Effective Public Speaking Tips: Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

The fear of speaking in public is one of the most common fears. To many, the experience of speaking in public brings many unpleasant thoughts. However, one must not shirk away from the opportunity of speaking.

Being able to speak well considerably adds to one's self-confidence and allows him to widen his horizons by being able to communicate effectively. Public speaking also gives a person an immense advantage in school or work as a lot of common interaction involves being able to articulate one's thoughts or ideas.

So, if you are among those individuals who are afraid to speak in public, then here are some helpful tips that would help you overcome your fear of public speaking:

1. Before your speech, prepare an outline. Having an outline can help you thresh out your thoughts and lessen your anxiety associated with speaking by diminishing its unpredictable results. It is helpful to have cue cards or an outline ready.
2. Rehearse. As they say, practice makes perfect. If you are given an opportunity to prepare way before a speaking engagement, try practicing some of your lines. This would familiarize you with the content of what you're about to say. Besides, it is easier talking about something we know, right?
3. Smile. Smiling gives an instant lift in mood and gives an audience a chance to connect better with you. Don't open your mouth and talk before you smile. Take that opportunity to instantly create a bond between you and your audience just before you start your speech.
4. Look for familiar faces. One common mistake in speaking is blankly looking at a particular space while delivering lines. Try looking at friends or friendly faces in the room you are speaking in. This would reassure you and help boost your confidence. Just don't overdo it; try to distribute your gaze across the room.
5. Be generous with gestures. Staying stiff only increases feelings of anxiety. Let go of your hands and use them to emphasize your important points.
6. Have good content. Nothing beats being able to speak with sense. And this means preparing your speech ahead of time. There's no substitute for preparation. So don't procrastinate, and start preparing as soon as you get your topic.