ALT-8 How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking
Get some feedback from your audience as soon as possible!
Years ago I was uncomfortable with the very thought of public speaking. Then I was asked to speak about something that was very important to me. It meant a lot to me to be asked, so I wanted my presentation to be one of quality and substance. My subject was very serious and somewhat distressing, so when writing my notes, I added a little mild humor in spots where I felt we would all need a some relief. I was very nervous as I stood to speak.
There were about 100 people in my audience that day. I began to speak and I'm sure you could hear the tremor in my voice as I told my story. Then, I arrived at one of the little spots of humor that I had thrown in and I received a good laugh-response from my audience. What a boost! Feedback! It was wonderful. They went from being a scary faceless crowd to being people who were connecting with my words and thoughts.
Suddenly it was as if I had a two-way conversation going, which is much more comfortable than a speech! I began to relax a little and my voice became smooth and confident. I finished my speech feeling quite plucky indeed. I looked forward to each bit of humor, knowing that it would give me a boost and break any tension - mine or that of my audience. I was also able to see in the faces a connection to my non-humorous words. I could see this because I was no longer afraid to look!
Now I actually look forward to any chance to speak to a group of any size. I find that as long as I really have something to say, I'm reasonably comfortable. As I write my notes, I always find bits of humor to throw in here and there. I tend to see plenty of silliness in any subject, but if you don't have that particular gift, a good joke that goes along with the theme will have the same effect.
Know your audience. Figure out what they will connect with and weave it into your subject. Then make them laugh. Everyone will relax and you will succeed!
