When it comes to networking, public speech is a common issue. Even those who aspire to become public speakers face issues. There are seasoned speakers who face challenges. There are two main problems that speakers face: poor planning and anxiety.
When you analyze these two issues, they lead back to the same thing: observation. Good public speaking requires quick thinking. Even with impromptu monologues, proper planning (in the shortest possible time) is absolutely necessary.
The only way to make a relevant speech is to observe your audience. Listen to what you need to do. Knowing who your audience. Know your audience who your audience is and what they would be interested in. Of course, you must be knowledgeable about the subject at hand, but efficient speakers can relay relevant information in a digestible form.
Very rarely is anyone called to speak about something they do not fully understand. When you are given time to prepare, use it wisely to create a detailed outline of what to present. Audience analysis will help you to determine what tone to use, what examples would appeal to your listeners and how make the subject interesting.
It starts with identifying the true message of your speech. Using that and carefully observing your audience will enable you to speak clearly. These are the things to look for:
- Age
- Potential interests
- Educational background
- Profession
- Cultural background
When it comes to the pre-talk nervousness, the same approach applies.
Being aware of your anxiety is one thing, but it is beneficial to be aware of how your anxiety affects your behavior. Look for specific ticks and see if they affect your speech, body language or mental ability. Once you outline how your anxiety affects you, you could devise a way to help you prepare for your speech.
If you find that large crowds cause the anxiety, the focus on a specific person. Some people gesticulate in excess when they are nervous. Keeping something small in your hand, like flashcards or a paperclip, can help your hands busy discretely so that you don’t distract your audience.
Practicing your enunciation can help eliminate or reduce verbal ticks. Rehearsing, to some degree, can help you feel more confident. For a lot of speakers, meditating prior to their speech calms their nerves and keeps them focused.
Getting out there is usually the hardest part, but with proper planning, your speech will go smoothly.
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