You've heard
it said many times before - the fear of speaking is considered by many
as their number one fear, outdistancing death and divorce. There are
legendary stories of entertainment superstars who undergo extraordinary
episodes of stage fright immediately before they perform...
They've experienced blurred vision, nausea, and headaches - even
after performing hundreds of times. So, if these entertainers face
anxiety on stage, is it any wonder that the rest of us may be fearful of
appearing before groups? That anxiety may even prevent us from reaching
our fullest potential since we may tend to avoid speaking opportunities
altogether that could advance our career.
While there are many effective methods of relaxation that can help
reduce our fear of speaking, the most important step is fundamental. We
must begin by recognizing that making presentations is a learned skill.
For most of us, it is not something we can simply get up and do
effectively without having at least some basic training.
Many executives have unrealistic expectations about their speaking
ability, believing that they can achieve proficiency without much
effort. This attitude leads to significant frustration when their lax
efforts fail to produce the desired results. As one CEO told me during a
coaching session, "If I can run a billion dollar company, then I ought
to be able to give a twenty minute speech without being fearful!"
I address the fear and frustration issues by asking executives, "How
many times do you give major presentations each year?" It is usually a
small number -perhaps five times. Then I ask, "How often do you make
major decisions at the company?" "Practically every day, of course" is
the common answer. I respond, "So why do you expect your speaking skills
to be as developed as your decision-making ability? You simply do not
speak enough to have overcome those fears of public speaking."
Once an executive accepts the fact that it takes time to develop his
or her speaking skills, the pressure is off to become a "perfect"
speaker. When such a small amount of time is devoted to public speaking,
one cannot expect to excel without some coaching and a little practice.
Effectiveness is always a reasonable goal even with those executives who
don't speak often. But perfection is unrealistic, and impossible.
Once you accept the fact that making effective presentations is a
learned skill, taking the time to rehearse is a natural step. Rehearsing
your presentation over and over again will greatly reduce anxiety. David
Peoples, who has trained more than 8,000 IBM salespeople, says, "The
single most important thing you can do for sweaty palms is rehearse. The
second most important thing you can do for sweaty palms is rehearse.
Guess what the third thing is?"
The more familiar you become with your material, the more the words
flow from you credibly and passionately. The more comfortable you feel
with your words, the more naturally you present your speech. That's why
good speakers practice - and practice again. Here are two simple ways
for you to rehearse your presentation.
Videotape - Nothing will improve your presentation more than seeing
yourself on videotape. You will notice mannerisms about yourself that
you never noticed before. And you will instantly begin to make changes
Audiotape - Listening to yourself on audio tape is another tool to use
when you rehearse your presentations. Immediately, you'll know if you
are speaking too quickly, too slowly, or if some words are difficult to
understand. You will hear mistakes in grammar and inappropriate "um's"
and "ah's" that are quite easily removed from your presentation when you
are aware of them. The audio sessions will also help you zero in on
content and vocal skills.
Perhaps the quickest way to decrease speech anxiety is to allow the
emotion of the subject to fill your heart. Those who speak with passion
will most certainly have less anxiety. As speaker Roxanne Emmerich says,
"When you are so committed to the meaning of your message, you can't
contain yourself and there is no energy left for being nervous."
Now You're Ready!
You've just been introduced. You walk to the lectern and are about to
say your first words. Wait! You have one more chance to unwind.
Try this: pause for a few seconds and "take in" your audience.
Establish eye contact with them. Breathe deeply, smile, and allow
yourself to relax for a moment. Now you are ready to begin!
In virtually every case, a person's fear of public speaking is
unjustified. What's the worst that could happen? You could trip on
stage, freeze, forget a sentence, fumble a line, stammer, or shake. None
of these is fatal. The worst that could happen probably won't. Yet if it
does, you will live through it!
Morton C. Orman, a medical doctor and popular speaker, says, "Even if
you pass out, get tongue-tied, or say something stupid during your talk
- they won't care! As long as they get something of value, they will be
thankful."
Rob Sherman is an attorney, speaker and author of Sherman's 21 Laws
of Speaking: How to Inspire Others to Action. Rob founded the Sherman
Leadership Group based in Columbus, Ohio, and works with business and
association executives who want to take their speaking and leadership
skills to a higher level.
Rob has a free presentation and negotiation Ezine that comes out
monthly. To sign up or review back issues, visit
