Keep Stress Over Public Speaking in Check

Many of us dread speaking in public, however, there is usually an underlying cause that makes us this way. For some, that cause is the fear of not having a great speech. That those listening will think your speech is dull, boring, or that you aren't very smart. The truth of the matter is that your audience is not there to critique you. Some may be required to be there, some may truly want to hear what you have to say, and others may just be glad that its you up there and not them.

You Know What You Are Talking About

You researched and thought hard about what you wanted to say, you fact checked your facts, and you re-read your speech several times, maybe even for family members. If your speech was not good enough, someone would have noticed by now. You audience does not expect for you to be the greatest all-knowing person that ever lived and you don't have to be concerned with wowing them. You know what you are talking about. You know your subject and you won't sound dumb. You also won't put your audience to sleep if you follow the next rule.

Keeping It Simple

There is no reason to bore your audience with hours worth of facts and figures or definitions. It is best to keep your speech as short as you can while still getting your message across. This will benefit both you and your audience. Keep your main points and spend a few minutes elaborating on each. Write those main points on small note cards and elaborate on them from the knowledge in your head to limit the amount of cards you allow yourself for one speech. This will keep you from reading from a page the entire time you are up there and drawing your speech out to long. You will actually be able to interact with your audience and be able to tell if they are entertained and listening or falling asleep from boredom.

Know Your Audience

When preparing a speech, especially on subject matter that can get quite complicated, you need to remember who you are giving this speech to. If it is colleagues who are just as educated on the subject at hand than you are, then you should be alright. However, if it is to an audience that has not had the training, schooling, and education that you have had on your subject then it may be best to edit your speech accordingly. For starters, don't use technical terms or go into case study explanation. Make sure your audience will be able to understand what you are talking about, otherwise you will lose them.

Being Funny, Witty, and Likeable

As long as your audience does not feel like you are talking down to them, then they should like you. As for being funny and witty, that depends on your personality. If no one has ever described you as being funny or witty now, then they probably won't start at your speech. However, if you have often heard that you are funny or witty, then just be yourself when you are giving your speech and your true colors will shine through. Don't let fear hold you back so much that you are not being yourself and not allowing your audience to see what a great and entertaining public speaker you can be. Some of the best public speakers are those with a humorous side, so let it out. You may surprise yourself at the audience's reaction.

Experience Helps

Lastly, keep in mind that experience helps. The more speeches you give, the less nervous you will be each time, especially if you continuously receive a good audience reaction. So, keep on giving them and know that sooner or later it will get better for you and less stressful on your body and mind.

Being too stressed out frequently is not good on your health. So, if you must give public speeches regularly, know that you must learn to relax. If you can't do it for your audience, then at least do it for yourself.