Conquer Speaking Fear: Expectations vs. Reality

~There are always three speeches, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave. – Dale Carnegie

We all know that speaking in front of a group is scary. Some people break out in hives, and some people would rather drink poison before getting up in front of a crowd to speak. Here are 5 tips to help you overcome your speaking fears. Remember, never let them see you sweat!

 

Here are your 5 tips to reduce your fear of speaking by taking the following steps.

 

1) Conduct Research.

Visit or call key participants to ask them what they expect from your presentation. That is, what do they want to learn from it? What do they already know about this topic? How will your presentation help them? Such conversations enlist these people as your allies during your presentation. It also helps you learn what people expect so that you can deliver it. This is like collecting the answers to an exam before taking it.

 

2) Prepare.

Write an outline, and if possible write a script for key parts of it (such as the opening and close). Then practice giving your presentation, without reading the script until you know it so well that you can deliver it conversationally. Avoid trying to memorize a script. That makes things too complicated and difficult. Practice your speech anywhere and at any time. For example, you can talk through parts of it while jogging, working on chores, or taking a shower.

 

3) Rehearse.

Practice your talk in the meeting room with a group of friends, coworkers, and (if possible) your boss. Ask for their comments on how to improve your talk. Also, use this as an opportunity to become familiar with the room and any equipment, such as a projector and your microphone set up.

 

4) Be the Host

Arrive early so that you can meet and greet the attendees before your presentation. Shake their hands and thank them for coming. Introduce yourself to them and engage them in small talk. (e.g., “How are you?”) Act as if they were guests coming to your party. This converts them from strangers into friends and helps to calm your fears.

 

5) Expect Success

Visualize yourself giving your speech and it is a huge success. If you let nightmares run through your mind, you will scare yourself. Give yourself confidence by expecting to do well.  Know that everyone wants you to do an excellent job.

 

Bonus Point

The key to success is being prepared. There are no such things as being overprepared. You need to know your speech inside and out. It helps you do a better job and fills you with confidence.