It may sound weird, but public speaking and being up in front of an audience did not come naturally to me, and I’m not alone. Even with confidence-building tips available all over the internet, an overwhelming 77% of people still experience anxiety about public speaking – for some this even manifests as glossophobia!
To ensure success and confidence when addressing a crowd or even a smaller audience, I’m trying out different approaches for improving how I confidently present myself without compromising the message.
Here are five insider tips for maximizing audience engagement from any stage.
- Practice, Practice, Practice
With a bit of preparation and practice, you can take your presentation to the next level! Rehearsing what you’ll say out loud is one way to become more familiar with public speaking. It’s also important that when practicing, all aspects are addressed — from visual aids in use to how body language will be portrayed while speaking. Some people even record themselves as they rehearse so any issues around tone or facial expressions won’t come across on stage as awkwardness or unpreparedness.
- Tame your nerves
A little nervous energy can be a good thing when presenting, helping you appear enthusiastic and stay focused. However, too much anxiety can quickly become detrimental; reducing focus and making it difficult for your message to come across clearly. Prioritize deep breathing or other mindfulness techniques before speaking to increase concentration while calming any extra nerves– plus looking after yourself with exercise earlier in the day will also help reduce stress levels through endorphin release!
- The power of the pause
Overcome your nerves and give an effective presentation with strategic pauses! Nervousness has a tendency to alter the way we speak, causing our words to become jumbled or mumbled. Counter this by allowing yourself intentional breathers throughout your speech – between key sections of content or after asking questions. This will enable you focus on what comes next in addition helping avoid “filler” such as “um”s and “ah”s that can hinder smooth delivery. Mastering these brief moments gives speakers greater clarity when addressing their audiences for ultimate success!
- Reflect on the positive
Reflecting on the positive aspects of a public speaking experience can boost confidence and encourage preparation for future opportunities. Make sure to take note not only of areas where you could improve, but also those moments which went well during your presentation – no matter how small! Doing so will create an uplifting list that acknowledges what you have achieved as opposed to dwelling in any mistakes made.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Overcoming a fear of public speaking can be incredibly daunting, but it doesn’t have to stand in your way. If you are experiencing physical symptoms such as difficulty breathing or nausea due to intense social phobia when faced with the prospect of addressing an audience, seeking help from a professional coach may appear intimidating at first – however, this could ultimately provide invaluable assistance going forward.
Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience, but staying prepared and applying helpful techniques will make all the difference. Over time, your outer confidence with improve your internal confidence to create an invaluable skill that you’ll use over and over again in business situations.