Connecting: Public speaking: fate worse than death?

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Your hands are wet and your mouth is dry. Your breath is shallow and your heart is beating fast and hard. As the announcer says your name, you plan your escape, but your knees are too weak. If you had your choice, you'd rather be walking a tight rope, handling a snake, or planning your own funeral. |ret||ret||tab|

Welcome to the world of public speaking. |ret||ret||tab|

Several studies suggest that the fear of public speaking ranks above the fear of heights, the fear of snakes and the fear of death. |ret||ret||tab|

Physiological changes take place when we feel stressed or fearful, yet there are ways to control the anxiety and nervousness often associated with giving a public presentation. |ret||ret||tab|

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Preparation|ret||ret||tab|

Know your audience and your subject. Do the two complement each other? How many people will be in your audience, and what is their purpose for being there? What is your expertise on the subject? Why are you speaking to them and what is the end result you wish to establish as a result of your presentation? Are you there to inform, persuade, entertain, or a combination of the three? |ret||ret||tab|

If you are prepared it's less likely that you will feel anxious. There is always a tendency to procrastinate; however procrastination adds to the anxiety. Create a checklist for preparation. The checklist should include these things: |ret||ret||tab|

Room set-up requirements, including audio-visuals |ret||ret||tab|

Your outline |ret||ret||tab|

Your time limit |ret||ret||tab|

An audience analysis |ret||ret||tab|

Audience activities or involvement |ret||ret||tab|

Handouts |ret||ret||tab|

Your prepared introduction |ret||ret||tab|

Potential questions for the Q&A part of your presentation.|ret||ret||tab|

A good idea is to prepare your outline or script, then let it sit for a few days. Go back to it a week or so before your presentation and tweak it. Prepare a list of possible questions your audience might ask and be prepared to offer them resources. Memorize your opening and ending statements.|ret||ret||tab|

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Practice|ret||ret||tab|

This is the hardest part of being a good speaker. No one likes to spend time rehearsing, yet if you want your presentation to be smooth and on time, you need to invest in this discipline. One way is to read your script into a tape recorder, then listen for flow and smooth transitions. You can play the recording in your car or before bedtime to let the presentation sink into your consciousness. |ret||ret||tab|

If you only write an outline, practice in front of a mirror and turn on the recorder. You will be surprised how often you get off track or use the wrong word. Practice and preparation reduce the anxiety. |ret||ret||tab|

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Positive thinking|ret||ret||tab|

Besides being poorly prepared, another reason people face anxiety is because of their unproductive thoughts. Instead of focusing on yourself and your perception of how others are going to judge you, turn your focus to the audience and what you have to give them. Make a conscious note of how what you have to say is going to benefit them. |ret||ret||tab|

Recognize that nervousness is energy. If you weren't somewhat nervous, it would mean you didn't care. Reframe the word anxiety or nervousness to excitement. Become aware of your inner dialogue. When you find yourself thinking negatively, notice it, acknowledge it, and quickly dismiss it. |ret||ret||tab|

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Relaxation techniques |ret||ret||tab|

Get as much rest as possible the night before and avoid overstimulation right before your talk. In other words seek out silence right before your presentation. Drink plenty of water and avoid excess caffeine or extreme temperatures of hot and cold beverages on the day of your talk. If you are already in shape and are used to exercising, then go for a quick jog or do some yoga or stretching to get rid of excess energy and get yourself centered. |ret||ret||tab|

Do five minutes of deep breathing exercises and relax your neck and back muscles. Visualize yourself being confident, knowing your material and connecting with the audience. Pause at the lectern once you have been introduced and clearly state your opening remark. Speaking well is a learned discipline that can be enjoyable once you learn to control your anxiety. |ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|(Marlene Chism is president of ICARE Consulting in Springfield.)|ret||ret||tab|

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