Few elements of modern life can be so detrimental for one’s ability for self-improvement and success than Fear of Public Speaking. Surveys indicate, however, that this is the is the number one source of apprehension in the United States. The first survey to point this out appeared in the October 7 1973 issue of the Sunday Times of London. The findings have been verified by countless other surveys and studies in subsequent years. For the businessperson, either in a small company or a large corporation, the ability to speak coherently and persuasively is a vital skill, but this “fear of speaking” holds many otherwise competent people back. This can be a disaster for the sales person, but it need not be so. Speaking skills are easy to acquire once the fear is controlled. Note that i said “controlled,” not overcome. In the hundreds of executive workshops I have conducted, I have found a high percentage of intelligent people apprehensive at the prospect of giving a presentation.
Public speaking is a one method to share or express knowledge and insights to a large number of people or a crowd. Effective communication skills are very essential to every public speaker. Having a good communication skill and confidence are also important in our everyday life. We can apply it at home, school, different communities, and at work. A zero experience in public speaking can turn out to be stressful if it’s your first time in delivering your very own speech. Below are some tips to help you alleviate anxiety, stress and find your way in enhancing your confidence and communication skills. Every good speaker should be knowledgeable with his subject and topic. This will reflect in the speaker’s credibility ad expertise in the subject field. Create the entire idea structure and highlight two to three major points. Remember to keep your topic simple and straight forward. Know your audience, do little research.
Chocolate, cola and caffeine – these are the three C’s that you should avoid on the day of the speech as they are high in caffeine. Too much caffeine can make you more anxious and make you feel more jittery. If you’re a coffee junkie, why not try to replace your coffee with caffeine free ones, or herbal teas. At the same time, try to have protein rich balanced meals in order to keep hunger at bay. If you’re on the spotlight – speaking to a total group of strangers can be threatening. To ease things up, find out as much as you can about your audience way before your speech. At the same time, it helps if you try talking to your audience first prior to giving the speech. This means that you should arrive a bit earlier on schedule. Getting yourself familiar with your audience helps you realize that they too are just people like you and they’re there to listen to your speech and not necessarily to judge you. Speaking one – on – one with strangers can help you overcome your anxiety, but for other people, it can provoke anxiety. Figure out what works best for you. Admitting that you are nervous can be a great ice breaker for your speech. At the same time, it can make your audience more receptive as well. Keep your audience’s attention by speaking to them in the same manner that you would with a friend. Keep it light and conversational in order keep your audience at ease. Maintain eye contact in order to let them feel more connected. While these tips may be helpful during the actual speech, it is best to remember to treat your anxiety disorder well before the day you need to give the speech. Try using natural anxiety remedies to lessen your anxiety.
No directory is ever complete, but it will provide you enough contact to keep your business going. There are three main directories that can be helpful with research: The National Trade and Professional Associations Directory, The Directory of Association Meeting Planners and the Directory of Corporate Meeting Planners. These directories do cost a bit to acquire, but theyll make researching your niche easier than ever! 7) The last source of potential paid public speaking jobs are referrals. As you build up a network of peers and clients in your niche market, referrals will help bring your name to the forefront when conference planners are looking to hire. One thing I know is that the person who markets first to the conference planner when they are ready to hire will get the job. Your job is to be there first! Ive got one last thing to share with you. Remember that you can find the people who have the money to pay you to speak. Youve got a number of resources to help you with researching your niche market. Once you get started working a few gigs, dont be afraid to go after the big money!
Really connect with them. This is one of the hardest things to learn. You might think you connect, but do you know when one of them flinches, is bored or has the deer-in-headlights look? Are you paying attention? Usually from the stage, I can see a perplexed look on someones face and Im right there asking, What can I help you with? I am paying attention. I see the people in the front rows more than the people in the back, but the people in the front are there for a reason. Theyre usually the avid learners, the ones who are the most committed, the ones who are most excited. So theyre the ones you can pay attention to the most. How do you connect? Make eye contactreal true eye contact with as many people as you can. Even with larger audiences, if you look in a certain area there are 3 or 4 people who will think youre looking right at them.
Public speaking will allow you to attract more clients, generate unlimited leads, grow your business effortlessly, and change the world with your words. You have to be visible to sell, and the best way is to start speaking in public is by using the 5 Laws of Public Speaking or the acronym P-E-A-C-E. Public speaking will allow you to attract more clients, generate unlimited leads, grow your business effortlessly, and change the world with your words. You have to be visible to sell, and the best way is to start speaking in public is by using the 5 Laws of Public Speaking or the acronym P-E-A-C-E. P is for Prepare. Prepare before you speak! This one idea will set you above the rest. Most business presenters bore us all to tears and wonder why they dont get any business. Its because they didnt prepare enough! If you havent been speaking your signature talk a lot, then youll need to spend more time preparing in the beginning.