Some studies have ?fear of public speaking? ranking up there with ?fear of death?. In fact, if you?re one of those people who would rather get a root canal than stand in front of a group of people to make a presentation, you are not alone. It?s the #1 fear reported by people in the US.
While the anxiety can be debilitating, it doesn?t have to be that way. There are some steps you can take to manage your fear. Here is what I?ve learned along the way.
1- Remember to Breathe. Deep breathing ?from deep down in your diaphragm (below your navel)? increases the blood flow and oxygen to your body. This helps keep your energy high, voice volume up, and your body relaxed. As simple as it sounds, it?s a powerful first step.
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2- It is NOT about you. Most speakers get nervous because they focus on what the audience is thinking of them, their proficiency, and what they ?should? be doing. The reality is that most audiences are very forgiving and don?t spend a lot of time thinking about your performance as a speaker. They came to listen to you because of your content. Most people don?t care if you look at your notes or lose your place for a minute. Take the pressure off yourself and place it on your material. Remember that you have a message to share; some specific knowledge to transfer or teach to your audience. That?s why they are here. It?s about your message and how it will improve their life.
3- Know your material inside and out. Because it?s entirely about your message, you need to truly know your material. When you give a presentation, confidence comes from genuine knowledge of your topic and thorough preparation. That?s what will allow you to think on your feet and carry out an intelligent conversation about your subject.
4- Interact with your audience. When all eyes are on you, it?s easy to feel a bit isolated. The pressure is all on you. Divert some of that attention back to your audience by interacting with them. Draw them into your presentation by asking them questions and encouraging discussions. Not only will it help you relax, but you?ll be a more dynamic and engaging speaker to boot!
5- Some butterflies are healthy! In fact, getting a little keyed up can help you focus and enhance your performance. By the same token, keep in mind that sometimes excitement is mistaken for anxiety. Billy Joel once said that the minute he stopped getting butterflies before he went on stage, it would be his last performance. You should feel some level of excitement and put it to good use!
6- Trust in yourself and your message. Be clear on the key points you want to get across in your presentation and trust in your preparation. Remember why your message is important and how it adds value. And remember that your audience wants and needs to hear it. That?s why they asked you there.
You may never love speaking to groups, but you don?t have to feel crippled or limited by your fear of public speaking. The worse thing you can do is ignore your fear or shy away from giving presentations. Instead, face your fear, work at managing your anxiety, and get some practice to boost your confidence!
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James Murphy provides Executive Coaching and Life Coaching to independent business owners, entrepreneurs, and executives who are ready to stop talking about what they want and start getting concrete results! He can be reached directly at James@evolutionforsuccess.com or at 919-745-7569.? Don?t miss my upcoming Ultimate Goal Setting Workshop on October 26 and November 9.
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James Murphy?s Posts ? The 919 Business Network ? Local Business Networking
Source: http://inzinearticles.com/speakers-writers/six-steps-to-overcome-your-fear-of-public-speaking/
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Beijing 2008 silver medallist Emma Pooley was left distraught after her sixth-placed finish in the Olympic time trial, while Lizzie Armitstead claimed tenth. Team GB?s Emma Pooley was unable to challenge for a medal (Picture: PA) Pooley prefers time trials that include climbs and while the flat course at London 2012 will favour Bradley Wiggins in the men?s race it really didn?t suit the Beijing 2008 silver medallist. The 2010 world champion finished a disappointing sixth in 38 minutes and 37 seconds, over a minute slower than winner Kristen Armstrong. As the last rider to go, Armstrong was expected to do well and the defending Olympic champion looked on course to defend her crown when she was quickest after the first time check. Her strong ride continued as she crossed the finishing line 15 seconds ahead of world champion Judith Arndt of Germany, with Russia?s Olga Zabelinskaya in third.