The Growing Edge
7 PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SPEAKING IN PUBLIC WITH CONFIDENCE
Comedian Jerry Seinfeld got lots of laughs when he joked, "In other words, at a funeral, the average person would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy." If you’re someone who fears public speaking, it’s no laughing matter. If you’re ready to step up to the platform and reach the people who need to hear you, try these practical tips:
Tip #1 Read aloud.
Why? It helps you become comfortable with the sound of your voice and you will develop appropriate pauses and sound natural, to yourself. What should you read? Books, greeting cards, news articles, social media posts, professional manuals, and anything you write---Basically you should read everything aloud whenever possible. I recommend you read as if you’re reading to a child. Be a little over the top in your expression---let your emotions be reflected in your words. Attaching the emotions to the words enables you to effortlessly memorize what you read.
Tip #2 Look in the mirror while practicing speaking.
This “mirror work” is the most challenging of my tips but is the most important for building self-confidence. Looking in the mirror helps you become comfortable with being seen. Before you say a single word, take time to really look into your eyes to see yourself. This isn’t a time to primp and look for flaws. Rather, it’s time to set an intention to acknowledge and embrace the inner beauty that’s written all over your face. Pay attention to your facial expressions to ensure they match your words. Our bodies respond when we’re not being authentic and that kind of response becomes a distraction when you’re in the spotlight. As a rule of thumb, you should never speak on a topic you’re not passionate about.
Tip #3 Compliment yourself regularly.
Positive self-talk is healing. We have a tendency to be our greatest critics but until we’re able to acknowledge our own capability, we won’t believe it when someone says we did a good job. Before practicing your presentation, affirm, “My Voice Has Significance!” After practice, pat yourself on the back. Make it fun, give yourself a fist bump. Linda Watkins of Stellar Health, regularly affirms, “I can do this!”
Tip #4 Use words you pronounce easily.
It’s important to expand your vocabulary and use terminology that’s appropriate for your audience. Most importantly, always use words that roll right off your tongue. Years ago I had trouble with the word, “liaison”. Something about the spelling tripped me up and whenever I said it publicly, I hesitated which made me nervous. Privately, I began to say the word aloud repeatedly until it was no longer a challenge. Until I got it right, I consulted my trusty thesaurus for a substitute.
by LaVonne Sumler