Answers.
Through coaching, workshops, and seminars I get asked many great questions. Because you might have some of the same queries, I’m taking this opportunity to post and answer some.
Question I. What’s the best way to conquer the fear of public speaking?
Realize it is natural to have that fear and you are not alone feeling it.
Most of our communication is one-on-one, and much of it by telephone where you don’t see each other. Speaking with many sets of eyeballs watching takes you out of your comfort zone. That’s why you’re uncomfortable.
Face the fear and do it anyway.
“The worst speech you’ll ever give, will be far better than the one you never give.” – Fred E. Miller
Be Audience Centered. It’s one of the Laws of Presentation.
It’s not about you.
The people seated came to learn something. They are pulling for you and want you to be successful with your presentation.
Understand this and practice it.
The quality of your presentations will go up and your anxiety down.
Action Step.
Arrive early to the event to Meet & Greet attendees.
Look them in the eye, give a firm handshake holding on a bit longer than normal and Thank Them for coming to your event.
It is amazing how much easier it is to speak to audiences when you’ve taken this Action Step. I Guarantee It!
Question II. What is the best way to practice?
Video!
Use your iPad or computer to record yourself. Be far enough from the device to include gestures.
The first time reviewing it, turn the sound off.
Because non-verbal communication outperforms verbal communication, observe facial expressions and gestures.
Are they in sync with your message?
This is important because your audience believes what it sees.
The second time reviewing it, turn away and just listen.
Are you speaking distinctly?
How is your cadence?
Did you use any ‘filler words’ that distract from your message such as; Ah, So, You know, Like, and others.
Have you P-a-u-s-e-d effectively?
For your third review, watch and listen.
You will see and hear what the audience sees and hears.
Finally, have someone watch and listen with you.
Insist they tell you three things they liked about your talk and two ways to improve.
We all have blind spots that person will spot and report.
Repeat the above steps!
Question III. I agree with your mantra, “Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities!” Where do I find them?
Start where you work and volunteer to deliver a presentation.
Do you belong to any clubs, associations, or other groups? If not, how about joining some!
Use social media to let people know what your topic is and how it will benefit them.
Be certain to let them know you are available!
Question IV. You suggest having a “Signature Presentation.” What should it be about?
You’ll probably need several. There will be ‘modules’ relevant to not just one presentation, so it’s not like you’ll have to start from scratch on each.
Example: My module about the “Fear of Public Speaking” is used in most my presentations.
First, who is your audience?
It may be for those you work with and others in the same industry.
Remember those talks can be, “Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities!”
This could be one of those!
Have the topic appeal to as many as possible.
What is your Passion?
It is probably shared by others.
Where do they gather?
Check out Meetups and other networking events.
Question V. How do I improve my presentations.
Observe.
Watch others speak.
What are they doing well you would like to emulate?
Where do they need improvement, and do you “see yourself” doing the same?
Practice.
See the above answer to “Best way to Practice?”
“Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.” – Malcom Gladwell
Speak!
The “Learning is in the Doing!”
I know you have questions I’ve not answered. Email them and I’ll respond! Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com
Use the answers to these questions to improve your presentations, and your next ones will be – NO SWEAT!
CLICK! On Book
About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, and Presentation Skills.
They do this because they know: Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
They also know:
We perceive really great speakers to be Experts, and we like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver ‘Knock Your Socks Off Presentations!’ with – NO SWEAT!
Services:
Keynote Speaker
Workshop Facilitator
Breakout Sessions
Personal and Group Public Speaking and Presentation Coaching
Topics:
Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!
Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
We are All Self-Employed!
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