Step one – Facing the fears

Your speaking fears and 101 tips to speak with success will be addressed in the following blogs 1 – 10

This week I was lucky to be invited to speak at a local Property Networking Club on “Setting and Achieving Goals”   – I was quite nervous as I had not spoken to this group before and I did not know the audience well.  However, I know that nerves are good as they give you a feeling of slight tension and this can be used to your advantage.  After doing some breathing exercises I focused on channeling that nervous tension into excitment and anticipation.  I tried to remember what my strengths were as a speaker and visualised myself in the room actully giving a good speech. I “saw” myself and where I would walk and where I would focus my attention. 

The message we deliver is far more important than our own feelings and I really wanted the audience to go away with something of value.  So here are some tips for the next time you speak (it helps me to remember them too! )  :

One – Top tips for facing your fears of public speaking:

Many people feel that the pressure is on them when asked to speak at a meeting, a family event or a business conference.  Butterflies start flying around and the nerves kick in.  However there are many great strategies to help you and this is the first of 10 tips blogs to help you on that path to speaking success.

1/ Remember that fear makes you sharper and heightens your reflexes – channel the fear so it becomes excitment

2/ Understand that fear usually occurs before your are on the stage – it often goes when you get into your stride.

3/ Use visualisation to “see” yourself giving a successful and interesting talk – do this on a regular basis before you speak

4/ Close your eyes and imagine the audience listening and applauding – tell yourself your message is more important than your impact

5/ Concentrate on what you do well – write down three things

6/ Practice what you feel is a challenge – use a mirror and ask your friends.

7/ Think about your desire to help and inform the audience – it’s not about you.

8/ If you memorise your opening and closing – the middle will take care of itself! (use small cards you can fit in your palm as aids)

9/ Arrive on time and greet as many friendly faces as possible

10/ Imagine you are talking to a group of your friends – “see” them in the audience.

 More tips to follow in subsequent blogs

Jackie