Public speaking is a something most of us have encountered at some point in time in our lives. Many of avoid public speaking for this reason and we never learn to truly overcome it. Although, this isn't how we should handle it. Sometime in our life we will be required to do public speaking whether it be for school, or work, or some event for our friends.
What you need to remember is most of the stress and fear created from public speaking is created from our fear of what people will think of us. The truth of the matter is if you cant overcome the fear you will only make it harder on yourself when doing the speech and your better off learning how to overcome it. There is a few key principles you need to keep in mind to help you overcome your fear of public speaking
The purpose of this blog is to help you overcome the fear of public speaking. There is 9 key principles to always keep in mind.
Key Principles
Principle #1 Speaking in public is doesn't need to be stressful
One thing you need to know about stress is things are stressful because we let it. With the proper mindset you can overcome this stress. We have no problems talking about about a certain subject to our family or friends but soon as you factor in tons of strangers who you need to give a good first impression on suddenly it all changes. It shouldn't the content you are providing is the same so don't let it get to you.
There is thousands of people who do public speaking every day who at some point in their life had the fear of public speaking(and in some cases still do) but were able to overcome that and provide excellent speeches.
You are no more or less human than they are. If they can conquer the fear of public speaking, so can you. A big part of it is how you approach and view public speaking. It truly is in the eye of the beholder.
Principle #2 You don't have to perfect to be successful
We often see public speakers and think we can never measure up to their success and figure they smarter then you ever could be. The truth of the matter is they have mastered the art of public speaking and now how to give the audience what they want to hear. With practice and patience you too can do this. You don't need to be some super successful business man to be able to successfully public speaking. Anyone can do it.
It may be hard to believe but your audience doesn't expect perfection. It can be hard to believe at times, but for me I would much rather hear someone who is being themselves and portraying the information I came to hear.
The essence of public speaking is to give your audience something of value. When it comes down to it they came to you to hear valuable information and that is what will put you the highest in their books. If people walk away after your public speech with something of value, or feel better about what they do, or feel happy about themselves then you know you have done it right.
Principle #3 Quality over quantity
People tend to get worried because they don't have many points to talk about. What people dont realize is it is better to have two or three good main points then to have many weaker ones. Also you want your audience to feel they took something of value from the speech not to feel overwhelmed with different points. It should also help you feel more confident to speak about two or three main points you know well instead trying to fill it with other topics you may not be so strong at.
Principle #4 Bringing purpose to the speech
A common mistake people make when they speak in public is they have the wrong purpose or no purpose in mind on why they are providing the speech. Not having this defined in your mind can cause anxiety and stress. If you don't know the purpose in your mind how can you expect your audience to know?
You also need to make sure to not be put down when people don't approve of your speech. No matter how perfect a speech or thought or idea is there will always be people who don't approve. It is just how things work. What is important is you press on and deliver the message you sought out to deliver.
Principle #5 Don't think of yourself as a public speaker
It may sound strange to hear but the best way to succeed is a to act like you not public speaking. It is easier said then done, but if you can accomplish this it will also help alleviate the stress as well. The reason for this is when you focus on public speaking you focus heavily on expectations which causes increased stress which in turn causes a list of problems.
The reason for this is many of us have an image of this perfect person that you need to be to become a public speaker. We need to remember we need to learn from the good public speakers not mimic their every move. We need to show who we are as well as provide valuable information to our audience.
The truth of the matter is when you focus on being yourself instead of trying to mimic the actions of others you will naturally become more comfortable and will have more fun doing it and trust me that will reflect to the audience and they will be able to tell. It is a good thing.
The secret is they didn't try to be public speakers they were just themselves and gave their audience valuable information.
Principle #6 If all else fails humor can save the day
There will be times when you fumble or at a loss for words. There are two things that can help you get out of these type of situations humility and humor. These things can go a long way to making your talks more enjoyable and entertaining for your audience.
If being humorous feels comfortable for you, or if it fits your speaking situation, go for it. It is a universal emotion that makes people feel better.
By humility, I don't mean getting naked infront of the audience, what I mean standing up in front of others and sharing some of your own human weaknesses. It helps show the audience that you are just like them. We all have weakness and it helps bring everyone on the same level. It also helps show that you are a real person.
Often, humor and humility can be combined very effectively. By telling humorous stories about yourself, or using your own personal failings to demonstrate some point you are trying to make, can be both entertaining and illuminating.
Principle #7 Engaging the audience
One very important key to success as public speaker is to engage your audience. Not only does this make your audience feel the had a contribution but it subconsciously makes it more valuable to them.
In addition it helps keep peoples attention if they are being engaged in the conversation
Principle #8 Preparation is good, but be careful not to over prepare
Don't get me wrong preperation is good but you need to becareful not to over prepare. The reason for this is when you focus things going specifically to a certain plan it adds to the anxienty or stress if things take a different course. If you keep it more open it will flow better and feel more comfortable should the direction or the feel of the speech change. It will also help built your confiendence that you know your content if you are able to do it more on the fly instead of just reading a script you prepared earlier.
Principle #9 Your Audience Wants You to Succeed
The last thing you need to remember is short and simple. Your audience wants you to sucessed. They wouldn't be going to your speech if they didn't want to hear valuable information
