Delivering a Speech
Experiencing speech anxiety is normal. Nearly everyone gets nervous when they have to give a speech or a presentation, even experienced speakers. The speakers that look relaxed and confident have simply learned how to handle their anxiety and use it to enhance their performance.
Tips for dealing with speech anxiety:
Identify the cause of your nervousness. Write down the reasons why you are nervous to give a speech or presentation. If you come up with something like, “I’m afraid I’ll look stupid” dig a little deeper. What would make you look stupid? You may find that you are really afraid that you will forget what you wanted to say. This will help you pinpoint specific things to work on. If you are afraid you will forget what you wanted to say then spending extra time practicing your speech should reduce that anxiety.
Choose topics that you are interested in. We do not always get to choose topics that we speak about. If you are able to choose your topic pick one that interests you. It is much easier to spend time researching and preparing a presentation on a topic that you care about than one you have no interest in. You will also be more inclined to display enthusiasm about a topic that you enjoy.
Prepare your speech early and thoroughly. Having to prepare a speech at the last minute will only increase your anxiety. After you have prepared your speech PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE!! Practice delivering your speech at least 7 to 10 times before your actual presentation. Be sure that you know the organization of your main points to avoid losing your place. Watch yourself in the mirror while you deliver your speech, this will allow you to see your gestures and body language and practice making eye contact. You can also give your speech to friends or family members and ask them for feedback. Audio or videotaping your speeches are other ways to evaluate and improve your delivery. If you are given a time limit for your presentation is sure to use a stopwatch as you give your speech. Time each practice run and make changes to ensure that you will be able to stay within your allotted time. Keep in mind that most of us speak more quickly when we are in front of a real audience.
Know your topic. If you have researched the topic thoroughly you will be certain that you are presenting accurate information and you will be able to answer questions that the audience may ask. These things will greatly increase your confidence.
Speech Anxiety (2006)
Eye Communication, as you move about your audience; make direct eye contact with different individuals. Hold that eye contact for four to six seconds. That connection brings intimacy to your presentation and everyone feels your sincerity.
2. Voice Communication. You want to display a roller coaster of energy. Use a combination of varied pace, pitches and pauses.
3. Gestures. Novice speakers have a hard time making expansive gestures with their arms or body, and they restrict their movement in the audience. They stand like beanpoles in one spot. When you practice, practice with movement. Here is a challenge. Practice your speech without words. Just practice your body language.
Embarrassing Situations are best handled by just rolling with it, keep talking thru it and if possible find some humor in it, this will help the crowd forget about what you did and they will remember the joke rather then the embarrassing situation.
References
Speech Anxiety. (2006). Retrieved February 27, 2006, from http://www.cxc.pitt.edu/speechanxietyprint.htm