The only established way to improved public speaking confidence

Posted on August 10, 2009
Filed Under Communication Skills |

mastering public speaking isnot easy. If you search in Google for the term public talking confidence you get over 1.5 million website responses. That seems to be a lot, but when you’re the one standing in front of the audience there isn’t enough data in the world that might get you over that fear and build your confidence.

So how does one improve your public speaking confidence?

One word : Practice

Nothing can cause you to feel more scared or concerned than not being prepared for your public speaking engagement.
Doesn’t your nervousness and anxiety stem from the fact that you could look dumb in front of the audience?

Poor preparation will guarantee this.

This is the one step which the majority of average ( and below average ) presenters skip and then they question why the speech didn’t go so well.

By practicing you can master the structure of your presentation and the more you practice the easier it becomes.

Can you anticipate the probable questions youwill get from the audience and either prepare answers for them or include them in your presentation?

By practicing, you’ll gain an amazing quantity of self esteem.

When I present an address to an audience, it is not the first time. It is the 100th time. I practice and visualise myself standing in front of the onlookers, completing a wonderful successful show and receiving a standing ovation, 99 times in my head previously. Then when I stand up and make the speech, it makes it way easier. Try it.

Another key learning method for me over the years, has been to video myself presenting. It is hard to see yourself at first, but wow what a quick and successful way of improving your method. You’ll see :

Your own body language - how are you standing, what are you doing with your hands?

Are you relaxed and confident?

Are you repeating the same word, slogan in every sentence?

Are there too many ‘erms’?

Are there enough pauses for impact?

Your eye contact - are you taking a look at the onlookers or have your back to them, which is a major turn off?

Is your voice monotone?

Are you coming across with fervour and enthusiasm?

Are you finishing your sentences or mumbling towards the end of each one?

How long did the presentation take? Too long? Too short?

Make required changes and video yourself again.

Show the video to some comrades and chums - ask for their fair feedback. Ensure you ask folks who will tell you the truth and again make necessary changes.

In reality, a great secret is to ask great presenters for feedback. Getting feedback from an expert is elemental if you would like to enhance. If you ask your mates or comrades, they may say, Yeah, it was good, or It was fine.

That isn’t feedback!

You need someone to tell you how you can improve further and the best person to do that’s an expert Public speaker.

Are you brave enough to use this idea?

One way to mastering public speaking is to improve your public speaking confidence.

Click here and grab yourself a free guide to mastering public speaking.

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