Comedian Jerry Seinfeld said he read a poll that indicated the average person’s number-one fear was speaking in public. Death was number two on the list. “That means if you were at a funeral,” Seinfeld said, “you’d rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy.”
Even those who don’t fret over public speaking get nervous now and then. But those fears can be conquered by following a few relatively easy steps.
1. Prepare.
You may get away with “winging it” a time or two, but the quality of your presentation will suffer. Better to map out what you want to get across. Once you’re up in front of the group, you can toss in the occasional aside or ad lib, but for the most part stick with the script.
2. Use notes, but don’t forget to look up.
Note cards or other written reminders can keep you on track and ensure you cover all that needs to be covered. But if you simply read from your notes, you will lose your personal connection with the audience. Don’t recite; speak.
3. Be enthusiastic.
Put your passion on display, not just for the material you’re covering but for the opportunity to deliver a message to a group. If you make it look like you’re having a ball, you may inspire formerly reticent members to want to give it a try as well.
4. Leave ’em wanting more.
There is an old saying in public speaking: Be brief, be good and be seated. Cover the topic thoroughly but avoid belaboring points or being redundant.
5. Practice.
Whether you ask a friend, family member or co-worker to serve as your test audience, or you simply speak in front of a mirror, don’t make the presentation the first time you’ve given your speech. If you are forced to use difficult-to-pronounce technical words, names or phrases, be sure you’re clear on the correct pronunciations beforehand.
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