Almost all business managers and executives are called on, upon occasion, to give a public presentation. And most are terrified at the prospect. It makes no difference if you have experience, there is anxiety associated with public speaking. Even in the confines of a staff meeting or small group, many are reluctant to voice their opinion. I'm sure you've all heard that public speaking ranks so high on people's list of fears that in some cases it actually ranks higher than death! How can one learn to conquer their fears and move towards tolerating, perhaps even enjoying the opportunity to speak publicly?The Speaker's ConcernsWe often believe the stakes are higher than they really are. We worry about a faux pas, factual error, or other missteps. We worry about our voice, our appearance, our manner, etc. Sometimes this anxiety and nervousness translates into physical symptoms and impairments such as vocal changes, forgetting your "lines," or a "flight" impulse. In actuality, most members of your audience are so wrapped up in their own issues that they really are not intensely interested in yours.Remember, the audience is generally sympathetic, or even supportive, to the presenter. People do not expect perfection from a presenter; generally they are just interested in obtaining information, opinion or entertainment.Speakers at their BestA few speakers actually revel in the spotlight. They often gravitate toward jobs in the media, religion, sales or politics. Some are so entrancing that their audience is almost mesmerized. Most politicians are effective in front of a crowd; if they weren't they wouldn't win elections.One current example of a great speaker is our President, Barrack Obama. President Obama is a likable and effective communicator; so were Presidents Clinton and Reagan (called the "Great Communicator"). All of these individuals enjoy a "likability" factor along with a gift for relating with their audience. It is reported that President Obama is aware of his skill and commented ("without a hint of braggadocio or conceit") to Congressman Harry Reid,..."I have a gift." (Washington Post, April 29, 2009) Preachers are particularly good orators. Most have polished their skills in front of congregations for years. The best of all are the "TV Preachers," There is a lengthy list of TV preachers, several of whom have "fallen from grace." Here are a few popular preachers: Oral Roberts, Jimmy Swaggert, Jan & Paul Crouch, Jim & Tammy Bakker, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Joel Osteen. (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Nov. 18, 2003, and, Yahoo! Answers, Yahoo.com-Question Index: 20080321053715AA21tXY.) They offer messages of faith, hope and redemption. They typically have unbounded energy, enthusiasm, and excellent public speaking techniques (e.g., voice, eye contact, body language, intonation, etc.). If you want to become a good motivational speaker, watch them.Other speakers are on late night TV; the "pitchmen," often earning obscene amounts of money, they sell widgets, gadgets, products and services through "infomercials." Ron Popeil, Billy Mays, Anthony Sullivan and Tony Robbins are prime examples. They use likability, humor, body language (e.g., "nodding" in agreement with their own comments), motivational techniques, etc. (CNNMoney.com as reported in Fortune Magazine, April 6, 2009.)You may not aspire to become a politician, evangelist or pitchman but you probably want to become more confident, persuasive, and effective at pubic speaking. Or you may just want to be able to stand up in front of a group without falling, or getting sick.Lessons to be LearnedWhat can we learn from these professional, expert, and highly effective speakers? Several things come to mind. First: know your audience. Are they sophisticated, or "regular folk"? Are they knowledgeable about your subject matter, looking for encouragement or consolation, action, or support? Are they men or women, religious, investors, scientists, seniors, schoolteachers, etc.? You must know who you're talking to in order to find a topic that is important to them, and to present it in a fashion that is most appropriate.Second: look the part. Whether you're selling gadgets or ideas, promoting religion, or politics, you need to "dress to impress." You've seen politicians in shirtsleeves talking with union members, or in formal wear at State functions. In other words, dress in a manner appropriate to your role, and audience. Sometimes it's a suit and tie, other times you must dress down to relate to your audience.Third: be enthusiastic and animated. Although there are some exceptions to this rule (e.g., eulogies), as is often said: "Enthusiasm is infectious."Tips, Strategies, and ApproachesThere is so much advice to speakers available on the Internet, in books, and articles. However, the best resource may be "Toastmasters." Toastmasters is an international organization with a specific mission to help people become better speakers. There are Toastmasters Chapters practically everywhere.Toastmasters International offers advice to speakers, as well as support, and an opportunity to practice, learn techniques, gain feedback, and improve. Their advice can be summarized as: "know your material, practice, know the audience, know the room, relax, visualize..., realize that people 'want you to succeed,' don't apologize [for nervousness], concentrate on the message, and gain experience." For a more complete explanation, see: "10 Tips for Public Speaking," at www.toastmasters.org. And, of course, there are numerous additional considerations and more strategies, approaches, and techniques to be learned.A Personal NoteI confess. I've always been fearful of public speaking. (I often thought I was the only person to ever graduate from the University of Washington without saying a word! [Well, maybe one or two}). Over the years this fear has dissipated somewhat and become more manageable. My personal advice is to confront the fear, make the speech, and attempt to get better at it. Try focusing on a few "friendly" faces in the audience to help you through the process. And, if you're so inclined, take a Public Speaking class, or join Toastmasters. You will be in good company and experience a sense of accomplishment.
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