Public Speaking Options

Want To Improve

Your Public Speaking Skills?

Got the gift of gab? Lucky you! Most people tell us that public speaking isn’t for them. They get too nervous when all eyes are on them. While it’s true that some people are naturals when it comes to presenting information to a group of people, others are not. But if have a public presence is important to the delivery of your message, your news, then consider finding ways to make the process work for you, not against you.

According to a well-known public speaking consultant, there are things that you can do to make your efforts more effective and less painful.

Useful Guidelines

Marjorie Lee North provided 10 tips through Harvard University’s Extended Education program for Professional Development. Here are two of our favorites:

1. Nervousness Is Normal. Practice and Prepare!

All people feel some physiological reactions like pounding hearts and trembling hands. Do not associate these feelings with the sense that you will perform poorly or make a fool of yourself. Some nerves are good. The adrenaline rush that makes you sweat also makes you more alert and ready to give your best performance.

The best way to overcome anxiety is to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Take the time to go over your notes several times. Once you have become comfortable with the material, practice—a lot. Videotape yourself, or get a friend to critique your performance.

We have found that clients ‘assume’ they are going to forget what they want to say have a greater chance of having that happen. Those who know their information can quickly pick up loose threads and tie up the topic without their audience even noticing a dropped stitch here and there.

7. Don’t Read Unless You Have to. Work from an Outline.

Reading from a script or slide fractures the interpersonal connection. By maintaining eye contact with the audience, you keep the focus on yourself and your message. A brief outline can serve to jog your memory and keep you on task.

The point of an in-person presentation is to allow for personal contact between you and those you are speaking to. Eyes focused on a piece of paper do not let you make important contact. In fact, it can have an adverse effect because it tells the audience, through body language, that you don’t see them.

With today’s digital feedback tools, you can record yourself to see and hear what you are doing. Once you know what your weak spots are, you can begin the process of shoring them up. So, don’t throw public relations opportunities out of your public relations strategies. You can learn skills you don’t already know, and you can customize your message to fit your style.

To read North’s complete article, click here.

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