Most people find themselves battling public intervention anxiety. If you don't manage nervous tension properly, it can negatively affect your speech, making you seem unsure of what you are going to say. While it may be difficult to get rid of it completely, learning how to limit public speaking anxiety will help you deliver a more credible, authoritative and more effective speech.
Steps
Step 1. Get to know the audience who will attend your speech first
This not only allows you to tailor the speech to the specific group of people it will be addressed to, but it will help you feel less nervous about who is listening to you. Talking in a room full of strangers can be frightening.
- If you have to contact a group of complete strangers, do an audience analysis. The latter aims at the knowledge of factors such as age, level of education, sex, values, beliefs, job positions and cultures. It could be carried out through a fact-finding survey or by talking to someone who already has contact with the public.
- When addressing a group of people you interact with on a regular basis, such as classmates or co-workers, give yourself time to converse with them. Ask questions, observe their behaviors, and note what they value or talk about.
Step 2. Learn more about the topic of your speech
If you are more knowledgeable on the subject, you will feel less nervous when you talk about it in front of others.
- Go for a topic you are passionate about. If you do not have the opportunity to choose the topic, at least try to find an angle that interests you and of which you already have a smattering of.
- Research more than you think you might need. A general rule for a public speech is that for each minute of your speech you should spend an hour in research. Not everything you learn will end up in your speech, but it will increase your confidence on the subject.
Step 3. Prepare for your speech
If you are more prepared, you will feel less anxiety. Preparation includes writing the speech according to your speaking style, finding images and examples suitable for the audience, and using effective and professional aids.
- Check audio and video media. Preparing the material for the supports and then failing to make them work during the actual surgery will only increase the state of anxiety. Try to avoid this by testing all media beforehand.
- Make a contingency plan. Consider what you would do if the audiovisual aids failed due to equipment failure or a blackout. For example, print a copy of the slides to refer to if the projector fails. Think about how you would fill the time if the video didn't work.
Step 4. Take control
We are prone to fear what we cannot control. Although he cannot control every aspect of the intervention, you can reduce your anxiety by controlling the situation as much as possible.
- Find out what is non-negotiable. You will be given parameters for your intervention, such as its duration or the topic to be addressed.
- Communicate your preferences to the organization's staff. For example, if you prefer to use a traditional microphone rather than earphones with a microphone, tell them. Other aspects to consider are the use of a stool, whether to have a podium or a table, whether to project slides even on a small monitor to avoid looking on the giant screen. Establish these details with the staff, the organizer or another manager, before the day of the intervention.
Step 5. Practice repeating the speech
We tend to fear or be wary of things we don't know well. Give yourself time to practice. You do not have to memorize the speech word for word, but you must become familiar with the main points, the introduction, the conclusion and the examples.
- Practice on your own. Start by reading the speech aloud. Get used to listening to yourself. Test the language and make sure you feel comfortable. Afterwards, practice in front of the mirror or film it to see the gestures and facial expressions.
- Practice in front of others. Find friends, colleagues, or family members who are willing to listen to your speech. Ask them for advice. This will give you the opportunity to be more ready to speak in front of an audience. Consider it a test for the day of the speech.
- If possible, practice in the room where you will be giving the talk. See how the room is arranged and how the acoustic system works. If you already know the room, make yourself comfortable to look at it from the perspective from which you will do the surgery.
- Concentrate on the introduction. There is the possibility that by starting the speech well, your anxiety will decrease and you will feel more comfortable during the rest of the presentation.
Step 6. Take care of yourself
A good rest the night before the surgery will ensure that your mind is clear and you do not feel tired at the time of the speech. Eat a large breakfast that gives you energy. Dress in a way that makes you feel confident.
Step 7. Look for friendly faces in the crowd
Although many think that making eye contact only serves to increase the state of anxiety, in reality it could reduce it. Find friendly faces in the audience and imagine you are having a conversation with them. Let their smile encourage you to continue the conversation.
Step 8. Channel the energies
Before the speech, stretch, tighten and loosen the muscles. Breathe deeply and calm your heartbeat. During your speech, use your nerves to energize your body gestures and movements. It's okay to move around a bit, but try to be natural and not go up and down.
Advice
- Prepare and summarize your speech 2-3 days before presenting it in public.
- Recreate the setting of the room if you cannot have access to the one in which you will deliver your speech. Improvise a stage, set up some chairs and practice with a PC if you will be using one during the surgery.
