into the eyes, start with a small group of people or even practice in front of a mirror (cheesy, but it really helps!). And don’t be afraid to smile or show a little personality when you visit. It will make you look more confident, so step into a more natural-looking space. The goal is to make a connection with your audience, and eye contact is key to that aspect.
4. Do a deep breathing technique
Ever since we were children, we have been told to breathe when we need to breathe. But what? It works. When we are afraid, our breathing becomes slower and faster, which can increase our anxiety and make us more anxious. Therefore, by taking deep breaths, you can relax your muscles and reduce stress, which eventually leads to a more powerful speech or presentation. Before you begin, take a few moments to focus on your breathing, then breathe in slowly through your nose and fill your lungs with air. Hold your breath for a few seconds and let it out slowly through your mouth, and repeat this process several times to make your whole body melt and relax. If you start to feel the nerves moving while speaking, find a good time for a natural pause and get one good breath. Sitting is everything, breathing is one of the best ways to do it.
5. Visualize & Visualize Your Success
It’s time to be a cheerleader. If you go into a situation that insists on success, such an opportunity can happen. Looking at a successful speech or presentation and telling yourself that you’re going to hit it can help you organize ideas by creating positive thoughts of yourself to deliver easily. . Leading up to the big moment, try to visualize yourself standing in front of your audience, feeling calm, collected, and confident. Imagine that your voice is strong and clear, and that your audience is engaged and interested in your point. Give yourself some positive affirmations, and know that you will do the best you can. Public speaking is a mental game, so if you really believe you can nail it, you probably will. Now go to the podium yourself.
