2022 started just a few weeks ago, so it’s not too late to plan a resolution. Whether it’s to exercise more, get through that list of books you always wanted to read, or look for a new job, it can be intimidating to go on such a task, but it can also be exciting to plan for a new direction in life. However, if you’re looking to overcome a fear, there’s one that can come in handy: public speaking. It’s understandable when someone’s worried about public speaking. Standing in front of a crowded room, auditorium, or reception hall and giving a speech with all eyes on you isn’t the most enticing thing to do. You can’t help but think of your audience judging you, and that’s not easy to have on your mind. But, if you’re looking to improve your public-speaking skills, here are some tips that will help you embrace your time in front of the mic.
1) Realize that everyone has been in this situation before. Those nerves you’re feeling? Odds are that everyone in front of whom you’re speaking has experienced them. But, look around. They’re still standing and feeling great after their public speaking. Just keep in mind that if all of them can do it, you can, too.
2) Think about all of your favorite historical figures, celebrities, CEOs, that have done public speaking. This is something we all do, no matter our position in life. All of these individuals have mustered up the nerve to get in front of hundreds or thousands and deliver powerful words that their listeners will remember. Just like number one on this list, if they all can do it, so can you.
3) I’ve always had trouble making eye contact with people. This isn’t about nerves; it’s just a habit of mine, which I’ll admit, I have to work on. When you’re giving a speech, you don’t have to look right at a person. Not only can it make you feel uncomfortable, it can make them feel uncomfortable, too. What works best is staring straight ahead, and then scan the room from time to time so it looks to everyone else that you’re taking them all in your line of sight at one point or another during your speech.
4) Be passionate about the words you’re expressing. If you’re at a social event like a wedding, milestone birthday, or graduation, these are festive occasions. Everyone’s in a good mood, so if you’re nervous, use your audience’s energy to build up your confidence. If you’re speaking at a corporate event, you’ll be talking about your work and what interests you. Channel that passion of yours into your speech. By doing so, you’ll show people your love for what you do. And, if there are people in the audience who might not be interested in whatever topic you’re discussing, you can earn some points from them for being a dynamic speaker.
5) Make sure to rehearse your speech. This will help establish your rhythms and give you an idea of how your voice and your words will sound. Go over your speech several times, not just in your head, but out loud, as well. Remember, some things sound different in your head than they do when you use your voice, so you might even end up altering a few things based on this notion. Once you feel comfortable with how you sound, rehearse a couple of times in front of a few people, just to see what the reception might be like. As you rehearse your speech, some passages might even be retained in your memory. This will help a lot because if you give a speech and are looking down at your paper the whole time, the audience won’t be as engaged as you want them to be. Look up from your paper from time to time to let your audience know that you haven’t forgotten about them.
With a new year brings new events (pandemic permitting) at which you can give a speech. Confidence and rehearsal are keys to your public-speaking success. If you do this, an engaged audience is guaranteed.
