Everyone has to speak in front of an audience from time to time. Despite much or no experience, everyone can experience anxiety, which prevents them from conveying their thoughts or making the desired impression on their listeners. We will share with you 5 effective techniques that will help to overcome the fear of public speaking.
Thorough preparation.
Whether it’s a homework assignment, a job interview, a presentation or a conference presentation, it’s important to prepare in advance:
determine the topic and key idea of the speech;
create a plan;
research the topic well;
take notes;
rehearse your speech.
You don’t have to memorize your speech. You can use an outline or look at a computer monitor or projector. Don’t be afraid to improvise and joke appropriately. Such a speech will look more natural and interesting.
Even if the topic is difficult to understand, try to speak sincerely and enthusiastically, then the audience will be able to adopt your enthusiasm.
- Consider options for provocative questions
Be prepared that in any audience, there will be someone who wants to provoke you. To reduce confusion, look for weaknesses in advance. Think about what questions your audience might ask, and try to answer them thoroughly. Learn to answer with confidence and clarity. 3.
3 Don’t be afraid of making mistakes.
Fear of making a mistake in public worries experienced speakers and novices alike. As a result, such excitement plays against you.
In fact, you can’t avoid making mistakes. The best way to overcome this fear is to get it right. Be sure that the listeners in most cases won’t notice your mistakes if you don’t focus on them. So when you make a mistake, keep talking or turn it into a joke.
- Find your style and image
Many actors and speakers learn from the example of the “greats.” So before you speak, analyze the work of several famous artists. Try to copy their facial expressions, manner of speaking, gesticulating in front of a mirror. Then work out your own unique style on the basis of the techniques you’ve learned. You can borrow some effective techniques from each artist.
Pay proper attention to your appearance. You don’t have to invest a fortune in a new image. Still, you should look attractive and tidy.
- Control your breathing.
Anxiety is accompanied by muscle tension, which makes it difficult to breathe and, therefore, to speak. Therefore, it is important to learn to control your breathing.
Before going on stage, do the following breathing exercises:
Take a deep breath and on the exhalation say a word with the use of the vowel “y” – uh, circle, fluff, etc.;
Imagine that you have in front of your nose is a fluff and breathe so slowly and calmly, that it does not disturb.
