Is this thread still live - two years to reply is that a record? I was just thinking if you're looking for some tips and hints on speaking - http://motivationalspeakers.synthasite.com/.

__________________
James
Motivational and Business Speakers

.... the need never goes away!

(Which is great, 'cos otherwise I'd have no client base for my presentations training! )

Simon

__________________
Presentation skills training for groups: presentation skills training for individuals.

Prep is the best medicine I think - and if its a new subject or you've left it too late to prep properly - just concentrate on what you know well and practice that. I've just tried out some new techniques from people in this post offered me and its slow journey but the more you relax with yourself - realise that the people who matter are the ones who truly empathise are the majority - and you do a good job i.e. your rewarding people with some insight - it'll flow and you'll forget the nerves.

__________________
James
Motivational and Business Speakers

I also suck at public speaking. Big time! But I like some of the tips given here. I think knowing your material is definitely so important.. and can be the make or break of it. But it doesn't stop me being so nervous. I'd be interested if anyone has tried any "alternative" techniques, so to speak, like hypnotherapy or similar, to try and reduce your nerves?

Rachy - being nervous is good! People often mistake being confident for not being nervous - but they're not the same at all (see my blog here). It's normal to be nervous and a lot of the people I train are surprised to discover that they're asking for the moon on a stick (as the saying goes) because they mistakenly believe that no one else is nervous when they speak. Me and my staff are nervous so there's little chance of a newbie not being so!

Being confident you can pull it off is completely different and here, yes, I'd agree that knowing your material is critical!

Simon

__________________
Presentation skills training for groups: presentation skills training for individuals.

I suppose nerves are at the bottom of most things; at the basic level its the law of the wild - fight or flight syndrome. What about poor old Neil Armstrong (and he fluffed his lines and no one cares about that the jsut remember the moment and the message) and crew 40 years back - any different really; ok maybe on scale but there's a common thread Everyone from the greatest speaker to the unassumed gets nervous if they care about what their doing and are out of their comfort zone. Its familiarity and conquering the fear of the unknown that's the issue. Life tough - so if you can bright a little light and laughter to people - or just try to connect. You'll get in back in spades.

__________________
James
Motivational and Business Speakers

You're right about everyone getting nervous.... I used to think it was literally ONLY me who did so, before I witnessed people who are usually incredibly confident tense up before a presentation. Fight or flight mode indeed!

Thing is, I get exceptionally nervous, in a way people can witness. That's what I hate.. i.e I flush red (from anxiety I think, not from embarassment), and it sometimes my body just stops me from making any sounds at all.. and its difficult to give a presentation when you can't physically talk! Cue the "oh no, people think I'm an idiot because they can see I'm so nervous" trail of thought....

If I'm honest though, I HAVE got better, in the few presentations I've done. It's just I've only progressed 2 metres in a marathon.

Hi Rachy25:
I know how you feel. IMHO this is the very best way to get over the fear of public speaking.

1. Only speak on a subject that you know more about than the audience. There is a special power that comes with knowing that you are the expert.

2. Don't give your speech like everyone else. Have you ever noticed how much more confident you are when you get to the Q&A period? That's because you don't have to think. You just know the answer. And if you don't, that's OK too. The audience does not expert that you will know the answer to every question. You can always say, "That's a great question. Does anyone in the room know the answer?" Or, "That's a great question. Let me research that and get back to you."

3. Find out what the 5 or 10 most important questions your audience would like you to answer and answer them. Start your talk by telling the audience what you're going to do. Here's the first question ... and here is the answer.

You will be shocked and delighted at how comfortable you feel. You audience will see you as the expert.

P.S. It's not a bad idea to ask a question that you can't answer. When you do, it tells the audience that you're human and not trying to avoid a question that they want answered. You can always tell them that you'll look into in and get back to them ... and then do it.

Hope this helps.

__________________
Join the soon-to-be largest community of marketing experts in the world. Join Here! Join Today!

Spot on Bob: - just to add on. I've always found that you if ask yourself the top 5 FAQs on a subject you get (if you don't know, guess) then the top 5 FAQ's the audience should be asking - this gives you a double win when you come to Q&A.

__________________
James
Motivational and Business Speakers

Hi Rachy,
It's interesting you mention "hypnotherapy" as a possible way to assist with alleviating stress with public speaking. Recently I downloaded an app for my iPhone that dealt with various hypnosis chapters that assisted with various issues (i.e. weight management, public speaking, etc). I was curious! lol

Needless to say they just put me to sleep! lol

Regardless channeling that nervous energy into your speaking is key. Plus practice, practice, practice assists with getting the nerves out. Practice is essential, not only for the refining your presentation skill itself, but also for pumping up that ego and giving you the confidence to speak.

Paying attention to various details (even down to what you wear) can also give assistance with taming those nerves. Treat yourself the day before your big presentation - making yourself feel like a million bucks will do wonders!

Happy Presenting!
--Christina

__________________
Polishing Your Presentation to Perfection!
www.polishedpresenting.com
christinamckay@polishedpresenting.com
480.388.1080

I assist with PowerPoint creation, effective message delivery, and more.
Contact me today for your free 30 minute consultation regarding your presentation needs.