Public speaking means something different to everyone: giving a presentation in front of your classmates, filming an interview, or speaking to thousands on stage. I was lucky enough to develop my public speaking skills over time so that it came naturally; I remember years ago when we first began holding conferences in North Carolina for a few hundred people and now I stand on stage in front of 20,000+ twice a year! Many do not have that kind of time to become comfortable with public speaking and overcome public speaking anxiety, it may be a part of your job description or something you must do on the journey to fulfilling your dreams. Public speaking can be scary at first – I was nervous going to HSN live in 95 million homes! – but it’s a valuable tool to have and will give you a platform to be heard if you can learn to be both articulate and passionate.
Here are ways to help overcome public speaking anxiety you have:
– Remind yourself to speak slowly, slower than you would if having a normal conversation. Practice so that you develop a rhythm and have a friend videotape the practice session so you look for any quirks (um, rapid hand movements, etc).
– Visit your set, stage, or location prior to speaking so that you can get comfortable with your surroundings.
– Dress the part. I always feel better about a public speaking engagement when I’m dressed in something I feel comfortable but professional in. I can focus on my presentation instead of my outfit.
– If you are doing a Q&A, anticipate questions and have the answers ready so that you aren’t floundering. Preparation is key to overcoming public speaking anxiety.
– Be yourself! If you’ve seen me speak during an engagement before, you’ll know I am direct and to the point. I also like to have fun and will sometimes take my shoes off if they’re uncomfortable or interject with stories that aren’t part of the presentation. Don’t be inappropriate but don’t be too stuffy, either.
