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

---

Ethics in Speaking: A Practical Point of View

Often managers have to deliver presentations with unpleasant content. The... Read More

15 Tips For Making A Great Speech

1. Listen to your internal dialog. 2. Visualize a positive... Read More

How to Give a Speech Without Dying

Two of the top fears of most people are dying... Read More

Fear

FearOf what am I afraid, you ask. Of myself, I... Read More

Overcoming Your Fears of Public Speaking

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

12 Ways to be a Confident Public Speaker

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

Lose Stagefright Over Your Lunch Hour

While teaching a two-day Speaking Confidence program to a group... Read More

Foreign Translations of Your Talk - How Do You Ensure Your Message is Delivered Properly?

There are a number of possibilities as to how this... Read More

Speech Writing Tips: The 14 Speech Writing Secrets of President Bill Clinton

Speaking in public can be a powerful way to build... Read More

Speaking for FUN and PROFIT

How do you gain contacts from a speaking engagement?The name... Read More

The Top Four Ways To Get Audience Involvement In A Presentation

In the thousands of speeches I've heard very few presenters... Read More

Youre Making Me Nervous

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

No More Stagefright - Have Fun Speaking!

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

Speak With a Relaxed Body and Mind

Fear of public speaking is No.1. Death is No.4. So... Read More

How to be a Great Speaker

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

Be a Guest Speaker and Attract Business

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

What is Public Speaking?

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

Executive Public Speaking for English as a Second Language (ESL)

Public Speaking is a challenging skill. It is TOUGH! For... Read More

Speech Tips - Ten Things to Remember When Accepting an Award

Many people are recognised for their work, industry, sporting or... Read More

Making Transitions

Ever notice how smoothly some speakers or writers move you... Read More

How to Promote yourself as a Speaker on the Web

Why use the web for promoting your speaking engagements?Most people... Read More

To Insure Success in Speaking: Anticipate

We all know that to be a careful driver on... Read More

Demand Dignity in Public Speaking Training

Mandy*, a bright, attractive professional woman, had a fear of... Read More

Fear!

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

Speaking One-to-One

Speaking to an individual is different from the group experience.... Read More

Directing Voiceovers: Dont Be, Do!

Directing a voice-over talent you've hired to read a spot... Read More

How to Present Your Proposal at an Executive Meeting

What's the worst reaction you've ever gotten when you made... Read More

How To Start With Public Speaking

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

Voice Coaching - Training Your Voice to Give Better Presentations

Picture a cool crisp autumn morning in the wide open... Read More

Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

Knocking knees, butterflies (who came up with that word?) in... Read More

The Top 5 Public Speaking Questions Answered

There are a number of questions that we consistently get... Read More

Public Speaking Tips

1. No speech is ever perfect. Perfectionism creates more fear.... Read More

Is Information Delivery Instruction?

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