Back at school we had a tradition of reading the headlines from the newspaper at the school assembly. When it was my turn, I distinctly remember making a mess and a meal out of it.
Parched throat, shaky hands, nervous sweating. That is what has stayed back with me as memories of that incident.
Let alone reading news any more, that was the end of any aspirations I had to be on the school / house debates and declamation teams.
Time has gone by and while I may not be 100% confident of speaking in public, I am way better than what I was with the newspaper in hand back in the day.
Speaking in front of a large audience can be a nerve-wracking experience for many. Whether it's the fear of judgment, making mistakes, or simply the sheer number of eyes on you, it’s natural to feel anxious.
So, when a friend sought me out for advice on speaking in public, here is what I shared as tips that might help in overcoming nerves and finding ways to engage with an audience more comfortably:
1. Embrace vulnerability
You don't have to pretend to be super-confident. In fact, showing a bit of vulnerability can be a powerful tool. It’s perfectly okay to admit to the audience that you feel nervous or apprehensive—this honesty can help create a genuine connection. People tend to appreciate authenticity more than a polished facade.
2. Use self-deprecating humour
If the theme of your talk allows, a little self-deprecating humor can go a long way. It lightens the mood and makes you more relatable. Remember, humor shows that you're human, just like your audience, and can help put both you and them at ease.
3. Share personal stories
Personal stories are memorable and impactful, especially when they are relevant to the occasion. They can help you convey your message more effectively while also building rapport with your audience. Real experiences often resonate more than abstract concepts or theories.
4. Speak from true experiences
What people genuinely want to hear are real-life experiences. Sharing what you’ve lived through, rather than reciting something rehearsed, lends authenticity to your words. It makes you come across as more genuine and trustworthy.
5. Ditch the PowerPoint (if you can)
If possible, try to speak without relying on a PowerPoint presentation. If you must use slides, keep them simple: each slide should have only one headline and a short sentence, or an image. Less is more when it comes to visual aids; they should complement your talk, not overshadow it.
6. Focus on your message, not perfection
You don't need to over-prepare. As long as you are confident about your theme and the core message you want to convey, that's what matters most. Having an outline is helpful, but remember that over-preparing can sometimes increase anxiety. Trust yourself and focus on the essence of what you want to communicate.
7. Maintain a neutral stance
There will be people with varying sensibilities in your audience. Unless the situation calls for a more passionate approach, try to keep a neutral stance on your topic. This way, you can engage a wider range of listeners without alienating anyone unnecessarily.
8. Show your multifaceted self
If you have a unique talent or interest outside of your main topic, find a way to weave it into your talk. This will help prevent the audience from perceiving you as one-dimensional. It can also make your presentation more dynamic and engaging.
9. Have fun!
Most importantly, remember to have fun. Enjoy the experience and let your passion for the topic shine through. When you’re having fun, the audience is more likely to enjoy themselves too.
By embracing these tips, you can transform your nerves into excitement and create a memorable experience for both you and your audience. Remember, public speaking is as much about connecting with others as it is about sharing your message.
So, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the journey!
Thanks for writing this Ranga. It's so relatable.
In my case, "Share personal stories" & "Speak from true experiences" have been very helpful. Humor and body language is still a big work in progress!