Some people are more afraid of public speaking than of death, say surveys. But it doesn't need to be this way.
Some of the problem is that public speaking is still rooted in an antiquated 1950s methodology, says Deborah Shames, co-founder of Eloqui, a business presentation and communication training firm.
That methodology called for a very structured and one-size-fits-all presentation, including how you opened, moved and gestured. "It's no wonder speaker anxiety affects much of the population," Shames said.
But there are steps you can take to not only reduce fear of public speaking, but also learn to enjoy it.
Know Your Content Without Memorizing It Word For Word
Public speaking anxiety sets in when you try to memorize content, Shames says.
"Learning a presentation word-for-word is not only time consuming, but a recipe for disaster," Shames, co-author of "Briefly Speaking: Communicate, Present, Prepare," said. "The speaker can't connect with the audience or change gears if the content isn't resonating."
Shames advises to work off an outline and utilize safety nets like "I" statements. "A speaker always knows their own perspective," she said. "And that lessens anxiety while raising effectiveness."
Identify Your Purpose To Crush Public Speaking
When assembling content for public speaking, most people were taught to begin with an agenda or talking points.
Instead, Shames recommends starting by identifying your intention. Your intention is the desired goal or purpose of your presentation.
"Intention is also a great editing device," Shames said. "It is a guide for what to include and what to leave out of a presentation.
Forget Your Typical Intro And Dive Right In When Public Speaking
You need to grab your audience's attention at the get-go or risk losing them forever, says Eden Gillott. She's the president of Gillott Communications, a strategic communications firm.
Gillott and Shames believe that frontloading your presentation with your biography or thanking everyone for their time is, ironically, a waste of everyone's time. Often someone will have already introduced you.
Speakers have about a 30-second honeymoon period with the audience, Shames says. You want the presentation to start right off delivering valuable information.
"Break from the norm and get creative with your opening by using a brief personal anecdote, timely headline or analogy that links to your presentation's main theme," Gillott said.
Further, "for a successful open, include your perspective, even though the more traditional way is to use 'we' as opposed to 'I' statements," Shames said.
Especially Master Your Beginning And Ending
Know and understand your opening cold for successful public speaking, Shames says.
"Since most anxiety begins about five minutes before speaking and diminishes after the first few minutes, knowing your opening well is critical," she said.
And a well-thought-out and executed closing leaves a memorable impression.
Prep For Public Speaking Properly
Other performance techniques Shames advises is to rehearse out loud vs. internally. Also, practice the way you'll be presenting. For example, practice your presentation standing up and walking around if that is what you're planning to do.
On presentation day, about 30 minutes before speaking, go to the quietest place you can find. "Don't interact with others and clear your mind," she said. "Stay in the moment."
Incorporate Storytelling In Public Speaking
Connecting your main points to a story can help make your presentation memorable and reduce your anxieties, says Mary Kelly. She's the CEO of StrataTech Education Group, a provider of skilled-trade education.
Kelly found that when talking to future or current students about StrataTech's programs, "sharing success stories of other students who have overcome challenges really resonates with our audience and motivates them," she said.
Shames: "When a speaker tells a story, rather than listing their product and services, we are more likely to remember them and their services."
Test Drive Your Public Speaking Outfit
You've probably given a lot of thought to what you're going to say and how you're going to say it. But often what you're going to wear doesn't get the same preparation, Gillott says.
Regardless if it's a new outfit or an existing one that's been tucked away in the closet, "make sure it fits you properly," Gillott said.
You want to feel good and powerful in your gear. Not being comfortable also heightens anxiety.
"Tugging on or shifting around in your outfit gives the impression that you're unsure of what you're saying and will undermine your credibility," Gillott said.
