What do people fear more than death? According to several surveys, the answer is public speaking. Whether or not there’s any truth to that is debatable (but first you’d have to find some people who aren’t afraid to debate in public). There’s even a name for this fear—glossophobia. Psychologists classify it, simply, as social anxiety disorder although those who claim to have it may not actually be afraid of any other social interactions.
You don’t need to be knowledgeable about the technical aspects of glossophobia, social anxiety disorder or, in layman’s terms, fear of public speaking, to know that when the word “speech” follows the phrase “You have to give a” you break into a cold sweat and your knees start to tremble. You can even feel your cheeks beginning to turn red just at the mere thought of it. For some people it doesn’t even matter if they have to make a presentation to a small group of people or a speech to a large one, the fear of speaking publicly is still overwhelming. Since you may be called upon to do this at some point in your career, you can benefit from overcoming your fear and learning how to effectively—and calmly—speak to a group. Following these 12 tips can help you do this:
1. Learn as much as you can about your topic: You will be much more comfortable talking about something about which you are knowledgeable.
2. Find out who your audience will be: Will you be addressing a group of experts or one that knows little about the topic? Knowing which will help you structure your presentation accordingly as well as prepare for it. You should always know more than your audience does.
3. Prepare a presentation: Don’t attempt to give a presentation off the cuff. If you carefully prepare an outline of what you want to cover you won’t have to worry about forgetting something important.
4. Don’t memorize your speech: If you memorize your speech verbatim and then forget even just one line of it, you will have trouble catching up. You are much better off knowing the essence of what you want to say, but not necessarily every word of it.
5. Practice: It doesn’t matter whether you practice in front of a mirror or a video camera, or with a friend. If you practice your speech several times—again not memorizing every single word of it—you will feel more comfortable on the big day.
6. Anticipate questions your audience may ask: This will allow you to prepare your answers.
7. Dress well, but comfortably: You will want to dress well for your presentation. Wear an outfit that you look good in and feel good in as well. You don’t want to feel your collar choking you or your shoes pinching your feet while you’re up at the podium.
8. Stop telling everyone how nervous you are: Talking about your anxiety will just serve to exacerbate it.
9. Keep a glass of water next to you: Dry mouth happens to everyone not only those who are fearful of speaking publicly.
10. Find some friendly faces in the audience: Try to find people in different parts of the room with whom you can make eye contact during your presentation.
11. Use visual aids: A slide show, for example, will make your presentation more interesting and will give your audience something to focus on other than you. Check to make sure the facility at which you are giving your speech has the equipment you need and that you know how it works. If you are planning a digital presentation you will need a smart podium for instance. If it doesn’t have what you need, plan accordingly. Don’t forget that your slides are there to supplement your speech. Don’t read directly from them.
12. Speak slowly: Don’t rush through your speech. People tend to talk more quickly when they are nervous so make a conscious effort to slow down. You will be less likely to stumble over your words if you speak slowly.
