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Tips for Overcoming your Fear of Public Speaking (part 1)
Author: Brian ToppinToo often we make things bigger than they have to be, and thats definitely the case with public speaking. It is still rated as the number one fear for North Americans, and many others around the world. That reputation has also fed this phobia to hold it at the top of the list.
From personal experience, here are a few aspects that contributed to my fear of public speaking:
I didnt want to sound like an idiot in front of other people.
I convinced myself that I would forget everything Id have to say once I got in front of my audience.
Today I love speaking in front of people, and it doesnt matter the size of the crowd. Let me share with you a few tips Ive learnt to assist you conquer your fear of public speaking.
Preparation of Talk
Benjamin Franklin said, Failure to prepare is preparing to fail. When giving a talk (thats how I like to refer to speeches of any kind) I prepare well in advanced for it. Even if you do not have the luxury of time there is a framework you can use to prepare your talk. Just like writing an essay, build an outline of your talk using the titles of Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion. Tell em what youre gonna say, say it, and tell em what you said, as the old adage goes, its just that simple.
In the Dale Carnegie course Breakthrough to Success I learnt to use plain language that everyone can understand. Many individuals feel the need to include enormous words or technical jargon to make their talk more impressive, but it doesnt.
I was also encouraged to never write out my whole talk. Instead I remembered three or four key points that my talk was built around. This took a lot of the pressure off of me as I didnt have to memorize every word and every line.
Each point was illustrated with a story that acted as an anchor in the audiences mind and makes the talk extremely effective. Think about it, when you listen to somebody give a speech to you what stood out in your mind. Arent memorable speeches covered with analogies, and stories that touch different emotions within us? Use the stories and analogies as bridges in your mind to connect you from one point to the next.
A key point to remember as well is no one knows every word you are going to say, so if you get stuck, draw a blank, or missed something just move on and no one will know. Dont apologize either. Apologizing for missing something makes the situation more awkward for you and your audience.
Practice, Practice, Practice
It is how the worthy become great, and a few of the greats become legendary by practicing as much as possible. Knowing your material and practicing delivering it numerous times alleviates the majority of fear built up inside. I used many opportunities while Im alone to go over my talk. It doesnt have to be from start to finish every time, but it helps cement the points of your talk in your head. So when Im driving, in the shower, or at my desk and I know Im alone I just go over my talk. As time drew closer to delivering my talk I would then start timing it. It is difficult at first, but once you persevere the timing becomes easier, and its almost as if you have a countdown timer in your head. A small proposition is if its a fifteen-minute talk you have to give, practice to finish 30 seconds or a minute earlier. No one likes to listen to a person that rambles on, and if your audience knows you allotted time, theyll be checking their watches.
In part two of How I Overcame My Fear of Public Speaking And How You Can Too, I will discuss finding your authentic voice and delivery style for giving your talk. For now, remember these three points: one) its just a talk not a speech, two) write out three or four points you want your audience to remember, anchor them with stories and analogies that also act as bridges from one point to another, and three) practice, practice, practice!!
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/presentation-articles/tips-for-overcoming-your-fear-of-public-speaking-part-1-113230.html
About the Author:As a Leader and Life Purpose Coach Brian Toppin helps you to design and fulfill your destiny. With a strong background in Marketing and Human Resources, Brian has the ability to assist you identify what you truly desire in your life, and then empower you to create the path for it to happen. Like many people, Brian had previously lived a life built up by other peoples expectations, rules, and guidelines in terms of what it means to be a success. Now he has committed himself to working with his clients to assist them live life, with purpose, on purpose.
Brian is the CEO of BJT Communications, a company devoted to providing individuals with positive, inspirational, and spiritual motivation through many forms of media, coaching, products and services.
To reach Brian please email him at: btoppin@caribsurf.com. Visit his website at: www.briantoppin.com
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