"When you speak in public, your audience will know immediately if you did or didn't prepare because 95% of your success is determined beforehand."
-Colleen Kettenhofen
You already know that public speaking ranks as one of the top fears for most people. And you've heard comedians famously say that, at a funeral, "Most people would rather be in the box than delivering the eulogy.”
Whether presenting at a small meeting or before a group of 1500, many people get nervous just anticipating giving a presentation. In my public speaking seminars and executive speech coaching, I'm often asked, "What's the best way to overcome nervousness? How can I build my confidence and credibility through public speaking?"
Take to heart these 12 proven principles and you'll speak your way to a stronger public speaking presence:
- Your audience will know if you're not prepared by picking up on subtle (nervous) clues in your body language. Rehearsing minimizes 75% of your nervousness. I realize most people don't like to rehearse. To make it easier, ask a friend or colleague to videotape you. Yes, I know people don't like seeing themselves on video either! Still, the camera will be your most objective ally--and you won't be able to ignore its feedback.
- Once you've fine-tuned your presentation, practice it by standing in front of family members, colleagues, or friends. Better yet, rehearse with a public speaking coach. Ask for honest feedback. What did they like most? What did they think could be improved? In addition to video and live audiences, practice in front of a mirror. It will help you rehearse standing up and let you see for yourself what can be improved. Plus you might get distracted looking in the mirror, just like you might get distracted looking out at the audience. It's good practice for that probability.
- Talk your presentation into a digital micro recorder, initially as a rough draft. Listen to it while you're driving to and from work, running errands, or picking up the kids. I know you're thinking, "I don't like how I sound on audio." Well, no one like how his or her own voice in a recording. But you'll find this to be a convenient way to learn material quickly plus it doesn't tie up another person's valuable time. As you listen, jot down where you sound convincing and passionate, and where you sound unsure of yourself. Like video, audio can be another objective ally.
- A proven method Olympic athletes use to improve performance is visualization. In your mind's eye, see yourself giving a successful presentation. If you know what the room looks like where you'll be speaking, visualize that, too. Realize that 95% of your public speaking success is determined before the presentation. And that includes visualizing that success!
- Be like Billy Crystal before he hosts the Oscars and do a full dress rehearsal. Before I conduct a keynote speech, conference session, or corporate training event, I take a peek inside the room or ballroom I'll be speaking in. If the room is empty, I'll go in and practice there. For large conferences up to 1200, I do a dress rehearsal if I possibly can. I find a time where I can sneak into the room and practice while pretending a live audience is listening to me. Rehearsing in the exact room will cut down on your nervousness and give you an edge in feeling confident and credible. This technique works even for small rooms.
- Use notes that I call "fast food for the eyes." Make the your bullets and phrases large enough that you can glance at them while standing up. Never read your presentation. Instead of looking paper, you want to look at people in the audience and connect with them.
- Connecting or bonding with your audience has to be earned. You do that by using slice-of-life stories, appropriate humor, and practical examples that people can relate to. Make your call to action so clear that people will put it into practice immediately.
- Know who is going to be in your audience. To accomplish that, I interview at least three people who will be in attendance that day. I ask questions such as "what challenges are you facing?" and "what is your level of experience in this organization?" I do these interviews weeks ahead of time because they help me tailor my programs.
- In preparing for positive reactions to your speech, also prepare for negative ones. What if someone in your audience doesn't like your style or challenges the validity of what you say? When planning your presentation, anticipate a host of issues that might come up and think through how you’d address them.
- When presenting your most crucial points, stand "center stage" on the platform. This signals to the audience you're about to share something important.
- Even if you're presenting to only three or four people, be standing. When you do, you are automatically more believable, credible, and persuasive. Besides, people will simply see you better.
- Always allow for interaction. Setting up paired and group activities makes your presentation more fun, informative, and inspiring because it engages people.
Simple principles to know but not easy to implement. Yet you'll find the effort totally worthwhile as you experience the confidence and credibility you seek through public speaking.
CREDENTIALS: Colleen Kettenhofen is an international leadership and change management expert. This award-winning corporate trainer, successful author, and conference keynote speaker has delivered more than 1,100 entertaining programs in 48 U.S. states and five countries. A media expert, Colleen has been a guest on dozens of radio shows. Her 40+ articles on diverse workplace issues have appeared in publications nationwide.
Recently, Colleen interviewed 200+ managers and CEOs for her new book, Secrets Your Boss Isn't Telling You. She has also published 10 audio programs and co-authored The Masters of Success. Her latest book Adopting Joy, will be released soon.
Colleen can assist your organization with successful leadership development, and improving public speaking skills through her keynotes, seminars, and workshops. Be sure to visit www.BounceBackHigher.com for details or call (623)340-7690 for speaking fees and availability.
