Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking
By: Paul Evans
I get very nervous when I am about to speak - I get hot, sweat, real thirsty and then I speak and my heart beats 100 miles an hour and when its over I never want to do it again - but I do it again - and it seems that even though I do it my symptoms do get any better - I do not overcome with doing it over and over - suggestions! ~ Mack
Hi Mack,
Here are some ideas...
1. While you might be overwhelmed internal does it show externally? I stress time again that the audience’s ignorance is a powerful tool. They don't know how much or little time you've prepared. They don't know if you're nervous or not.
2. Don't think about the speech, but get involved in the aspects leading up to your time at the platform. Enjoy the proceedings instead of using them as panic time.
3. Develop one surefire opener that you can use no matter what the crowd (assuming your speaking to a different group each time). Most of us tend to loosen up after we know the crowd is relaxed. I usually open with a funny story from my life.
4. If you are speaking to the same group time and again, get to know some of the people away from the meeting. The more people you know in the audience the more relaxed you will become.
5. Even if it's a new group, try to use the break to meet a few folks. You might be able to mention them in the presentation. That will show that you care for your audience and cause everyone to relax.
6. Know exactly how the audience will benefit from your talk. Know the value you give. That way you can be sure they walk away better even if you don't feel like you've done your best.
7. Your exhaustion may indicate being an introvert. That doesn't mean you don't have a great personality, but that crowds exhaust you. If possible set aside 10 minutes immediately after the speech to rejuvenate.
8. Stop telling yourself how horrible it is. Instead what are some opportunities that come from larger groups? Can you make more money, change more lives? If you do a great job is there someone in the room that could hire you to speak for their group for $5000 or more? The more people the greater the opportunity if you can exploit it.
9. Involve the audience and get the focus off of you. Have them read something aloud of the screen. Ask them to repeat something you've said.
10. You may not be able to eliminate all pre-speaking jitters, but they should disappear shortly after you begin. That's what it's important to have a dependable opening & know you have something valuable to share.
11. Look at each event as a chance to get better. Even though you are continuing to feel anxiety what can you learn from each speech? Review each talk mentally and find out what you did right. What you think really went over well. You might not get to say or do the same thing next time, but more importantly there is a principle behind what worked. Discover that principle. Then use it time and time again and keep building on the principle strengths of your presentation.
12. Listen to comments afterwards. Instead of just being glad you're done, pick up on the compliments you receive. When someone says, "Great job." Ask them what was great about it. Let them know that you want to get better so it's important for you to repeat the great things.
13. This might not be encouraging, but you can be sure that the people you're facing are glad you're giving the impromptu speech and not them!
Article Source: http://public-speaking-source.com
Paul Evans is the creator of Great Public Speaking.
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