Don’t Wait to Improve
I learned a lesson today: Open all the mail you get because it could be something worth reading — even if you think it’s junk mail. I wouldn’t necessarily categorize mail from Fortune as junk, but in a subscription renewal notice today I got a small card that lists “3 Skills You Can Improve Right Now.” Over the next three days, I’ll tell you what those skills are starting with (and I quote) …
Public Speaking: Conquer fear with a game plan
- Podiums disconnect you from the audience. Grab the mic and wander the stage.
- Eye contact is your friend. Looking at people one by one shrinks the room.
- Questions. If you’re stumped, talk about your team. “We’re lucky to have an expert on that, I’ll get you in touch with him later.”
Excellent advice from Fortune. I have a few things to add:
- I agree with the podium advice, but be sure you’ve either memorized your presentation or are comfortable holding your notes since you won’t have anything to set them on. Of the two, I vote memorize your presentation or be comfortable speaking from your slides without notes.
- Eye contact is very important and you’ll make friends with the audience if you connect with them throughout your presentation. But my best advice is to plant a few friendly faces in the audience and ask them to smile and nod as you’re speaking. Even though you know you asked them to do it, it’s amazing how much confidence this will build.
- And finally, questions. If you’re afraid of getting a question that will stump you or a question that will start a controversial conversation, don’t take questions at all. That is an option and it’s your choice. You can always invite the audience to email questions to you following your presentation.
It’s easy for me to tell people not to be nervous on the stage — because I LOVE giving presentations. I’ve got ’spotlight fever.’ But if you take Fortune’s advice and add mine to the mix, your presentations should be a bit easier to face.
June 17th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Here’s a point I’d add to the ‘Conquer fear with a game plan’ list — Practice, practice, practice! Accept every opportunity you get to speak in front of an audience. Each one will help you develop your speaking skills and confidence. Looking for ‘low-risk’ opportunities where you can practice your public speaking skills? Contact your local Volunteer Center or a nonprofit organization that serves a cause you’re passionate about. Ask about opportunities to utilize your public speaking skills. There couldn’t be a more welcoming audience or a more rewarding venue. You’ll help make your community a better place and develop your professional competencies at the same time. (see list of Volunteer Centers at http://www.pointsoflight.org/centers/find_center.cfm)