It does not matter whether you are a seasoned public speaker or a new one. There is always a degree of nervousness before the presentation. But, people who are new in the field of public speaking are more prone to the jitters. There are countless tips on how to become a successful speaker. If you are looking for more inspiration, here are more strategies to try on your next speech.
Dress the Part
Confidence comes when you feel good about yourself. Thus, it would help if you thought of every element of your ensemble. Ghillie brogues are classic footwear that makes you feel assertive of your stance. A crisp and well-tailored attire speaks of a professional and knowledgeable person. Your clothing works in two ways. One, it helps you feel more positive about yourself. Second, it helps the audience form an initial impression of you. Thus, don a winning ensemble. While you are at it, choose a scent that carries the smell of success.
Acknowledge Your Fear
It is futile to disregard how you feel. Suppressing or denying your nervousness will not do any good. It will only eat away at your nerves more. An excellent strategy to manage your nervousness is to turn it into excitement. Both feelings are high emotions. The first leans toward uncertainty and negativity, while the second signals hope of a good thing to come. By being excited, you are sending off a positive vibe as you speak. You will be more engaging and vibrant, too.
Engage with and Understand the Audience
There are many tips on how to engage the audience during the talk. An effective way is to connect with them before the event starts. Meet and mingle with some of your audience. This approach makes the connection more personal. You are likely to feel less nervous around people you “know” as opposed to a sea of unknown faces. You can even work around your speech to insert some stories, names, and jokes you have exchanged with them. Doing this makes you more relatable, too.
There are some more important things you have to know about your audience. They believe in your expertise. Your audience wants you to succeed in delivering your message across. Because if you do, their time and efforts are not wasted. Also, they may have an inkling of your topic. But, they do not know if you commit any mistake. So, in case of a blunder, carry on.
Celebrate Your Purpose
One way to eliminate your fear of speaking in front of a crowd is to celebrate your purpose. Your aim in standing in front of a group of people is not to exalt yourself. You prepared your speech with the thought of sharing invaluable information to others. You are there to give the gift of knowledge and experience to people. When you look at it this way, you will feel energized. After all, there is nothing more exciting than the thought of creating a positive change.
Know that the First Minute Counts
Your first minute on stage will determine if your audience will listen to you. Thus, practice the first minute well. Pack your first minute with humor, interesting trivia, or a personal story. A good start boosts the confidence. Once you get past this stage well, you will gain a steadier ground.
Getting nervous before speaking in front of an audience is natural. You only have to find ways to control it. After that, go and make ripples of impact with your message.