Great Steps to Overcoming Your Fear of Public Speaking - Forever!

2010-04-01T07:39:00.000-07:00

As a highly-regarded Voice and Presentation Skills Coach, I love to speak in person to groups and organizations. But this is my first blog! I thought I'd start with a topic that a lot of people want information on, since I work with many clients who want to overcome their fear of public speaking.

You may remember that Jerry Seinfeld observed that the Number 2 Fear in life is Fear of Dying; the Number 1 fear is Fear of Public Speaking. And thus, at a funeral, most people would rather be the guy in the coffin than the one giving the eulogy! So I thought I'd offer some tips that could change all that!

Here are some tips:

1. Prepare! Preparation is the most important step in giving a good presentation
and in feeling confident in speaking. NEVER go into a presentation or a speech
thinking that you can “wing” it. (Panic is sure to follow if you do!)

2. Ask yourself, what does the audience want to know? When planning your
presentation, describe your speech in one complete sentence. Then build your
speech around that idea. This will help to keep your speech focused and concise.

3. Less is More! Edit your speech often. Use the Motivated Sequence (five steps
that follow the natural thought process of the listener) to organize your speech:
Attention, Need, Satisfaction, Visualization, Action. And when you are finished,
Stop! Don’t ramble on.

4. Give yourself plenty of time before your presentation. Arrive early and check
out the room. Don’t walk into any surprises by rushing in at the last minute.
5. Try not to schedule any big meetings or pressured situations before your
presentation. Give yourself time to relax beforehand, so that you will be more
relaxed when you present.

6. To bolster your self-confidence, remind yourself before your speech that the
audience Wants to hear what you have to say. They are not judging you: They
Need the information that you are presenting. This speech will be fun!

7. Before you begin speaking, take a breath, and center yourself. Don’t rush.
Remember that you are Only responsible for yourself and your presentation.
How the audience members react is up to them. SO if you feel confident and are
well-prepared, the audience Will respond.

8. Before you begin speaking, take a breath, and center yourself. Don’t rush.
Proper Breath Support is everything! Don't hold your breath.

9. When giving the speech, stay “in the moment.” Focus only on the speech at
hand right now. Think of nothing else but what you are saying “now!”

10. Keep your Energy UP by breathing after each phrase. Don’t drop off at
sentence end. Each word is important. Open your mouth -- Articulate!

11. Body language counts! Be aware of extraneous body activity and nervous
habits: Don’t apologize non-verbally. Nobody knows that you are nervous,
tired, or worried but you. Smile, and use eye contact!

12. To really get rid of the fear forever, start by thinking about WHY you feel
fearful when speaking. Take some time to explore yourself and your past. Once
any obstacles are recognized, they can be released! You can then take the steps
to feel more positive about yourself, and you will be more confident in speaking.

13. Your voice reflects you, your personality, and your emotions. If you Feel
confident and sincere, your voice will sound that way. Success will be yours!

Karen is The Voice of Success

Great Steps to Overcoming Your Fear of Public Speaking - Forever!