Public speaking: simple tips to meet the challenge

Don't despair, because others have gone through this before you and seem to have succeeded in overcoming their blocks, like Richard Branson (CEO of Virgin) or Warren Buffet (co-manager of Berkshire Hathaway)...

How to overcome the fear of public speaking?

There are several tips to keep in mind in order to succeed in public speaking.

Rehearse, again and again

The key is to prepare what you want to say. One of the major issues is the stress that is generated by the simple idea of having to speak in front of a group. In order to reduce anxiety before a presentation, rehearse it in advance to become familiar with its content, to refine your speech and to smooth out your voice. Rehearse conscientiously: set aside time in your agenda exclusively for this exercise and make sure you are not disturbed. Rehearse several times to validate your mastery of the key concepts you wish to address, but don't rehearse too much either at the risk of reciting your lesson. During these rehearsals, put yourself in condition: in front of a mirror, standing up and/or filming yourself. You will see right away what is wrong.

Choose your audience and clarify your message

Another interesting element could be to rehearse in front of a small group of friends or colleagues who will simulate the effects of an audience, but without putting you in a "risky" position. This will help you both to overcome your fear and to refine your presentation itself (detail of information, logic of sequences, etc.). Good constructive feedback will allow you to simplify and simplify your speech, avoiding verbiage and jargon. With understandable language your message will be clearer and you will be less likely to lose the attention of those listening. Your supporting audience will also be able to validate the pace of the presentation and therefore whether you need to adjust the scrolling of your visual aid or pauses in your statement.

Hover over the audience

Another way to gain comfort is to not necessarily look people straight in the eye, but rather to focus your gaze on the tops of their heads. Your audience will get the impression that you are looking at them, and you will at least have the assurance that you are not distracted by the gaze or facial expression of someone in the crowd. However, this ploy doesn't work for everyone and it may be that your nature encourages you to make eye contact with your audience. For some, it's that "human connection" that makes all the difference. It's up to you what you prefer.

Don't strive for perfection

It will be a weight off your shoulders. You will stammer, forget an idea... that's life. No one will judge you on your performance, but on the quality and relevance of the information you convey. If your point is good, no one will remember that you stuttered.

Get carried away (but not too much either)

Speak with passion: The energy of the speaker attracts and is felt. This does not mean you have to move around. Use your body and non-verbal language to reinforce your speech.

Clothes make the man

Take care of your outfit, on two levels. First, dress for the occasion and the image you want to project. No, you can't dress like Steve Jobs, with runners, distorted jeans and an ageless turtleneck. He could afford it because he was number one at the company. Next, make sure you look good in the outfit you choose. Avoid new shoes that will make you dance from one leg to the other because of blisters. In short, be "clean" but true to yourself.

Studies show that only 20% of an effective presentation depends on the information it contains. Yet most of us tend to focus our energies on preparing the content of a presentation, rather than on how to deliver the message and how to convey it in a way that captivates the audience. Fascinating, isn't it? Just the opposite of advertisers whose job is to get a very simple message across, but with force and vigor. (re) See Mad Men if you need to be convinced.

As the saying goes, practice makes perfect!

Practical aspects not to be overlooked when speaking

Regardless of the presentation itself, there are certain things you can do to maximize your chances of success.

Preparation

• What do I want the audience to take away from my presentation? Limit the key messages: your audience has a limited capacity to retain information.
• Is my content structured? Is it properly divided with an introduction, a development, a question period and a conclusion that will inspire my audience?
• Is the content of my presentation memorable, interesting and will it keep the audience's attention until the end of my presentation? Don't add pounds of detail, be clear and concise. But be thorough: give details to your colleagues if they ask for them.

Communication

• Get at least 7 or 8 hours of sleep before a presentation to refuel.
• Hydrate and get into a Zen state of mind. Don't dwell too much on the potential flaws in your presentation and focus on your strengths.
• As much as possible, make sure you are visible and audible to everyone in the room. This will prevent you from being interrupted and at the risk of losing your concentration when a voice is raised to say "I can't hear" or "we can't see"...

Self-management

An effective presentation often depends on the level of preparation of the speaker. There are as many types of speakers as there are personalities, but one of the keys is to build on your strengths and trust yourself. You have mastered your subject and deserve to take the time to express it to your audience.

• It is helpful to visualize your performance before you speak. This will give you confidence and will show in your tone of voice and delivery.
• Your posture is a key element of a successful presentation. Keeping your back straight will make you look good and inspire confidence.
• Breathing is important, no matter what type of presentation you are giving. Deep, continuous breathing helps to oxygenate you and reduce stress signals to the brain. The brain will then slow down the secretion of stress hormones.

Conclusion

"Practice makes perfect", as our neighbors to the south say.

Practicing your speech and multiplying the opportunities to speak in public will allow you to improve, analyze yourself and increase your confidence. It doesn't happen overnight, but you will see a steady improvement over time. Never hesitate to practice your speeches in your head first before you speak in public. There is nothing like perseverance to see significant results. Who knows, you may even get a taste for it.

On that note, good preparation!

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