Public speaking scares the life out of many people. Probably more then any other thing they may do in their lifetime. They may have to speak at a meeting in work or as a best man at a wedding or even to a conference, all can be hard but there are things you can do to prepare to help relieve the nerves.
- May seem easy but prepare as best you can what you are going to say. Spend time getting what you want to get across sorted with as much time to spare as possible. Allow time for changes to requirements and for timescales to change. This is crucial if it's a business related speech where things can change often and suddenly. Start with headings for each of the stages in the speech and then flesh those parts out.
- Jokes or funny lines are good but only when they work, be aware how good you are at delivering jokes normally. Be very aware of your audience as well and how they may react to what you say. Be prepared to alter or drop portions of the speech if it becomes obvious bits aren't working or if they may be upsetting or offending anyone.
- Make sure any props you use are working before hand and make sure they are ready to be used, don't cue a picture in if its going to take a minute to appear. Make sure all items are ready; in the correct order and that they are all relevant. Unfortunately it's also worth bearing in mind that sometimes technology breaks down and you may have to survive without it. Good preparation and knowledge of how the equipment works will of course lessen the chances of something going wrong.
- Practise making the speech whenever you can; whether it's to a mirror or to a few selected people will help to calm your nerves. This gives you a chance to gauge reactions to it, change things if need be and to work out how long it will last. If the actual delivery of the speech is a problem then try to recreate the practise in the real place you will speak. Try and think of your audience as only a very small amount of people, even try and think they aren't there. If possible try and get to the location before hand so you can see how people will be positioned. This allows you to judge where to focus and how to deliver the speech.
Above all realise you wont be the only person who gets nervous at giving speeches. Most politicians have writers as well as people telling them how to deliver the lines. They will practise and they will get used to it. Feel free to ask for help and to practise until you are ready. Also unless you are an experienced thespian write down the words, no matter how long the speech don't try and memorise it.
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