Your hands sweat, your voice is cracking, you’re experiencing shortness of breath and the shakes. Have you ever experienced any of these symptoms? They are sure signs of speech anxiety . Some of us would rather have a dentist perform root canal than give an oral presentation. Admit it, at some point you’ve probably been nervous about giving a presentation. Being nervous is normal because you want to do a great job. Guess what? You are not alone! Millions of people battle speech anxiety every day in their professional lives. Many of us set up roadblocks serving as our own worst critic. We judge ourselves mercilessly. The result? We create speech anxiety. Most of the time, anticipation is often worse than the reality.
What causes speech anxiety? It’s simple. We all want to be liked and respected. Just about everyone wants both. Instead of worrying about being liked or respected just strive to be your authentic self.
There are 7 Steps to successfully overcoming speech anxiety. These will put you into a ‘No Fear Zone.’ Remember your audience cannot see inside you. They have no idea that you are experiencing speech anxiety, also known as nervousness.
1] Know you audience and purpose – The more you know about your audience the more confidence you have that your speech will be successful. Provide two-way dialogue and interactivity with your audience. Remember that you’re the expert and they hired you to share your knowledge. Use audience participation whenever possible . Break the audience into small groups and have them discuss key issues then invite them to share their observations. This technique helps build audience connection.
2] Research your topic – Select an appropriate topic that you are comfortable with. The more familiar you are with the topic and material, the more likely words will flow effortlessly and the audience will embrace you. Researching the topic will boost your confidence.
3] Organize your ideas and information – Mentally visualize your success. Visualization is an excellent way of overcoming speech anxiety. Prepare yourself for success by rehearsing again and again until you are confident in the material.
4] Content and structure – Know your presentation backward, forward, and sideways. Speaking from notes or an outline is very effective. Simply stress the main points of your presentation. Audiences value presentations that are clear and concise.
5] Technology – Practice your speech, and practice using your supporting visuals, such as PowerPoint. Have a strong comfort level with all of the technology that you will be using in your presentation. Visit the location in advance before your presentation. Always get a “feel” for your surroundings before you take center stage.
6] Practice, Practice and Practice – Rehearse your presentation out loud again and again until you are so confident with the material that you can handle any question. When you hear yourself out loud you can make any necessary corrections. Preparation is the best time tested method for overcoming speech anxiety. Videotaping and audio taping your rehearsals help put the polishing touches on your presentation.
7] Delivery – Deliver with a positive mental attitude. Present your information with a smile, happiness and excitement.
It is time for center stage. Implement the 7 Steps to overcoming speech anxiety and your success is guaranteed. Just relax and take a series of deep breaths by breathing slowly through the nose, then slowly exhaling through slightly pursed lips. Start visualizing yourself walking confidently in front of the audience and then delivering a dramatic and compelling presentation.
The audience is waiting for you to speak with purpose and confidence.
Robert Moment is an innovative, sought-after small business and marketing coach and author of Invisible Profits: The Power of Exceptional Customer Service. Robert specializes in teaching entrepreneurs and small business owners how to start a business which profits and grows. Visit How to Start Your Small Business and sign up for the FREE 7 day e-course titled, “Turn Passion into Profit: Small Business Startup.”
