Guides To Self Improvement

Speaking in public is one of the things people fear most. There’s a joke by Jerry Seinfeld that goes something like this “ Did you know that more people fear speaking in front of people than dying?. That means they would rather be in the coffin than giving the eulogy”

Regardless of what your past experiences with public speaking are, there are 10 techniques which I’ll outline which can make you a better public speaker.

1.It’s Not About You, it’s About Them

When most people get up to speak, they are usually focused on themselves. Being nervous is normal, but worried about how you might look or be perceived can really be hindering in getting past your fears. Remember most people in the audience are actually impressed that you have the ability to get up there and give a presentation.

2.Allow Yourself to Make Mistakes

We make them all the time when we talk normally in conversation so why would giving a speech be any different? If your aim is for perfection in a speech you are going to have a tough time talking publicly. Be conversational in your tone, if you find yourself losing your footing while giving a speech, take a moment and gather your thoughts then continue.

3.Master the Art of Concentration

Have you ever been worried about one thing and suddenly something else far more important takes your attention away? You soon realize that you had completely forgotten about what previously had you worried sick. The same holds true for public speaking, concentrate not on being nervous, but rather on the praise and adoration you will get from the audience once you finish your presentation. Focus better and do more.

4.Channel Your Power the Right Way

Imagine someone in the crowd becomes rude or interruptive while you are giving your presentation. A. You could get upset and allow that person to dictate the outcome of your presentation or B. You channel or that nervous energy to move ahead and finish successfully. If I person becomes so disruptive, a simple “I’ll wait until that gentleman in the fourth row finishes”. Something like this usually handles the worst offenders.

5.If You Can Dream It, You Can Be It

Visualize what the speech or presentation you are about to give will mean to you in terms of success. Think up of something wild like being lauded in the Macy’s parade for the wonderful you are going to do. The best athletes in the world use this technique to mentally prepare for competition.

6. It’s Like Being One on One

Many people claim to be comfortable speaking for hours on end when the conversation is between one person or a small group of people. So why not use this same technique when giving a presentation? As you are looking around the room while you give your presentation, you will probably notice a few people that smile or are very interested in what you have to say. Focus your attention mostly on these people and it should help you move along more comfortably.

7. Be Positive

Yes I know you have heard it all before, be positive, think good thoughts, etc… There is a reason behind that. Someone smarter than I once said, “if you think you can, you can, if you think you can’t, you’re right!” Be fun about it. Get in front of the mirror and scream at the top of your lungs “I’m the best speaker in the world!”

8. It’s OK to be Nervous

Some of the most influential speakers throughout history were nervous wrecks before their speeches. John F. Kennedy and Winston Churchill were two. Yet these great men motivated millions to reach for the stars and win world wars.

9.The Big Picture

Think about it, are you even going to remember this speech you are so worried about 5 years from now. How much of a catalyst is it going to be in changing the course of your life? Probably not much. In the big scheme of things, whatever presentation or speech you may have to give is going to mean very little. When looking back you’ll say to yourself, I don’t know what I was so worried about!

10. Keep it Fun.

Jot it down as another thing you have accomplished in life and have fun with it.