Have you ever addressed an audience? How did you fare? If you haven’t consider that someday, somewhere you will! In reality each audience is unique: in age range, educational background, socio-economic status, ethnicity, race and any other form of variation you can think of.
The average human being is nervous when faced with the thought of speaking publicly. Research has even shown that in some cases these fears have manifested in physical illness. Therefore it’s important for us to learn how to manage our fears otherwise known as glossophobia.
Whether your audience comprises of the members of your company Board group, other Parents in the P.T.A or the wedding reception guests the following tips should help you overcome your fears.
1. Practice: as silly as this may sound practicing your speech in front of the mirror helps. This way you also get to see your non-verbal expressions. Next,gather people close to you to serve as a mock audience.
2.Be comfortable: in the subject of your discussion(if the choice is yours, otherwise do research adequately) and in your choice of clothes.
3.Rest: staying up all night wont help much. Stimulants (caffeine etc) would lift you, temporarily and crash you just as fast. Take that break!
4.In,out: breathe! Taking even deep breaths help reduce nervousness. Just before your speech take deep breaths.
5. Finally, build a rapport with your audience. Whether they be company executives or toddlers use examples they can relate to.
Hopefully these tips would not just help you overcome your fears but help you grow to enjoy the act of public speaking.
