Ten Steps to Fearless Public Speaking

There is plenty of dubious material which suggests you can combat public speaking fear. Much of it includes fancy techniques such as 'visualisation' or 'breathing techniques'. Well, they might work. But this ten step system is GUARANTEED TO WORK. That's because instead of fancy tricks and techniques, this system of dealing with public speaking fear uses your body's natural defences against fear.

STEP ONE
Prepare well. Naturally enough, the more prepared you are the more likely you are to feel in control, which will NATURALLY help your nervousness reduce.

STEP TWO
Practice, practice, practice. You can't do too much practice. Don't listen to those people who say you can over-practice. Tell that to circus artists who practice day in day out for decades, just to get their act right. You don't hear actors and musicians complaining they had 'too much' rehearsal time. The more your rehearse, the better.

STEP THREE
Say your speech OUT LOUD. Whether you are in the car, the bath, or going for a walk with the dog, say it out loud. Going through your talk 'in your head' means you don't benefit from something called 'psychomotor memory' - whereby the memory for what you need to say is partly embedded in the muscles of your mouth.

STEP FOUR
Get to the venue early. Get a feel for the room. Sit where the audience will sit so you can see it from their perspective. Walk around the auditorium. Practice your speech on the stage itself. The more comfortable you are with the room, the less your nerves will be.

STEP FIVE
Get some exercise. A walk, a swim, a session in the gym, it doesn't matter what you do, as long as you get some exercise in the couple of hours before your talk. That way you'll change the chemistry of your blood supply in your own favour. Exercise is essential in reducing nerves. Do not skimp on this.

STEP SIX
Chew some mints or sweets. While waiting to go on stage, chew something. This will produce saliva which also helps reduce nerves. If you drink water your saliva production will go down and your nervousness will rise. Avoid water when presenting.

STEP SEVEN
When you go up on stage, smile. No matter how false it feels to you, the audience won't notice. Just smile. It helps produce hormones that lead to a more relaxed feeling.

STEP EIGHT
Be active on the stage. Move around, use big gestures and get as much body movement as you can. The more you move the more relaxed you will feel.

STEP NINE
Look people in the eye. Make as much eye contact as you can. The more the better. Eye contact is essential in helping you feel good and reducing your nerves.

STEP TEN
Use feedback. Always gain feedback on your speeches. You'll soon discover you are a lot better than you think you are, which is bound to help boost your confidence.

Graham Jones is a psychologist and public speaker. He has helped over 17,000 people overcome their fear of public speaking. He runs The Presentation Business to help you speak in public. See: The Presentation Business

Or sign up for a series of tips via email: tips@presentationbiz.com

---

Using Your Natural Style On Stage

We were both speakers at the same convention presenting on... Read More

What is YOUR Speaking Expertise?

Why do you have to be an expert when getting... Read More

Will Speak for Food - Using Free Speeches to Attract Customers

If you want to get in front of prospective customers,... Read More

Make Your Talks Pay: Have People Stand In Line Eager Give You Their Business Card

If you've ever been on stage, doing a talk or... Read More

The Best Practical Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright

As one who does some speech coaching, I have heard... Read More

Earn Your Cs as A Speaker

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had some good advice for the public... Read More

Overcoming Your Fears of Public Speaking

You're waiting your turn to make a speech, when suddenly... Read More

How to Build Respect with Your Audience: Positive Thinking and Outhouse Eyes

Do you believe in natural laws? Laws like:? What goes... Read More

No More Stagefright - Have Fun Speaking!

7 Tips that calm and center you before your presentation:1.... Read More

What to Do When an Audience Member Disagrees With You

Some people enjoy drawing attention to themselves by trying to... Read More

How to be a Great Speaker

Did you know that great speakers are often nervous with... Read More

Is Information Delivery Instruction?

Do you work for one of those organisations whose "training"... Read More

Be Brief!

Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... Read More

Choosing a Hot Keyword: Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers

When choosing keywords, you'll want to stay away from using... Read More

What is Public Speaking?

When we talk about public speaking, we usually think about... Read More

Conversationally Speaking

"Would you like to say a few words?" How many... Read More

Fear!

I am terrified of heights. The thought of skydiving, for... Read More

How to Write and Deliver an Outstanding Speech - Using the PEPP Talk Forumla

I learned my craft as a speaker a long time... Read More

How To Use Microphones

Microphones are designed to help your voice, not replace it.... Read More

Top 7 Tips for Speakers

Public Speaking is the number one way to advance your... Read More

How VALUABLE is Your Speaking Topic?

What information can be used immediately by the audience and... Read More

Youre Making Me Nervous

Almost everybody is nervous when they stand up to speak.... Read More

Time Management

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date. No... Read More

Take The Fear Out Of Public Speaking

You're a bright, dynamic executive. You've been scheduled to give... Read More

A Perfect Meeting: AKA When You Dont Want to Strangle the Speaker

Have you ever worked for weeks or even months, often... Read More

Be a Guest Speaker and Attract Business

Being a guest speaker in front of the right audience... Read More

How To Start With Public Speaking

I don't know how many books, articles, manuals and scripts... Read More

How to Use Public Speaking to Attract Clients

When Robert Middleton moved his marketing consulting practice, Action Plan... Read More

12 Ways to be a Confident Public Speaker

Speak from your heart. If you believe in what you... Read More

How to Answer Questions Your Audience Will Ask

In elementary school, most of us asked questions which were... Read More

Getting Results from Your Writing & Speaking

When we communicate, we usually want something to happen. We... Read More

How to Become a More Persuasive Speaker: A Systems Approach

There is no surer way to get ahead in business... Read More

Pay Attention To Your Appearance!

During the coffee break of one conference I attended, whispers... Read More