Public speaking can be a scary experience. Feeling a little uneasy speaking in front of a group is normal. If you are feeling totally terrified and petrified with fear, there are many things you can do. The following public speaking tips will help you ditch the doom as you entertain, inform, and motivate your audience.
Be Prepared - Memorize your speech. If you need to have notes with you when public speaking to be confident, just carry small note cards. Place the cards in the order of your speech and only write down bullet points, not paragraphs of text. The cards will keep your speech "on track". Do not read directly from your note cards, just look at them quickly.
Picture Giving a Great Speech - Practice visualizing your speech going brilliantly. Picture delivering your speech without fault to a group hanging on for every word you say.
Get Familiar With the Stage - Visit the location 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 careful attention to the amount of public speaking space on the stage so you know how much space you have.
Do an Equipment Check - Ensure that you are able to check your audio-visual equipment. This should include conducting a sound check, learning to use the microphones, music, projectors, and other public speaking equipment. Also, make sure you have spare parts, such as replacements for burnt out projector bulbs and extra cables. Do not let faulty or broken equipment ruin your speech. Make sure your audio-visual crew knows what they are doing.
Greet Your Audience - If it is possible, take the time to speak with your audience as they arrive. Understanding the nature of your audience will allow you to 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 - Make some time before your speech to get yourself ready. Take some deep breaths and get focused. Do not drink alcohol to relax before speaking. Direct your nervous energy into positive public speaking enthusiasm for your audience and your message.
If Things Go Wrong, Do Not Apologize - Nine times out of ten your audience will have no idea something in your speech did not go as you wished. That is, they will not comprehend unless you apologize.
Remember That Your Audience Wants You To Do Well - Your audience is looking forward to hearing you speak and they want you to be successful. They want to be informed by you and anticipate an entertaining and informative speech.
