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Speaking in public brings everyone the heebie jeebies. Nearly 75% of people suffer from speech anxiety, or glossophobia. It’s nerve-wracking, sweat-breaking, butterflies-in-the-stomach kind of panic. And it doesn’t necessarily have to be in front of an audience of a hundred people; it could be that you’re pitching an idea to three or four of your colleagues at a team meeting at work.

The reason public speaking terrifies us all is that we worry about what people will think of us which makes our brains freeze in panic. When we are in a state of panic the rational part of our brain which is responsible for word production, shuts off. Then chaos ensues.

But glossophobia can be conquered. Public speaking doesn’t have to be frightening. It could actually be a lot fun where you take part in a wonderful experience, meet new people and learn new things.

Here are a few simple, but useful tips to ensure that your next public speaking event is enjoyed by both you and your listeners.

1. Know your audience

Before preparing your speech, there are 2 things you have to know: what you’ll be talking about and who your audience is.

The first one goes without saying. It’s the second one that needs a bit of research. You need to find out the following about who’s going to be listening to what you have to say:

Once you know this, you can modify your speech accordingly. You’ll appear friendly and relaxed which is a sure way to reduce your anxiety and make your speech a success. 

You’re giving them a reason to listen to you by providing information they want and need.

2. Prepare, prepare, prepare

Make your material most effective by using:

Start your speech with a striking introduction and end with a captivating finish. Avoid reading your presentation as it limits your eye contact with the audience.

To ensure that your audience is kept focused on your message, eye contact is important. To keep on track, use cue cards or draw up an outline you can take a peek at to jog your memory. 

Thorough preparation is crucial, but it is more important to gauge the audience reaction to your speech in order to adapt accordingly.

Having that flexibility in your demeanor means your positive energy and enthusiasm will flow through to your audience and help them enjoy your topic.

4. Change your outlook

Instead of going out in front of everyone being anxious, lighten up with regard to your expectation as a speaker. Think of this opportunity as being given a chance to talk about something you enjoy.

Also, get comfortable with being quiet in front of a group of people.

You don’t have to talk the entire time; you get a few seconds here and there to look out at your audience, catch your breath and gauge their reactions. Use the silence to add to your speech, not take away from it.

5. Be confident in your own skin

First of all, as much as we hate to admit it, your appearance is what you’ll be judged on in those first few seconds. Therefore, choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and self-assured.

You can also get your hair done and a manicure to boost your confidence level because when you like what you see, you’ll feel great and that will trickle down to your listeners.

Throughout your speech, there are things like:

These actions keep up the confidence level and keep your audience wanting to hear you until the end.

No one in the audience expects perfection. Our goal to be perfect significantly contributes to our increased stress levels.

When you put in sufficient time to practice and review your speech, it will have a significant impact in terms of calming your nerves and boosting your confidence.

Final Thought on Public Speaking