Public speaking is a nightmare for many students and business professionals. The mere thought of standing in front of a crowd of people to speak can make a speaker extremely nervous. They may suffer from sweats, body shakes, or the infamous butterflies in the stomach. Anxiety surrounding public speaking is a common fear. However, some people think it is a good idea to engage in unhealthy practices before a speech. Consuming alcohol is never the answer to getting rid of anxiety. This could turn into a bad habit of needing medical treatment.
Places to get help for alcohol addiction have patients who developed alcoholism because of anxiety. Public speaking anxiety can be coped with. Many people have suffered from the fear of public speaking. But they were able to overcome their fear. There are ways to get around the fear of public speaking. Here are 5 effective tips to help you with your next speaking engagement.
Read and Speak Aloud
Parents are encouraged to let their babies express themselves verbally frequently. Research studies believe that talkative babies develop good diction as adults. Using their mouth to form words correctly and listening to their words help. Read your favorite online magazine, book, or novel aloud. Notice how you pronounce your words? Your speech should improve when you exercise your diction.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Remember, public speaking is a skill. Like any skill, public speaking requires practice. Practice your assigned speech until it comes naturally. Cue cards and notes are only guideposts if you stumble. But don’t plan on stumbling. A good public speaker is able to sound natural while conveying all types of mass information. You don’t want to sound robotic while speaking in public.
Work On Non-Verbal Cues
A majority of communication is non-verbal. What is non-verbal communication? Do you smile while talking with someone or frown? Do you address subordinates with slumped shoulders and heads down? Or do you address subordinates standing upright with confidence? Work on how you stand, hand gestures, smiling when appropriate, and how to walk if needed for your speech. Places to get help for alcohol addiction rely on non-verbal cues to understand patients’ progress in treatment. If the medical community recognize the power of non-verbal cues, then your audience will too.
Research The Topic
One major reason for panic is not truly understanding what you are talking about. Make sure you research your topic. Anticipate any questions that your audience might have during your speech. You want to sound and feel confident in front of your audience. The best way to gain confidence while speaking is to know what you are talking about.
Find Your Inner Confidence
Practice personal affirmations in the mirror in the days leading up to your presentation. “I am sure of myself”. “I am delivering an important message”, ” I am a good public speaker”. These are examples of affirmations that can build your self-confidence.
