Tips For Public Speaking

Public speaking can be fun when your mind is it ease and you perform well. However, most people view their public speaking engagement as the hot seat, and work themselves up into a frenzy with fear and anticipation. The key to performing well is to be exceptionally prepared and really know your stuff. In addition, remember that your audience is not the enemy, and for the most part, you will be received well. And to take the burden off your next speaking engagement, try these five helpful hints to keep it all in perspective: 1. Outline. To ensure your public speaking engagement goes off without a hitch, be sure you are well prepared on your topic. Make an outline of all points to be covered and use that text as a script to keep yourself in place. Even the best contemporaneous speakers can get distracted and drift away from key points, so keep your outline in front of you at all times with a pen ready to keep your place on the text. 2. Rehearsal. Like any actor ready to take center stage, you will want to run a few rehearsals of your entire speech, top to bottom. The run through will give you a smooth finish, allow you to time the speech, and give you confidence with your vocal intonations and key word emphasis. Your rehearsal should be done standing up with your full energy and attention given to gesturing, posturing and anything else that you will use during the real deal. 3. Props and Tools. If your presentation is to made with PowerPoint or you plan to use slides or props, make a clear notation in your outline for the proper placement and calculated pauses in your speech. You want to know exactly what image is coming up next so that you may set up the speech to present it. In addition to adding the props and such to your outline, it is wise to keep the display exhibits listed on their own notation sheet for easy reference. 4. Comfortable Clothing. No matter how well prepared you are, there may still be some butterflies in the stomach just prior to stepping up to the microphone. Tight clothing and belt buckles will cut off your breathing activity which translates to anxiety. Remember to breath deeply, take your time, and wear clothing that does not restrict your freedom of movement. 5. Like Your Audience. Like your audience and they will like you back. Public speaking is not always about staunch professionalism. Public speaking engagements within the workplace are often light hearted, casual and take place with a banquet meal, so remember to be yourself to mitigate the tension in the room. Try telling a joke before the presentation begins, or if that's not your style, engage the audience with some light comments before you get down to business. The audience is all ears and they want to like you, so put your fears to rest that they will be critical. The best part of a meeting is to hear the keynote speakers, and today it is you, so have fun with your time in the spotlight.