Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience. Feeling a little uneasy speaking in front of a group is normal. If you are feeling totally terrified and petrified with terror, there are many things you can do. The following public speaking tips will help you ditch the doom as you entertain, inform, and motivate your audience.
Be Prepared - Memorize your speech. If you must have notes with you when public speaking to be confident, just have small note cards. Arrange the cards in the order of your speech and only write down bullet points, not reams of text. The cards will keep your speech "on track". Do not read straight from your note cards, just look at them briefly.
Picture Giving a Great Speech - Practice visualizing your speech going well. Picture giving your speech perfectly to a group hanging on to every word you say.
Get Familiar With the Stage - Visit the place you will be giving a speech beforehand or arrive early the day of your speech. Make the effort to get familiar with the stage, sound equipment, backstage areas, and any stairs leading to the stage. Pay special attention to the amount of public speaking space on the stage so you know how much room you have.
Do an Equipment Check - Make the effort to check your audio-visual equipment. This should include conducting a sound check, learning to operate the microphones, music, projectors, and other public speaking equipment. Also, make sure you have spare parts, such as replacements for burnt out projector bulbs and extra cables. Do not allow faulty or broken equipment to ruin your speech. Make sure your audio-visual crew is competent with what they are doing.
Greet Your Audience - When possible, take the time to meet with your audience as they arrive. Understanding the nature of your audience will allow you to feel more comfortable when speaking to them. You may even spark some ideas, stories, or jokes to include in your public speaking speech.
Take a Few Minutes to Relax - Take some time before your speech to get yourself prepared. Take some deep breaths and focus yourself. Do not consume alcohol to relax before speaking. Allow your nervous energy to become positive public speaking enthusiasm for your audience and your message.
If Things Go Wrong, Do Not Apologize - Nine times out of ten your audience will not realize something in your speech did not go as you planned. That is, they will not know unless you apologize.
Remember That Your Audience Wants You To Do Well - Your audience is looking forward to hearing you speak and they want you to be successful. They want to be informed by you and anticipate an entertaining and informative speech.
