If you have something that you really want to get across to others but are intimidated by crowds, you may never deliver your message unless you take definitive steps to overcome your fear. What can you do to overcome stage fright?
1. Learn your subject well. Fill your mind with information about your subject. If you put in the time to do proper research you have won half the battle. Your confidence grows along with your knowledge of your subject. But be prepared... that the nervous stomach of yours may not disappear until you actually begin speaking, so don't expect to be anxious free. Actually, some nervousness is good; otherwise, you may become overconfident. However, when you have something to say and you know what you are going to say your confidence will shine through.
2. Be the expert. If you have studied, done the research and are properly prepared, then you are the expert. You assume the role as the instructor. Develop the mind set that you are the teacher who is teaching them. You are not being arrogant when you assume the position as the expert. You are simply having the attitude that you have paid the price to speak about your subject and you will deliver.
3. Never apologize. Do not begin a speech by saying you are sorry for being un-prepared. As soon as you do you have lost the right to speak. You should never start a speech with any kind of an apology. If you are late or lacked the time to prepare like you wanted, simply do not mention it. Just get started with your speech.
4. Begin your speech without words. When you walk up to the platform to make your speech, pause before saying anything. Look your audience in the eyes. When you approach the beginning of your speech in this manner you communicate to the audience that you are in control. You appear not to be nervous and everyone begins to feel secure. They will be more likely to receive your message.
5. Take your notes, but not your manuscript. You will want to take your outline. This will give you a sense of security. You have studied. You are prepared. The outline will be there to guide you. It will help you stay on track. However, if you take the manuscript you will have a tendency to read too much. You may even get lost in all of the writing you have before you, consequently, you may find yourself filled full of fear. Do not attempt to memorize your manuscript either. You may forget where you are in your speech. Your mind may go blank. Or you may simply look very unnatural as you deliver your memorized script.
It can be a daunting task to get up in front of people. It's one thing to introduce yourself and your department (if you're speaking in front of a group of people at work). It's quite another thing to present your most recent product offering or ask a potential client to do business with you. However, as everyone knows, real business success comes from the ability to confidently convey your thoughts and express yourself in front of others.
So how can you overcome the fear of speaking in public and achieve career success? Here is one idea to help you:
One technique that many professional speakers do is to "feel the love in the room". This may sound like a strange suggestion at first, so let's look at it a little more closely.
All eyes are on you when you are standing in front of everyone. You COULD think that they are there to judge you. In fact, that misconception is what causes so much of our fear! But that isn't normally why people are there. Remember?
1. They are there to hear what you have to say. YOU! They respect you enough to to hear your thoughts and opinions. Even in sales calls it is your expertise that they came to hear.
2. Aside from everyone in the room respecting and admiring you enough to hear your thoughts, there are many in there that cannot do what you're doing. While you may be scared, there is literally a large percentage of people in every group who are astounded that you have the guts to stand up and speak.
3. And, in almost every presentation, there's a strong chance that someone in the room really likes you and is silently cheering you on. It could be your sales manager or a co-presenter or an ally in your client's office. Feed of the energy they're sending you with their positive best wishes.
4. You are not there to hurt anyone. On the contrary! You are there to help them. You want to help them find the right product or service that you feel can be supplied by your company or perhaps you're there to help guide them to a better understanding of what your product does.
Remember: You know something they don't. Smile, keep a positive demeanor, and speak with confidence. You'll see results!
Both John Neyman, Jr. & Deborah Torres Patel are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Neyman, Jr. has sinced written about articles on various topics from Anger Control, Fitness and Public Speaking. Dr. John E. Neyman, Jr.is a Pastor, AuthorInternet Marketing Coach and Relationship Coach. You may visit Dr. John's website at Or e-mail himat drjohnneyman@. John Neyman, Jr.'s top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.
Deborah Torres Patel has sinced written about articles on various topics from Interview Questions, Family and How to Sell on Ebay. Asia's leading Voice & Presentation Skills Coach, Deborah Torres Patel, is offering complimentary online training to overcome your fear of public speaking. Register for 20 free lessons at. Deborah Torres Patel's top article generates over 14800 views. to your Favourites.