Public Speaking – 3 Keys To Be Able To Speak With Confidence
Public speaking anxiety is felt by most people when they are to address groups of any size. They want to do their best. The ability to speak with confidence is not natural for most people, but it can be achieved by them.
Most of today’s confident public speakers suffered nerves when starting out and still do. But they now use it to motivate them to give their best.
There are 3 activities that are key to overcoming public speaking anxiety and to be able to speak with confidence, once you have made the decision to do so.
1) Know Your Audience
When starting out, the focus of many speakers is on themselves and not what the audience wants. However, to be a truly effective speaker it is crucial to know your audience.
Audiences are interested in hearing good information that can help them rather than great oratory. These days, effective public speaking is about the content of the speech, not the person delivering it.
Experienced and effective speakers research their audience. The more they know about the audience the easier it is to prepare and deliver a speech that the audience will find interesting and meet their wants. When you have developed a speech that you know is worthwhile for the audience, you will be more confident when delivering it.
2) Prepare Thoroughly
Careful preparation builds confidence. Following a set process helps to reduce worry and anxiety because you know what your next step is and you can focus on that. A useful seven step process to follow that will assist in preparing a worthwhile speech is;-
a) Determine why you are speaking
b) Choose a topic that is of interest to your audience
c) Select the type of speech you will deliver. Will it be persuasive, informative, inspirational or narrative?
d) Research your subject
e)Select and organize your material
f) Write out your speech and prepare a speaking outline g) Practice using the speaking outline
Practice as often as you need to be confident that you know your speech. Have a practice run through at the venue where you are to deliver your speech, so you are familiar with the circumstances you will experience when you actually deliver the speech.
3) Doing It
More than any other human activity speaking is improved by doing it. When starting you need only speak for a brief time. Your first public speaking appearance may only involve giving your name and business.
For your next appearances develop a short speech on a subject you are knowledgeable and interested in, and will interest your audience. Give your speech as frequently as you can.
There are many meetings in a community each week that an ambitious speaker can use as opportunity to be heard. Thinking of these speeches as practice will help in settling any nerves you may fell.
Public speaking today is about the conveying ideas and the most effective way is in a conversational manner. This makes it easier for the ordinary person to be an effective speaker. By making the decision to start, getting to know their audience, thoroughly preparing and delivering their speeches frequently it is possible for most people to overcome their public speaking anxiety and speak with confidence.
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