On a list of their biggest concerns, the majority of people place public speaking before death...
There are 12 ways to boost your public speaking confidence:
- Refrain from memorizing
Speeches are often memorized to prevent making mistakes. Memorization, ironically, frequently has the opposite effect.
When you memorize, one tiny slip can throw you off.
You only know it one way, so you're unable to adapt.
You can come off as aloof to the audience as a result.
Rather than remembering the entire speech, concentrate on a few crucial passages.
(2) Make the opening, breaks, and conclusion perfect.
When you ace these, you build momentum for both yourself and the audience.
It gives you a foundational level of confidence.
Create these incremental "victories" that add up.
(3) Research the best
Decide on 3–5 speakers you respect. Look for speeches given by each of them on YouTube.
Examine them:
• Cadence;
• Body language;
•Connection with the audience
By studying the finest, we inevitably become more like those characteristics.
(4) Pose in a strong manner
Standing tall with the arms outspread and lifted is known as a "power pose," and it expresses a sense of dominance.
According to some (controversial) evidence, it actually fosters confidence.
Try standing tall with your arms wide out before your next speech and feel the strength.
As already established, there is a lot of debate surrounding the science of power poses.
I firmly believe in it.
My personal experience shows that it does have an impact, albeit a psychosomatic one.
Before each major presentation at my first job, I would find an empty room and stretch my arms widely.
It succeeded.
(5) Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
Utilize every chance to practice, both for the particular event and the skill in general.
Start your preparation for a certain event in solitude to get rid of your worry.
Record and watch your performance with your phone.
In general, look for different ways to hone your craft.
Consider it an opportunity to get better if you're attending an event in a small group.
Join a more advanced class! I know a few people who have done this; it seems like a low-risk activity that will be a lot of fun and greatly improve your speaking abilities.
(6) Look for Anti-Anxiety Drugs
There are usually a few audience members who are inclined to nod, smile, and interact favorably.
Find them at the start of your speech.
If you ever sense a hint of anxiety coming on, look at them to boost your confidence.
(7) Engage in the Lava Game
Children play a game in which some of the floor is lava that they are not allowed to touch.
I like to imagine my pockets and torso as lava during speeches because I can't touch them.
This forces you to spread your arms wide, make exaggerated gestures, and project confidence.
(8) Reduce speed to 0.75x
Our inclination is to speed up—to get to the finish line faster—when we are anxious.
Combat it by attempting to speak at 0.75x speed.
The best speakers take long, dramatic pauses. Take a moment to breathe. Take use of them as a time to collect your thoughts and breathe.
(9) Get People's Attention
By generating action, you can greatly ease the tension in a room.
Ask a straightforward question, poll the crowd, and make a request.
Try to find a way to engage the audience.
They'll feel more awake, and the atmosphere will be friendlier.
(10) Storytelling Organization
The most effective public presenters tell a tale rather than giving a speech. They embark on a journey with the audience.
Create a recognizable and simple to follow narrative structure.
It's frequently beneficial to be precise and clear about that structure up front.
The "what is vs. what could be" concept was created by storytelling specialist,
Nancy duarte.
Describe reality first ("what is").
Describe the probable future (what might happen) next.
This structure challenges you to use contrasts to develop an engaging story for the audience.
(11) Move Purposefully
It's not beneficial to pace the stage or the room like you're on the phone with your middle school crush.
Go slowly and methodically.
People can move merely for the sake of moving, or they can move deliberately and with the aim of going somewhere.
Try to avoid that.
(12) Never self-destruct.
There is a propensity for self-sabotage when you're feeling anxious or uncertain.
We make fun of ourselves, admit to being nervous, and minimize ourselves in front of the audience.
Avoid doing this.
There is a limit to how vulnerable you can be.
Eliminate Fear.
We have a propensity to exaggerate our anxieties.
Always keep in mind that even the worst-case situation isn't all that horrible.
Additionally, the majority of the audience is on your side!
They put themselves in your position and genuinely care about your success. They support you.
"There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars." - Mark Twain.
You're not alone if you're anxious, so it's okay!
But now is the moment to respond.
Try these techniques; I promise they will improve your public speaking abilities.
I remain your favourite writer, Blackdovy.