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| | The Public Speaking - The Essential Skill Network is not currently active and cannot accept new posts | | A routine run of the mill question | Views: 1514 | | Oct 02, 2006 7:33 am | | A routine run of the mill question | # | 
Amit Bhatnagar | |
Dear Friends,
I know this query has been there for time immemorial, but still dwelling into it.
How to speak confidently in Public, although I do public speaking a lot - but still the feeling b4 starting is always the same - that of being Shit Scared!
Any suggestions.
Thanks,
Amit. Private Reply to Amit Bhatnagar | | Oct 03, 2006 3:12 am | | re: A routine run of the mill question | # |
Jon Waters | | I get the same when talking before a number of people as well. After a little bit I get flowing and feel overly confident. It's the same when I train for a martial arts contest, I get butterflies prior to the bout but after a few seconds I'm ready and willing to go. My suggestion is to think to yourself that you are in control and don't feel intimidated.
Jon Waters
Independent Marketing Executive
Freelife International
http:://waters.freelife.comPrivate Reply to Jon Waters | | Oct 03, 2006 1:09 pm | | Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # | 
Heidi Richards | |
My main suggestion in speaking is to be prepared! If you are prepared, you will have confidence knowing that you have done all you can to be successful in your presentation.
Here are some suggestions for being prepared:
#1 Join Toastmasters! In 1992 I was elected to become president of our local chamber of commerce. I have to tell you, I was terrified. Not of being president, of residing over the general monthly meetings. Up to that point I had chaired several committees and was quite comfortable leading small groups of 10 or less people, but 200! No way... my dear friend and mentor suggested I check out Toastmasters. So I decided to start a TM Club ... and it was life altering. If there is a club in your area, run don't walk to it and check it out. Nothing will help you gain more confidence than learning all the skills required to give a good speech, one you can be proud of.
Practice, practice practice! I suggest you start practicing in front of a mirror. Watch yourself, the way you move, how you carry yourself. If you can video tape yourself, that is even better. Once you see the little habits you have, you can work to correct them.
After the mirror, I started with my dogs - dogs are great as they are not critical and they love everything we do. They make us realize it really is only a speech.
Give your speech in front of 1 or 2 friends or a family member. Set criteria. Tell them you only want them to listen and not critique. If you can take critique then ask them each for one suggestion for improvement and then work on that.
A speech coach can help you discover your style and then offer some specific advice on how to address the crowd, what your particular problems might be, and more.
Now comes "The BIG DAY." Here are some suggestions for making your speech:
Don't talk too fast. I find that newer speakers tend to talk fast ... to get it over with. Practice speaking at a moderate pace.
Make eye contact with a few friendly faces in the crowd and talk directly to them.
Remember to pause. The pause is one of the most powerful parts of a speech. It makes people think you are thinking.
Whenever I begin a speech, I look around at the entire crowd before I begin talking. This helps to find the friendly faces and it helps the audience connect with me.
Other tips to help you prepare.
Drink lots of water.
Get a good night's sleep. If you go out the night before your speech try not to drink alcoholic beverages. IF you must drink, limit intake to one or two.
If you are speaking at a conference, or where other speakers are present, hang out with them and ask their advice and questions.
Eat a good meal at least one hour before your speech.
Remember to Breathe. I once gave a speech before a group of Trainers at the National Leadership Conference in Washington DC. I was so worried about doing well (after all these were people who always spoke in public) I forgot to breathe. After that speech I almost fainted from lack of oxygen. I had to lay down on a couch with a cold compress for more than an hour.
Visualize yourself doing well - and getting applause. The power of visualization is incredible. When asked, most athletes will tell you that when they achieve their goals, win the game, reach a milestone it is because they visualize themselves doing so.
There are tons of tips for preparing your actual presentation, however, I think I have rambled on long enough. If anyone would like part two, let me know and I will post it later.
Best of luck with your speech. You will be FANTASTIC!
Heidi
Heidi Richards, Founder & Chief Visionary - WeChamber - "Where Women Prosper"
Stay tuned for the Women's Internet Marketing Summit taking place on Saturday October 28, 2006
For more info visit: (http://www.womensinternetmarketingsummit.com) or email me at heidi@wechamber.org
Private Reply to Heidi Richards | | Oct 03, 2006 1:28 pm | | re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # |
Steve Reed | | Amit,
I could not agree more with Heidi. In fact, Heidi's words need to be posted permanently somewhere so everyone can go to them any time they want to. Heidi, you hit it out of the park.
I have been involved in Toastmasters since 1991 and have found it to be invaluable. I do 50 to 75 presentations per year and have used everything she said, it works.
Way to go Heidi. Way to go Amit for stepping out of your comfort zone.
Steve Private Reply to Steve Reed | | Oct 03, 2006 1:32 pm | | re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # |
Anthony J Hillelson | | Great recommendations and suggestions, Heidi. All of which I use and have proven to be helpful. Yet, I can't really eat even one hour before a speaking engagement..unless it is several hours earlier.
An empty stomach or almost empty stomach works best for me. Yet, I make sure that I eat a light, high protein meal much earlier in the day, depending upon the time of the presentation. Perhaps only a protein drink, yet the high protein seems to help my brain function in a clearer and more concentrated manner.
Thanks for your suggestions. They work for me!
In the Spirit of Service
Jim Private Reply to Anthony J Hillelson | | Oct 03, 2006 2:26 pm | | re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # | 
Larina Kase | | I also agree with Heidi's comments (thanks for the great post!). As a psychologist and business coach specializing in anxiety, I've learned (and research has shown) that people tend to overcompensate for anxiety which leads to more problems.
For example, it's critical to prepare but you don't want to overprepare because you could work yourelf up more and come across as overly rehearsed and robotic. Trying to memorize your speech is an example of this and is likely to lead to more anxiety.
Also, while it's good to drink water ahead of time (several hours), don't drink too much before or during your talk. Dry mouth is an anxiety symptom, not a sign that you are really thirsty, so water doesn't solve it and instead makes you need to use the bathroom which can be more anxiety-provoking. Lightly biting the inside of your cheeks can stimulate saliva production.
The most important thing you can do is to connect with the audience. Meet and greet people as they are coming into the room. They'll like you and be in a better from frame of mind to respond well to your talk. And you'll see that they're nice and human like you so anxiety will go down.
The latest research on performance anxiety shows that the number one thing which makes you nervous is self-focused attention. When you analyze yourself (and all the things you may be doing wrong) you get more self conscious. The overcompensating behaviors (drinking water, over-preparing, talking too fast, etc) make you more focused on yourself.
The solution is to focus externally and connect with your audience. Rather than focusing on the specific words you use in a perfectionistic way, focus on the bigger picture and message of what you are there to share and how it can help people.
For further reading, there is a chapter of my book Anxious 9 to 5 (which covers speech anxiety and other forms of anxiety that come up in people's work) available at http://www.anxious9to5.com
Hope this helps!
:) Larina
Larina Kase, PsyD, MBA
Psychologist and Performance Coach
http://www.pascoaching.com
Private Reply to Larina Kase | | Oct 03, 2006 2:50 pm | | re: re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # |
Anthony J Hillelson | | Larina, great post and great suggestions. The one about biting the inside of the cheeks is a new one for me. So, we are all learning and that's all fun.
We do take our self sooo seriously and although, we all want to do a good job, I agree that perfectionism is a huge symptom of performance anxiety. The more we focus on our self instead of others, the anxiety will, inevitably, increase.
I loved the suggestion of greeting people as they enter as this is something that I've done for a long time as it makes 'me' feel better. I am connecting with the audience, one on one and this lowers my anxiety.
Great post! Most of us have some performance anxiety and if we learn to utilize it or channel it in the right way, our presentations can be more lively, interesting and memorable with less anxiety and more fun.
In the Spirit of Service,
Jim Private Reply to Anthony J Hillelson | | Oct 03, 2006 9:05 pm | | re: re: re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # | 
Patrick McManus | | Make sure you have something so important to say to your audience that you are just the delivery medium.
Scan the audience before speaking and identify "friendly listeners" in all parts of the auditorium and speak to them and those around them. It is easier to speak to friendly people than hostile or neutral one.
Patrick McManus Private Reply to Patrick McManus | | Oct 05, 2006 8:56 am | | re: re: re: re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # | 
Arun Chitlangia | | Know the npurpose. ICE. Inform, Covince or Entertain. Then know ur audience, venue etc. Prepare speech. read it aloud, make corrections, again read aloud... at least thrice.
Listen to ur own sppech as if u r audience. Is it interesting? If not add humour, stories, quotes and make it attractive.
Be sincere to ur audience.
I am sure u can do a wonderful job thereafter.Private Reply to Arun Chitlangia | | Oct 05, 2006 9:36 am | | re: re: re: re: re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # |
Amit Bhatnagar | |
Dear Friends,
Thank you all very much!
What great inputs you all have given, really appreciate it. I am sure armed with all this I for one should'nt face any more problem from here on :)
Cheers,
Amit. Private Reply to Amit Bhatnagar | | Oct 05, 2006 6:13 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # |
Jon Waters | | Good luck with all future speeches, Amit. Tell me how some of them go when you have to make them again!!
Jon Waters
Independent Marketing Executive
Freelife International
http://waters.freelife.comPrivate Reply to Jon Waters | | Oct 06, 2006 5:56 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # | 
Dan Banta | | I agree that Toastmasters is a great cure all. I was involved a number of years ago and it helped me tremendously in my sales work. It's kind of like facing your fears by doing. Weekly speaking in front of people can reduce the "fear factor." Private Reply to Dan Banta | | Apr 10, 2007 1:19 pm | | Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # | 
Saji Bhaskaran | |
Hi All,
I am Saji Bhaskaran. I am niether a Trainer or a Professional Public Speaker.
But I am very interested in topics like these.
As a layman, I would say that a PUBLIC SPEAKING is undoubtedly an ART. As we all have heard about the phrase from HENRY FORD that, "Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off your goal".
And, people...."THE POWER OF VISUALIZATION,IS THE MOST POWERFUL FORCE!!!!!"
Think Success!!! Success will be your slave !!!
Thanks,
Saji Bhaskaran.
Private Reply to Saji Bhaskaran | | Apr 12, 2007 4:13 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # | 
Deepak Morris | | "I for one should'nt face any more problem from here on"
Just a note of caution, Amit. Problems can crop up for the most experienced and confident of speakers. The sound system may fail. A ceiling fan may suddenly run out of lubrication and begin to emit a screech that makes everyone's hair stand on end. There are literally more than a thousand things that can go wrong.
What is important is an ability to distinguish between what is controllable and what is not (the errant ceiling fan can be switched off, but that'll make some members of the audience uncomfortable - as good a reason as any to keep it short :) I think).
I have been in a situation where a girl's dupatta got caught in the blades of a floor-standing fan next to her. Thankfully, most modern fans are designed to stop at the slightest resistence so there was no physical harm done but the girl happened to be one that trusted only me to extricate her and so I had to descend from the dais, unwind her dupatta from the fan blades (with everyone in the audience now standing up and craning their necks to see what was happening), then ensure that the fan itself was moved sufficiently far away to prevent a repetition of the episode. By this time, the incident had become more interesting than my speech so I had to cut it short.
I'm not trying to discourage you, I'm just saying that in Public Speaking, expect the unexpected.
I guess that makes it more fun than ever, at least for me.
DeepakPrivate Reply to Deepak Morris | | Apr 12, 2007 7:21 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # | 
Marcus Johnson | | How do you find a local Toastmasters club in your area?
"Your Interest Is Our Concern"
www.manormtg.com
www.wannanetwork.com/magicj3Private Reply to Marcus Johnson | | Apr 12, 2007 7:29 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # | 
Victoria Whitecotton | | Go to http://www.toastmasters.org and click Find a Club.
Victoria Whitecotton
Home & Garden Party Independent Representative
http://www.victoria-whitecotton.com
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/partytimenewsPrivate Reply to Victoria Whitecotton | | Apr 24, 2007 7:14 pm | | re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: re: Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # |
Marcus Johnson | | Thanks
"Your Interest Is Our Concern"
www.manormtg.com
www.wannanetwork.com/magicj3Private Reply to Marcus Johnson | | May 17, 2007 12:31 pm | | re: re:Tips for overcoming presentation anxiety | # |
Larina Kase | | Hi all,
I posted to this thread earlier and now I'd like to share my new book The Confident Speaker (written with speech coach to CEOs and politicians, Harrison Monarth)- over
300 pages based on research on how to overcome presentation anxiety and polish your speaking skills.
This book has been endorsed by the late Dottie Walters as well as Seth Godin, Brian Tracy, and other speaking and business legends. We're also offering over $2000 in bonuses just for speakers today:
Have a look: http://www.confidentspeakerbook.com
Thanks for your interest!
Larina Private Reply to Larina Kase | | May 17, 2007 3:16 pm | | re: A routine run of the mill question | # | 
Asif Quddussi | | Hello,
You might have already read my other posts. In case you did, you can probably tell that I am not afraid of speaking in front of anybody on anything. I have a technique that I have used few times and so far have been successful everytime. I have suggested this to my colleagues and friends and it works for them too. I am going to suggest you this technique with confidence that it does work.
Here is what I do; if I am scared before giving a speech on a particular event, I start my speech with a very blunt and straight comment or question. For example, 'We are all losers'. that is a scary thought. And trust me we all are losers at something at some point in our life so no shame in that. Now you can either try mine or come up with your own item number.
Once you have done that you know you have everybody's attention, and guess what, now everybody is just scared as you are. Obviously it also depends on your statement too. There is only one outcome of such a statement- you will not be scared anymore as long as you keep on talking. Why? Because everybody else in the room is scared too.
If you have tried this before and are still scared, you probably did not use it at the right time. If you have not, try it now. You have nothing to loose. Take care.
AQ
Private Reply to Asif Quddussi | | May 17, 2007 9:21 pm | | re: A routine run of the mill question | # | 
Ed Sykes | | Great answers! I joined Toastmasters in 1996 and it has propelled me to a whole new level of success and opened up new doors of opportunity. One of the best qualities of Toastmasters is that it is a safe, encouraging learning environment" for all members. I continue to use Toastmasters has a learning tool for my clients.
Remember, public speaking is like a muscle, the more you speak the stronger you become. I suggest you read "Outstanding Presentations Start in the Mind: Five Secrets for Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety" at the following link:
http://www.thesykesgrp.com/Articles.htm
Create a Great Speaking Day!
Ed Sykes
"Preparing You Today for Tomorrow's Opportunities"
http://www.thesykesgrp.comPrivate Reply to Ed Sykes | | May 17, 2007 9:57 pm | | re: re: A routine run of the mill question | # |
Larina Kase | | AQ-
This is a very interesting and brave approach. I applaud your willingness to put yourself out there and agree that capturing attention and curiosity is absolutely essential at the beginning of the talk.
Do you preplan these statements or see what comes to you in the moment?
Thanks for sharing-
Larina
--------------
Larina Kase, PsyD, MBA
Coauthor, The Confident Speaker (McGraw-Hill, 2007)
http://www.confidentspeakerbook.com
Private Reply to Larina Kase | | May 18, 2007 1:38 pm | | re: re: re: A routine run of the mill question | # |
Asif Quddussi | | Hello,
I always look at a speaking event as a challenge of 1 vs any number of people. You as a speaker can never ever out number the audience, whether you are speaking in front of 10 people or 10,000. They will always be one more than you. If you want to beat 10,000 people, you have to be very aggressive from the very beginning even when you are having fun on the stage.
The lights and eyes are on you. You have the microphone and you have the stage. You run the show the way you want. People have no clue what in the God's world are you going to talk about. And if they know you as a happy go lucky person, it shocks them when they see you change. You become an actor overnight.
Some people already know who you are. Out of 100% audience, I make sure I already know at least 5% in advance and get to know more before I start speaking. Some will start liking me as I begin. More by the break and by the time I am done, 51% will be on my side. I am not a mathematician but I guess this is a win-win situation.
AQ
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