What Scares You About Public Speaking? The Top Five Tips to Master Your Next Presentation!

If you ask most people, they’ll tell you the thought of standing in front of a room full of people scares them.  Palms are sweating, heart’s beating fast, and the mind is racing. Even the most seasoned of professionals struggle with public speaking, so trust us when we say, you are not alone!

Glossophobia, aka, the fear of speaking in public is a common fear, with almost 1 in 4 people reporting that they have some related anxiety when it comes to getting up in front of others to present their ideas and share information. 

Being able to speak effectively, whether in a room full of people or in a virtual meeting, is a valuable skill that requires strong communication and the ability to engage with others. The goal is to not only get your audience’s attention, but to keep them engaged in what you’re saying. 

While speaking to a room full of people may not be comfortable, whether we know them or not, it's often a key part of our job and an essential skill for advancing your career. 

If the thought of public speaking scares you, it’s ok to be nervous. Take comfort in knowing that there are effective methods to help overcome this fear. While you may never completely love it, implementing certain practices can help ease your anxiety. 
To help you nail your next public speaking presentation, we’re sharing our top five tips to help you shine like a pro!

Preparation 

Being prepared is always the first step with any presentation. Having a clear understanding of the topic and what it is you want to say will help set the stage. When you’re well-prepared, you’ll feel more confident and less nervous. Why? Because you know the material you plan to discuss. Take the time needed to thoroughly research the topic and organize your thoughts into a clear and concise presentation. A well-structured speech will help you to stay focused and easier for your audience to follow along with. 

Practice, Practice, and Practice Again!

We’ve all heard the phrase, practice makes perfect. Becoming familiar with the material you plan to speak on will help ease the nerves. Once you’ve completed your research, begin practicing your speech. Set aside dedicated time each day to rehearse. If you have a friend or family member to practice with, it’s a great way to gain confidence and receive constructive feedback. 

Another effective technique is to either film yourself or practice in front of a mirror. This will allow you to visually see how you look delivering the speech. You’ll be able to identify any areas that might need improvement, such as body language, tone of your voice, gestures, and facial expressions. 

The more practice you put in, the more comfortable you’ll feel when it comes time to deliver your presentation. 

Visualize Success 

Anxiety is not uncommon when it comes to public speaking so employing certain methods like visualization can help overcome those feelings. 

Before your presentation, take a few minutes alone to immerse yourself in the moment. Close your eyes and imagine yourself delivering the speech to an audience. In your mind, envision your voice powerful, speaking clearly and confidently to an audience engaged in the message you're delivering. 

Mentally rehearsing your presentation can help you refrain from having negative thoughts right beforehand, thus reducing anxiety and increasing your confidence. The more prepared you feel, the less nervous you’ll be when it’s showtime.

Engage With the Audience 

A major fear of public speaking is feeling disconnected from the audience. When this happens, it can lead to a decrease in confidence and performance. The last thing you want when you’re speaking in front of people is to have any sort of negative feelings. 

To overcome feeling disconnected, it’s important to establish a connection with the audience early on. Eye contact, asking engaging questions, utilizing visuals, and implementing storytelling techniques, are some of the ways to bring your audience into the presentation. Making a personal connection helps reduce anxiety which allows you to deliver an impactful speech.

Be Yourself

It may sound simple, but many people get on stage and feel they need to be someone they’re not. The key is to be authentic and not to overthink things. The more you worry about how you’re being perceived, the more anxious you’ll become. 

Instead, shift your focus away from feeling any self-consciousness and focus on the message you want to convey. By channeling the energy into your speech and the impact it will have on your audience, you’ll reduce any self-doubt and feel more confident. 

By putting these strategies into place, you’re setting yourself up for success. These tips will help you to build confidence, overcome the fear, and deliver an impactful presentation. It may take time to feel comfortable doing so, but remember, public speaking is a skill that can be mastered!. With practice and preparation, you can turn the experience from a source of anxiety into a rewarding opportunity. So, take the stage, own the room, and deliver your message with confidence!