People fear public speaking more than they fear death. It's a cliche, but it's been proven.
If you fear public speaking, you're not alone. But most likely your fear doesn't just impact your ability to speak in front of large groups in public. Maybe you also fear communication with others as well, at meetings or in an interview or in an interaction with colleagues. Your ability to communicate well publicly is a significant skill that can make or break your success in the job market and in your job.
Today we have a few tips to help you overcome any fear of public speaking you may have, large or small, so that you can become a power presenter.
1. Prepare!
Presentations have many parts. It can be stressful to get up in front of others and try to say the right thing at the right time. Make sure you have enough time to prepare. The more you practice, the better polished you'll be!
2. Remember your audience.
Every time you make a presentation, you're taking your thoughts and translating them to others. For your ideas to stand out, you need to remember who you're talking to. They have needs and wants, expectations for your presentation. Do some research and think about who you will be talking to.
3. Get feedback from others.
Find two or three people to serve as your feedback team. Have them tell you what they like or don't like. Try to ask before you make a presentation so that you have time to integrate it. Use people you trust if you're nervous about the feedback.
4. Check your body language.
Your body language is much more important than anything you could say during a presentation. Closing yourself off is a huge mistake. Focus on using open gestures that are inviting and comfortable. You're trying to develop a sense of intimacy with your audience. Invite them into your space!
5. Find a reason to get excited about what you're talking about.
It's easy to talk about things you like or are really pumped about. Find your own passion about the topic at hand. Your excitement will carry over to your audience and you'll feel less stressed!
