Public speaking a fear that most of us share

All of us, at some time in our lives, will be asked to go up before an audience to give a business presentation, talk on a matter of civic concern, or plead for support of a cause that you represent.

As the moment approaches, your blood pressure may begin to rise, your pulse may increase, and a change in your respiration may be noticeable as you are introduced, and then as you walk to the podium.

What happens at that moment? We are nervous. We would rather that the moment pass us by.

But, remember, we should be honored that we were selected to speak before that audience, whether it be a small group of civic-minded individuals or an audience of a thousand.

So, before we begin talking, what can we do to prepare ourselves to be the best public speaker we can be?

The primary problems that result in poor presentations include, among other things:

▪ The fact that the speaker is speaking at speeds that exceed the human central nervous system’s ability to comprehend spoken speech.

▪ The speaker does not know how to use a microphone so that it is allowed to perform as it should.

▪ The speaker is obviously not prepared to speak in an organized and confident way.

Researchers from Chapman University conducted a survey on American fears. They found that more than the fear of bugs, snakes, walking alone in the dark, ghosts, falling off a cliff, drowning, and even death, is the fear of public speaking.

Why is the fear so great? Probably one of the major reasons is that when a person is on stage holding a microphone so that everyone can hear all of their words, they are in the uncomfortable position of being absolutely vulnerable to everyone in the audience – their ability to speak, their manner of dress, their poise, their mannerisms while on stage, and more.

We cannot avoid the fact that we might be scared, or at least nervous, when we are asked to speak before an audience. But, beyond that, what can we do to prepare ourselves to do our best job?

Here are several qualities of an excellent public speaker:

▪ They know their audience.

Great communicators don’t worry about sounding important, or showing off their expertise. They think about what people need or want to hear, and how they can deliver the message so that people will be able to hear it.

▪ They are experts in body language.

Great public speakers are constantly tracking people’s reactions to what they are saying. They are quick to pick up on cues like facial expressions and body language because they know that that is the only feedback the audience may give them. Great communicators use this feedback to tailor their message on the fly.

▪ They are authentic.

Great public speakers don’t try to be someone they are not just because they have stepped onto a stage and picked up a microphone. Great speakers know that when they stay true to who they are, people gravitate to their message.

▪ They speak with authority.

Great communicators don’t try to cover their backs by being ambiguous, wishy-washy or unassertive. Instead, they stick their necks out and speak directly about how things are and how they need to be.

▪ They speak to groups as individuals.

Whether it’s a huddle around a conference table or an overflowing auditorium, great speakers know how to work the room and make every person feel as if he or she is being spoken to individually.

Remember, no one ever became a great leader without first becoming a great communicator.

So, relax, be yourself, and “wow” your audience by being you.

This story was originally published December 9, 2015 at 2:58 PM with the headline "Public speaking a fear that most of us share."