Anxiety when speaking in public
“I can’t believe I agreed to give this speech. Look at all those people out there! My knees are shaking and my stomach feels like I just jumped off a roller coaster. My heart is pounding so fast and hard.” . my tie is popping. I just want to scream and run!
Public speaking is often cited as the number one fear of adults. The Book of Lists places fear of death fifth while public speaking ranks first. Jerry Seinfeld said, “That would mean that at a funeral, people are five times more likely to want to be at the coffin than to give the eulogy.”
Let’s look at some techniques for dealing with anxiety and giving a great presentation. The methods are divided into the acronym PREPARE
Preparation – The basis of a good speech is based on the 6 “W” of effective journalism. You must determine:
Who is your audience?
What are your key points?
When are you talking? how long?
Where is the speech; physical environment?
Why should the audience listen to you?
how are you going to present
In an effective speech, your audience will only remember 3-4 main ideas. Decide on the essential ideas vital to your understanding of your topic. These are your key points. Make a brief summary with supporting details, quotes, and graphics.
Test – Practice is essential. Try to give your talk without using notes and check your time during this essay. If you have to use notes, just jot down your key points. Don’t try to memorize the entire speech word for word. Mark Twain said, “It usually takes more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech.” That’s the effect he’s looking for: a conversational, improvised style, but with a deep understanding of the material.
Entrance – Launching your presentation is as important as taking off a plane. If the takeoff fails, the rest of the trip becomes irrelevant. Determine how you are going to start your speech and memorize the first few lines. A great start includes telling the audience why they want to listen. What is the benefit for them?
If you’re particularly nervous, find a sympathetic face and talk to that person for several moments. Don’t start with an apology… “I didn’t have much time to prepare for this talk.” Or “I’m not very good at giving speeches.” Starting with a negative makes the audience uncomfortable. Remember that you feel more anxious than you appear. Turn your nervous energy into enthusiasm and launch your speech in a positive way.
postures – Your body is a tool. Learn to use it effectively. Find your center of balance. Your feet should be firmly planted at shoulder-width apart. Keep your shoulders back and chin up. Stand calmly, being careful not to move or wobble. Let your hands rest at your sides.
Make your movements have a purpose. If you wave your hands, let them return to the resting position at your side. Don’t wander around the room. If you want to go to a different place, go there and then stop. Talk to one person at a time and maintain eye contact.
Your voice has volume, tone and rhythm. Realize that you will speak faster and at a higher pitch than when you were rehearsing. Be aware of this trend. Speak loud enough so everyone in the room can hear you, but not so loud that people in the front rows cover their ears.
Audience – Know your audience. Don’t be like William Safire who said, “Is slack speech caused by ignorance or apathy? I don’t know and I don’t care.” What does your audience know about the topic? Try to anticipate their questions. During the presentation, look for reactions, questions, and concerns. This makes it seem accessible and allows you to move through the topic with your audience following closely.
If possible, greet audience members when they arrive. Ask why they came or about their interests in the topic. Adjust your presentation plans to best meet your needs. Finally, keep in mind that the audience is not your enemy: they want you to succeed. No one came to see you fail or fail. Get people involved and involve them in your successful talk.
Chill out – Remember that the physical reactions you experience in front of a group are normal. When faced with a stimulating situation, the body resorts to the “fight” or “flight” response. Your pulse increases. Adrenaline is released into the bloodstream. Your body prepares for a physical response, but you have to stay still!
Sometimes your mind generates negative thoughts. Michael Pritchard said: “Fear is that little dark room where the negatives are developed.” Deal with fear by building a strong foundation (know your topic!) and feeling confident in your message. Take a few deep breaths. Gentle exercise or stretching can disperse some of the anxious energy. Smile.
finalizing – Just like landing an airplane, your presentation must land correctly. Begin the ending by summarizing your key points. Then ask the audience questions and clarify any remaining issues. Then make your closing statement, which should encourage some action. What do you want the audience to do? Memorizing the last few lines ensures a strong close. Finally he smiles and nods.
If the thought of public speaking makes you anxious, you probably will. However, if you PREPARE, your anxiety level will be lower and you will give a better and more effective speech. Who knows, you might like giving the eulogy better than being in the coffin!