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Don't be shy. How to speak in public...even if you have never done it before. By Sue Waddington.
Are you terrified by the idea of standing up in public and giving a speech or presentation? If you are, you are not alone. According to a recent medical study conducted by the Chicago University Business School, public speaking is more mentally and physically stressful to the human body than getting divorced, moving house or even giving birth - albeit on a temporary basis. Indeed, nearly seven out of ten of the 500 volunteers who took part in their study admitted that they dreaded addressing any sort of audience.
Furthermore, because people are so nervous of public speaking, they often avoid it or - when they do do it - the results are less than impressive. For anyone in business this is, understandably, something of a problem. Why? Because if you avoid public speaking - or do it badly - you are missing countless opportunities to promote your enterprise.
Anyway, I thought I would start my column this month with a few tips on public speaking.
First and foremost, and like so many things in life, it pays to plan. Long before you actually stand up to speak, you should ask yourself what your speech is actually for. If it is to keep people informed, possibly a short, concise presentation would be best. Avoid being sidetracked by irrelevancies, work out the key facts you want to communicate and stick to them. If the purpose of your speech is not simply to inform but in some way to promote yourself or your business, you need to go beyond mere facts. In planning what you are going to say you need to ensure that it is not only informative but also entertaining.
The second thing to think about - after noting down all the different points you wish to make - is who you are addressing and what will actually interest them. Also consider what sort of reception you will get. Be ready for questions - and learn how to gauge the mood of your audience, particularly by noting body language. Slouching often connotes a lack of interest.
My third key tip is to remember your own body language. An upright posture is the most commanding. Leaning forward, and varying the pace and pitch can all help to keep people's attention.
As one expert says: "The essence of successful public speaking is to give your audience something of value. If they leave with that, they will consider the speech or the presentation a success. Don't deliver mountains of facts or details. Studies have shown that audiences remember less than half the information a speaker conveys. You only need to make two or three main points to make your talk successful so long as they are delivered effectively."
What else? If you suffer from 'squeaky-voice syndrome', it is well worth getting expert help to overcome it. Standing correctly will encourage your body to relax - stand centred, avoid locking your knees and don't thrust your hips forward. You may even like to take some professional voice training.
Remember, too, how important it is to rehearse. Oddly enough, the more often you rehearse, the more spontaneous and relaxed you're likely to sound. Personally, I often read my speeches because I find it easier. For me it takes away the worry of forgetting to say something important.
Finally, our sister organisation, Bowden Hall College, runs a correspondence course in public speaking and writing called - strangely! - Effective Speaking and Writing. If you would like more information about this, please email: info@bowdenhall.com.
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