Becoming comfortable with public speaking takes time. Most small business owners and other professionals are called upon at some point to do some sort of presentation or other public speaking. Polls generally show that more people are afraid of public speaking than dying! If this is you, here’s some quick help to take some of the pain out of your upcoming gig and to make you more comfortable:
1. First, I always recommend that you watch Guy Kawasaki’s take on presentations. Crucial and entertaining:
2. Know your audience. Tailor the presentation message to them. Younger audiences like graphics heavy, text “light” presentations and a more casual style. Older, more mature audiences have more patience during longer presentations.
3. Understand your end goal and the needs of the audience. What do you want them to walk away knowing or feeling? Work backwards from that and remove any content that doesn’t move them towards that goal.
4. Video tape yourself giving your presentation. This will help you clarify content, identify transitions that need improving, and highlight those little hiccups we all have (throat-clearing, “uhm’s”, difficulty with eye contact, etc.).
5. Join Toastmasters International. They hold meetings all over the world that allow their members to practice public speaking in a safe environment and get presentation feedback on the spot.
6. Technology can be intimidating. Work out the kinks in your presentation software, projectors, and microphones as much as possible before the event. HOWEVER, things WILL go wrong and you need to prepare for that. A contingency plan is always recommended and will increase your comfort level.
7. Remember that your audience really IS rooting for you. There is generally a great deal of empathy and support out there. Identify some warm faces and when you get really nervous during your presentation, land on them for a few for encouragement.
8. Picture the absolute worst-case scenario for your presentation (people sleeping? heckling? getting up a leaving? you trip and fall?) and realize 2 things: a)you will live through that scenario b)it is really unlikely to happen. Now, build a plan on how to manage those possible issues.
9. Be passionate, warm and friendly and above all, put the audience’s needs above your own. Add stories, anecdotes and humor to your presentation to keep them engaged. Watch public speakers on YouTube or on TED.com and practice some of their methods.
10. The absolute BEST way to manage your fear of public speaking is to practice and prepare. You simply cannot do it enough. Go back and watch Guy repeatedly. Do not rely on Power Point. Do not read to your audience. Practice, practice, practice and then report back in and let me know which of these public speaking tips helped you.
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