Packaging is as important as the product itself
05th November ,2007
This article discusses how you can improve your public speaking skills and overcome the fear of public speaking. Learning these skills is essential to improving your presentation skills and overall confidence.
Public Speaking is among one of the most important leadership skills. Though public speaking is an Art and some people believe that only a select few are born with it; it does not mean that you and I can't master the art of Public Speaking.
This article will help you learn and master the science of Public Speaking and help you perform it like an art form. In this article we first discuss practical tips to help you overcome the fear of public speaking and then continue our discussion on how to improve your public speaking and get better with it. Let's start.
We all speak and can address a group of friends, colleagues and associates; but the problem starts when we address an indifferent crowd. So, what is the difference between a crowd of friends and a crowd filled with unknown faces? What makes you speak confidently when you are with friends and why do you shiver to speak in front of strangers?
The answer is simple. Its Fear - more specifically fear of public speaking.
Many factors together are responsible for the fear of public speaking. It could be that you don't get well along with strangers or you are not confident about yourself with an unknown crowd or you just can't get rid of your embarrassment in front of strangers.
So, before we begin to discuss the Art and Science of Public speaking, let's look at ways of how to overcome the fear of public speaking.
Practical tips to overcome fear of public speaking
1. Learn to be confident
Always remind yourself that you are unique in this world. There cannot be 2 people exactly similar to you. So, leave behind any doubts that you have about yourself. Think to yourself, "So what if I fail?" - "So, what if you I am bald or stout or have a huge belly?" Unless you undervalue yourself, there is no reason why someone else will. It's how you carry yourself that makes a difference. Never undervalue yourself. Read this article on Learn to Value yourself
Another reason why we lack confidence with public speaking is because we are scared to commit mistakes - everyone makes mistakes - the best of leaders make mistakes while addressing a crowd. You are no different. It's ok to make mistakes - only if you are willing to learn from it.
So learn to be confident and carry yourself with pride.
2. Practice public speaking
The only way to get better at public speaking is to do more of it. You should always seek opportunities to address a crowd at office, local meetings, etc. Practice till you don't get the knack of it. Have your friends attend the event and rate you. This will help you evaluate your performance after the event.
3. Take a deep breath
I have done many presentations and trainings before and I cannot deliver a good presentation without this exercise. Continuously taking a deep breath not only relaxes you but also stimulates your mind by providing your brain with more oxygen. This exercise energizes your mind and body which in turn helps you to forget your fear of public speaking. So, the next time take a deep breath before you go for your next public speaking event.
