Public speaking can be a frightening experience. Feeling a little nervous speaking in front of an audience is normal. If you are feeling totally terrified and petrified with fear, there are a number of things you can do. The following public speaking suggestions will help you nix the nervousness as you entertain, inform, and motivate your listeners.
Be Prepared - Memorize your speech. If you need to have notes with you when public speaking to feel confident, just have small note cards. Place the cards in the order of your speech and only write down bullet points, not reams 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 seeing in your mind 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 place you will be presenting 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 special attention to the amount of public speaking space on the stage so you are aware of how much room you have.
Do an Equipment Check - Ensure that you are able to check your audio-visual equipment. This should include doing a sound check, learning to use the microphones, music, projectors, and other public speaking equipment. Also, make sure spare parts are available, such as replacements for burnt out projector bulbs and extra cables. Do not allow faulty or broken equipment to ruin your speech. Ensure that your audio-visual crew is competent with what they are doing.
Greet Your Audience - When possible, take the time to speak with your audience as they arrive. Understanding 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 - Take 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 message.
If Things Go Wrong, Do Not Apologize - Most of the time your audience will have no idea something in your speech did not go according to plan. That is, they will not comprehend unless you apologize.
Remember That Your Audience Wants You To Do Well - Your audience is looking forward to listening to you speak and they want you to succeed. They want to learn from you and look forward to an entertaining and informative speech.
