Speaking is a primary source of communication. Most people don’t have any problem speaking when they feel comfortable but for many, public speaking can be a challenge. As a matter of fact, speaking in front of groups ranks as one of the highest anxiety-inducing activities there is.
There are a lot of reasons why people feel uncomfortable speaking in public. Lack of experience and fear of failure top the list. Public speaking doesn’t have to be problem there are very practical things you can do to make public speaking easier and less stressful. Take a look at these dos and don’ts for effective public speaking.
- Do Have a plan for what you want to say
- Do Practice regularly
- Do Find role models
- Do Take risks
Do- Have a plan. When it comes to public speaking the more you prepare the better. While there are times when you may have to speak publicly without time to prepare, most of the time you know in advance. Prepare what you want to say so your thoughts are organized and make a meaningful impact.
Do- Practice until perfect. Practice helps you internalize what you want to say until it becomes second nature. Try practicing in front of a mirror or with smaller groups of people. Keep working on your delivery until you know your material inside and out. The more you practice the more at ease you’ll feel speaking in public.
Do- Find role models. Imitation is a sincere form of flattery. Find role models whose speaking style you like and study them. If you work closely with someone who does well with public speaking as them for tips and pointers. If you need to, consider finding a coach or taking a class to help you learn more.
Do- Take risks. The more you get out in front of people, the easier it becomes. Take risks and say yes to speaking opportunities. Put yourself out there to speak as often as possible. From small groups to larger, the variety will help you feel more comfortable and confident.
- Don’t worry, everyone feels nervous
- Don’t forget to breath and smile
- Don’t be afraid to start small
- Don’t stop if you fail
Don’t- Worry when you feel nervous. Believe it or not, some professional performers get stage fright and sick to their stomach before big events. Even seasoned performers. That means being nervous is normal and to be expected. There are things you can do to calm your nerves and the more you speak in public the less nervous you can expect to feel over time.
Don’t- Forget to breath. Breathing techniques are great for everything from childbirth to speaking in front of groups. Taking deep breaths can help you relax and keep calm. You can use deep breathing during your speaking as well. Also, smiling can help you feel more relaxed and connected to your audience.
Don’t- Be afraid to start small- Public speaking doesn’t have to be in front of a large crowd. If you aren’t ready to face too many people. Keep things small. Leading small groups or speaking in front of people you know, like, and trust can help you build the confidence you need to speak in front of larger groups.
Don’t- stop if you fail. Sometimes we bomb. We blow it. It happens. Don’t stop if you have a bad experience. Take time to figure out what happened and practice until you overcome the setback. Use your failures as a teaching tool and keep on going.
Public speaking can be intimidating and cause anxiety but there are a lot of things you can do to get more comfortable speaking in public. Consider these dos and don’ts and you’ll be able to develop the confidence you need to speak in public.
