4. Conquering Speaking Anxieties Что6ы не бояться устного выступления

Why is it that people fear public speaking? Perhaps, because we are never really sure what will actually happen when the time comes. However, we can prepare and this preparation not only gives us confidence in the outcome but makes the waiting more pleasant.

Examining Common Speech Anxieties

You're ready to present your speech. You’ve analyzed yourself and your audience, researched and developed your presentation, selected and polished your attention-getting devices, and practiced to improve mid strengthen your platform skills. However, now that your moment on the stage is approaching, you feel nervous. This is a natural reaction. Perhaps you're afraid your mind will go blank, or that you will say something foolish. You may even have stage fright.

However, regardless of your particular type of anxiety, you can use the energy from these anxieties to become a more effective and dynamic speaker.

Dealing with Stage Fright

The primary problem speakers share is stage fright. This is characterized by cold sweat nervousness, queasy stomach, feelings of panic, and shortness of breath.

Interestingly enough, the most effective remedy for stage fright is adequate preparation and practice. This will give you confidence in your message and in yourself as a presenter.

Besides careful preparation and practice, there are several other useful remedies for stage fright. First, build your confidence and enthusiasm by seeing the positive aspects of your presentation. Take advantage of that. extra burst of adrenaline to build your energy level and to sharpen your delivery skills. Second, review your presentation matrix and visuals. Rereading your speech is reassuring because you can see that you have something worthwhile and well prepared to say. Third, take several deep breaths. This will relax and prepare your voice to begin speaking. Finally, take a drink of water, if possible, to clear your throat before speaking.

Remedies for Stage Fright

• Prepare and revise your presentation carefully

• Practice your speech and evaluate your delivery

• «Psych» yourself up to build your confidence and enthusiasm

• Review your presentation text and visuals

• Take several deep breaths before you speak

• Take a drink of water before you speak

Dealing with Audience Inattention

A second common fear centers round audience inattention. This is when no one is paying attention or listening to what you have to say. Here arc some things you can do to avoid audience inattention. First, have a clear organization so that the audience will be able to follow your logic and sequence easily. If you constantly change topics or move from one idea to another too quickly or without transition, your audience will quickly lose interest and patience.

Second, involve the audience in the presentation as quickly as possible. One of the best ways is to use an attention-getting question at the beginning of the speech. Even if they don't respond aloud, they will ask themselves the question and respond to it internally.

Third, make your presentation relevant to the audience. Fourth, use attention-getting devices such as stories, anecdotes, and examples to illustrate your points. Visuals, if they arc well prepared and appropriate, add flavor, interest, and variety to your presentation.

Besides these technical considerations, concentrate on your platform skills. One of the best ways to avoid audience inattention is to maintain good eye contact. Look at every individual so that he or she feels included in the presentation. However, it's important to keep your gaze moving. Don't concentrate on any one person, stare at your notes, or look over the heads of your audience.

Speaking in a monotone has put more than one audience to sleep. Put enthusiasm into your voice and vary the pace of your presentation. Depending on content, go slower or faster in places as you would do in normal conversation. Regardless of the temptation, however, don't rush through your presentation. Take your time.