Public speaking may be a great way to boost your professional development, but it isn’t always easy—in fact, research shows that a fear of public speaking or stage fright, also known as glossophobia, is among the top 10 global fears. Yet giving presentations for professional associations, speaking to student groups or appearing at industry conferences or trade shows are all effective ways to develop your reputation as a knowledgeable professional resource.
The trick? Conquering your fear of public speaking. And although it’s easier said than done, it’s certainly possible. If the thought of appearing in front of a group of people creates a pit of anxiety in your stomach or causes you to break out in a cold sweat, take a deep breath and give the following 5 tips a try.
Make A Plan
Organizing your presentation materials and notes will go a long way in helping you to feel more in control of the situation. As you work on your presentation, create a speaking outline that will guide you through the topic. Make notes of the important points you want to convey, as well as supporting information or anecdotes that will reinforce those topics. It may be helpful to keep your outline nearby when you’re speaking, or transfer the information to index cards so that you can refer to your notes if needed.
Visualize Success
Steven D. Cohen, instructor for Harvard Extension School course, “Oral Communication in the Workplace,” recommends that you take some time to visualize yourself succeeding in your presentation. Picture yourself going through each step of your presentation, from your pre-presentation introduction to the applause at the end. Cohen attributes the majority of public speaking anxiety to a fear of uncertainty—and by visualizing your success, you’ll be mentally prepared to make those visualizations a reality.
Banish Negative Thoughts
As you prepare to give your presentation or talk, you may feel yourself overcome by negative thoughts including, “I don’t know what I’m talking about” or “What if the audience doesn’t enjoy the discussion?” Kick those thoughts to the curb by focusing on the positive. Remind yourself of your experience and why you’re the ideal person to give this presentation. Or spend some time visualizing your success, as mentioned earlier. You deserve this opportunity, so make the most of it!
Practice Makes Perfect
If you suffer from a fear of public speaking, the last thing you want to do is give a presentation. Yet accumulating public speaking experience will help you overcome your anxiety and hone your ability to be an effective and engaging presenter. Keep an eye out for opportunities in which to give a presentation. Check with a local professional association, for example, or get in touch with a nearby college or university about opportunities to speak to a class or student organization. You might also consider participating in Toastmasters International, a global non-profit educational organization that helps members learn public speaking and leadership skills.
Keep Calm (And Speak On)
Before you step on stage, take a few minutes to relax. Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D., recommends deep breathing techniques to help quiet your mind and channel your focus. And if you find yourself becoming anxious or fearful during your presentation, briefly pause for one or two deep breaths. Taking time to pause while you’re speaking may seem like an eternity, but as Dr. Hall-Flavin points out, “…in reality, it has probably only been a few seconds. Even if it’s longer, it’s likely your audience won’t mind a pause to consider what you’ve been saying. This might be a good time to take a few slow, deep breaths.”
By preparing for your presentation and taking steps to quell your pre-public speaking anxiety, you’ll be ready to rock your next speaking engagement.
If you’ve dealt with your own public speaking fears, we’d love to hear from you. What tips helped you conquer your anxiety?