Workplace Issues #10: Public Speaking
Posted on September 28, 2006
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It is a well researched fact that the number 1 fear that Americans have is the fear of public speaking. While I don’t have the facts, I am going to assume it is actually a global phenomenon. The primary reason is that they are afraid of looking foolish in front of other people. Unfortunately public speaking is something that can be avoided, in the workplace. Meetings, Workshops, Seminars, User Groups are all part of our work life - and yes, they all require some amount of public speaking. So how does one overcome this?
Before I go on to answer that, I want to share my personal experience. I used to be terrified of speaking in front of the class,at least during high school. My heart used to beat faster, as I started to speak. As I continued to speak, it would beat rapidly and made me speak so rapidly that my speech never made sense. The idea of me looking foolish in front of 70 children would always give me the goosebumps. But I wanted the limelight, and I never stopped talking. Iwasn’t doing it on a regularly, but I was excited at such an opportunity. Today, I am still not there but I have come a long way and while it wasn’t easy it was not too difficult either.
Here are some steps to overcome the fear.
- Know the audience: Yes, it is true that what you know before anything else is the subject of your speech. But that doesn’t mean you start preparing a speech right away. It is very important that you know what type of an audience you are going to have. The type of audience determines the image you want to convey, the language (or vocab) to be used, collective intellect etc. It is often helpful to have some of your own, as members of the audience. Treat the audience as someone you have known, or even as a single entity or (if this is your style) picture them naked. The idea is you bring them to the level you are comfortable talking to; then make eye contact and deliver. Keep the session interactive, let members defend you or spread your message for you.
- Prepare your speech: Now that you know your audience, you are ready to prepare your speech. For this you need to know the material, so do your homework. If you are doing an impromptu you probably have no fear of speaking - this entire post is a moot point. Organize your material based on your knowledge of your audience. Put down all your thoughts on a poster board, or even a mind map, anddevelop the content. Organize the content around the context of your speech. Visualize yourself giving this speech, a mirror is a great tool. Imagine yourself making mistakes (in your dry run), and come up with good exit plans (how you can get out of the knot). Record it, and listen to it. Get someone to watch and listen, they can provide some feedback on the whole package - content, delivery and the perceived message.
- Deliver your speech: Now that you are mentally prepared to speak publicly, remember that audience want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative, and entertaining. So try to make them comfortable and they will help you succeed. Start with a joke, a story, a question or even a band. Move around as you start with the main subject. Keep eye contact, and never apologize for anything. Pretend nothing happened (unless you have offended someone in the audience) and keep on rolling. At any time never call the audience’s attention to you - it should always be on the message. Towards the end the audience may be restless, so wrap up with a concise summary and end with a smile.
- Repeat: Don’t be a one trick pony. One public engagement is not a measure of your success. Gain on each experience, and try to rectify. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. Also remember youdon’t need to have an agenda to speak, just speak at any social gathering (without being an annoyance). Speaking often hones your skills and reduces any fears you may have.
If none of these suggestions work, try taking classes in public speaking in night school, join Toastmasters , or find other opportunities to speak to your family (as a group).
Technorati Tags: public speaking, fear of speaking, success with speaking, toastmasters
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