The fear of speaking in public remains one of the greatest fears in the world. The mere thought can cause an accelerated heartbeat and sweaty palms. At some point in life, most people end up in situations where they have to speak in public; maybe at school or college or as part of their job. Thankfully, there is help for those who struggle with this fear.
Factors to Consider
When an invitation or an order comes to speak in public, seek out as much information as possible.
- Who will you be speaking to
- How big will the group be
- What age groups will the audience encompass
- Are there any ethnic/culture/language considerations
- Where will you be speaking
- How long must you speak for
Choice of Subject
In many cases a topic will be assigned, but if not, look for something and choose something you are passionate about and have experience in. The impact on the audience will be far greater if this simple rule is followed.
Preparation of Content
A good way to prepare a talk is to make a list of all the points that need to be covered. Then shuffle these into a sensible order and slot them into the appropriate section - beginning, middle or end. The beginning of any talk is very important as people's attention is generally captured or lost in the first few minutes. Make an effort to include a joke or an interesting life experience in the introduction. The middle will contain the bulk of the talk and the end will be the conclusion or a summary of the message. Try and use several personal examples as true life experiences to capture people’s attention.
Audio-visual Aids
Video clips, power point shows and data presentation can all add impact, depth and meaning to the talk. If the facilities are available, make use of them. If not, use some props. Something as simple as a shirt or a vase can cement the message into people’s minds.
Preparation of Self
Studies have been done that conclude the verbal (meaning of the words) impact of a speaker is about 7%. Visual impact is 55% and vocal is 38%. The obvious message here is that presentation is vital. Body language, gestures, movements and vocal tone are the vehicles that define successful delivery. Although it may seem foolish, it is a good idea to practice speaking in front of a mirror. Experiment with different movements and raising and lowering voice pitch. Think of a story teller reading a book and follow her example of how emotion is expressed by movement and vocal range. Clothing is also important. Dress in a similar style to the audience or slightly smarter.
Although public speaking can be frightening, it is also a wonderful opportunity to share truth with others and communicate a message of passion and meaning. By following the above points, anyone can become more effective and confident. Always remember that practice makes perfect. Seize any chance to speak in public.
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