Public Speaking
It’s been said that the only thing scarier than death is public speaking. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here is some basic information needed so that you will feel more confident and comfortable when speaking in public. The goal here is to help you overcome your fear by first learning how to relax, prepare, and practice.
You’ve probably heard it many, many times before, but the suggestion that you should picture the audience naked does actually have some value. You’re standing vulnerable before them—feeling naked, in a way—so imagining them literally naked can make things feel a little more equal. True confidence, however, comes not from how you picture them but from how much you believe in yourself, what you have to say, and how you present it.
To get you started on the right track, here are some exercises and techniques to help you relax, prepare, and practice.
- Relaxation will help you eliminate negative energy and open the door to positive visualization and positive energy. Instead of harboring your stress, your mind and body will focus on the task at hand – communicating.
- Preparation is the cornerstone to public speaking success. Researching, planning, and organizing will make your job that much easier. You will have more confidence if you are properly prepared to speak.
- Practice may not make you perfect, but it will help you eliminate mistakes and familiarize yourself with the material. It will also help you hone your communication skills. Practice also provides a time to experiment.
Of course it won’t come all together with one session in front of the mirror, but in time, using some or all of the techniques listed, you can start the process that will improve your public speaking abilities.
The type of public speaking you are preparing to do is somewhat irrelevant at the initial practice stage. Later you will refine your skills with more specific types of speaking engagements in mind. For now, you just want to get comfortable with the general idea of public speaking—being seen, being heard, and connecting with your audience.