START LEARNING SPOKEN IN PUBLIC NOTE 1.
Whatever your profession may be, it’s likely you’ll need to speak in public at some point. That may be in a small meeting room for five people or at a large conference for 100. And it’s not just professional; you could be asked to speak in public at a party or even at a wedding. Whatever the situation, speaking in public can be quite daunting. In fact, studies have shown that public speaking is many people's worst fear. This can be hard to admit, too. We might be worried that it will have a negative impact on how we’re perceived at work.
If public speaking does unnerve you, you’re in good company. Even teachers and actors with years of experience will still tell you that they feel those famous butterflies in their stomach before they get in front of an audience. Those nerves aren’t a bad thing; they’re a sign that you’re energised and want to do a good job.
As an actress, and public speaking trainer I need to speak regularly in public either on stage, on camera, or in a classroom. The irony is I’m painfully shy. However after many years of practice and the right planning before a class or performance, I have learned to control my nerves. I now use them to my advantage. I view every time I speak in public as a performance. Based on the context, I take on a specific character or play a role. Depending on my audience I can be serious or funny. Treating your speech as a performance can help recentre your focus onto your content.
And you don’t have to be naturally charismatic or an extrovert to be a good public speaker. The key to a good presentation or performance is preparation. Preparation allows you to focus on the what, when, and why you are speaking. By narrowing all the elements down, you become familiar with your subject. It allows you not only to give a more concise presentation but to reduce fear of the unknown. This produces fewer nerves and therefore more confidence on the actual day.
Preparation is not limited to the subject matter. Warming up your body and vocal chords and creating a positive mindset are also key to success. Remember, our body and mind are the tools we use to transmit our message. The more relaxed and natural we appear, the more successful we will be in grabbing and maintaining our audience’s attention.
