Speak Out In Public

Standing up and delivering a solo performance of a speech in front of a group of people, however small, is considered by many to be a dreaded experience.

People will go to great lengths to avoid it, because as soon as we become the center of attention in such a situation, we are also opening ourselves up to a certain amount of psychological vulnerability.

How we perform in a public speaking situation determines how we perceive we are viewed by our peers. Therefore, it is no wonder speaking in public strikes fear into even the most confident among us.

On the other hand, someone who is able to speak well in public is viewed with a certain awe and respect usually reserved for visiting dignitaries. Wouldn't it be desirable to wield even a little of the power a great public speaker enjoys? The points outlined below will help you do just that, so when you have to speak in public, you will make a better impression on those who are listening to you.

First of all, learn how to relax and stand with poise. This will help you in all respects, not just public speaking situations. Learn how to calm yourself using deep, smooth breathing techniques and you will find yourself calming down automatically. I also recommend learning the Sedona Method, which will help you relax and focus in any situation.

When you are called on to speak, prepare yourself, take a pause (and do your relaxed breathing), and begin to speak when you are ready. Don't rush, or you will convey the unease you might be feeling.

Use eye contact as much as possible. Eyes are said to be the 'window to the soul' and with good reason. When you overt your gaze, you tend to convey feelings of mistrust in the listener, albeit at a subconscious level. If you can look people in the eye, the authenticity and credibility of your message will be taken far more seriously. This is just human nature, so you might as well use it to your advantage.

Never apologize for being there of for not being a good speaker. If you do, you are immediately directing your audience's attention to the very things you didn't want them to notice in the first place.

Be confident that you are there for a reason, doing what you should be, and delivering the material you should be. It may feel like a release to admit your nerves, and you may even feel empathy from your listeners, but in the long run, apologizing is detrimental to you and your message.

Once the initial fear is under control, public speaking can become a pleasurable and even addictive experience. The secret lies within taking that first step.