Public speaking can be a daunting task for many professionals. The mere thought of standing in front of a crowd and delivering a speech can strike a wave of nervousness and anxiety. What should I say? how should I say it? What will people think of what I say? Will I be booed? What do I do with my hands? Should I stand still or walk around? These and many many other questions enter our mind at the worst time and increase our anxiety just before and while speaking to an audience.
Did you know that in 2019, the percentage of people who feared public speaking increased to 85%, compared to 73% in 2010. Or that public speaking remains one of the most common social fears; social phobia associated with public speaking is estimated to affect 15.6% of the population. Or that public speaking has been identified as a crucial skill for career development, with 70% of employed professionals citing presentation skills as critical to their success.
Do you have anxiety related to public speaking?
0%Yes
0%No
0%Never tried it
Mastering the art of public speaking is not only valuable for personal growth and self-confidence, but it can also significantly benefit one's professional development. In this blog, we will explore important aspects of preparing for public speaking, strategies to overcome nervousness, and how practicing public speaking can lead to improvement.
Preparing for public speaking
Preparation is the key to success in public speaking. Before delivering a speech, it is essential to thoroughly understand the topic, research well, and organise thoughts coherently. Begin by outlining the structure of the speech, including an engaging introduction, clear main points, and a powerful conclusion. Remember to include relevant examples, stories, or statistics to captivate the audience. Practice delivering the speech and time yourself to ensure it fits within your allocated timeframe. Utilise visual aids, such as slides or hand gestures, to support key messages and enhance audience engagement. By adequately preparing, your confidence will grow, and you will be better equipped to handle any nervousness that arises.
Some speakers preparing their entire speech before hand and reading off it. Some speakers prefer using cue cards to be reminded of the key points during the speech. Some other speakers prefer speaking without any cues because that is what clears their mind and makes them the most comfortable. Pick what works for you and practice it. Be natural in what you pick.
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Strategies to overcome nervousness of public speaking
Even the most experienced speakers may experience nervousness, but it is essential to learn how to manage and overcome it.
Firstly, embrace the nerves as a natural response to a challenging situation. Remember that feeling nervous means you care about delivering a great speech. Deep breathing exercises and visualisation techniques can help calm your mind and body before speaking. It is also helpful to practice positive self-talk and remind yourself of your abilities and the value of your message. Gradually expose yourself to more speaking opportunities, such as speaking in front of smaller groups or participating in Toastmasters, to build confidence and desensitise nervousness over time.
Continuously improve through practice
Like with any other skill, practice will help you improve. Find opportunities to practice speaking in a supportive environment, such as joining local speaking clubs or volunteering for speaking roles within your organisation. Record yourself (or ask a colleague to help with the recording) while practicing and watch the playback to identify areas of improvement, such as body language, tone, or pacing. Seeking feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors can provide valuable insights for fine-tuning your speaking skills. Remember, the more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you will become, not just with the content but also with the process of public speaking.
Public speaking can be seen as a personal challenge that pushes you out of your comfort zone. By embracing this challenge, you develop resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset. Stepping up to speak in front of an audience demonstrates courage and a willingness to take risks, which are highly valued traits in the professional world. Employers often seek individuals who can effectively communicate ideas, present confidently, and inspire others. By conquering the fear of public speaking and continuously challenging yourself, you differentiate yourself from others and open doors to various career opportunities.
Public speaking on the spot
In addition to prepared speeches, impromptu speaking is another crucial skill to develop. Impromptu speaking involves being able to articulate thoughts on the spot without prior preparation. This skill is valuable in various professional situations, such as answering unexpected questions during meetings, presenting key points in discussions, speaking confidently in interviews, or even congratulating your team during celebrations.
To improve impromptu speaking, practice thinking on your feet by engaging in debates or participating in group discussions. In the safe space of your home, give yourself a professional topic or situation to talk on and see how you do. Are you talking too much? Or maybe too little? Did you cover all that you wanted to get across? These experiences will enhance your ability to organise ideas quickly, communicate effectively, and deliver impactful impromptu speeches.
At Unlock More, we help individuals, teams and organisations with improving their public speaking skills. This helps develop essential power skills at all levels in the organisation.
Conclusion
Overcoming the nervousness of public speaking requires preparation, managing anxiety, and consistent practice. By challenging yourself and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, you not only improve your public speaking abilities but also develop power skills that benefit your career - in any industry or organisation. Embrace every opportunity to refine your speaking skills, seek feedback, and continue to grow. Remember, the more you practice and put yourself out there, the more confident and proficient you will become as a public speaker. So, take the leap, face your fears, and unlock more for successful public speaking!
