Just the thought of speaking in public can send a chill through even the most professional among us.  When asked to choose, most people would select going to the dentist over speaking in public; at least the dentist provides Novocain after all!  In fact, speaking in public is ranked right next to death as the most common fear. I think Seinfeld said it best, “People would rather die than speak in public, and this means the person delivering your eulogy would rather be you in the casket.”  In your world you may say, “I would rather hit my thumb with a hammer than speak in public!” 

Successful businesses grow by building relationships.  So the real question is how do folks get to know you, your services, and begin to rely on you as a valuable resource?  Answer: You have to be where your customers are and not just be where they are, you have to be in front of them… presenting at school board meetings, being a community leader, explaining your services to prospective clients, being an active member of your local chamber, co-presenting with architects and other professionals, accepting any opportunity to get on the radio or be a part of a panel discussion.  Yet, how many times have you declined?  How many times have you said, “No?” 

If you have ever thought to yourself, “I wish I could just be myself when I’m speaking,” rest assured you’re not alone.  Unfortunately there isn’t a quick fix.  Changing your speaking habits takes work and time. However, there is no time like the present to begin, so here are a few ideas to get you on your way.

1. Give Yourself a Break
We are harder on ourselves than others are on us. Consequently, we waste too much time worrying what others think.  Our mind races with sabotaging thoughts like, “I can’t believe I just said that, what an idiot!”  Most audience members are extremely forgiving and are just plain happy that they aren’t the one giving the presentation.  So relax, and give  yourself some credit.

2. Get Organized and Stay Focused
Although we live in a time when multitasking is a highly valued skill, this is  not the time to engage in it.  You can’t be delivering a presentation and having a running commentary on how you’re doing at the same time. There is plenty of time after to evaluate how well you did later. Put all of  your concentration on the here and now. The best way to stay focused is to organize your ideas and then commit to your organization.  The time you put into preparation pays off.

3.  Leave Them Wanting More
Probably the biggest mistake that speakers make is saying too much.  My rule is no more than three main ideas. When people are listening to a  presentation they only have one chance to hear what you’re saying and  half the time they aren’t paying close attention.  So don’t bombard your  audience with a million little details. Too much information overwhelms the listener. Remember…leave them wanting more.

4.  Speak From Your Heart
Think about the most compelling speaker you have heard.  I bet you couldn’t tell me much about what they said, but you could tell me how they made you feel. Our world is already filled with enough trivia, so don’t add to it.  Talk about topics that matter to you, and ask yourself why your  audience should care. Even if you’re delivering a report, ask yourself why the information should matter to those listening. More importantly, when  you speak from your heart you are more compelling… and that’s what people will remember.

5.  Face Your Fears
Have you noticed the more you see your dentist the better your teeth become?  The same holds true for public speaking.  You can’t get better by avoiding it.  The more you force yourself to speak in front of others, the better you will get.  With a set of skill builders and practice, everyone can  actually feel better about public speaking. 

CONSIDER THIS:  There are very few public speakers who were born great, in fact, without practice and training people rarely become good at anything.  Most of us had to put our time in to get satisfying results. You didn’t become good at roofing or selling without some time and effort on your part and the same is true for speaking. Even as a speech coach and teacher I have my share of, “I can’t believe that I did that” stories. 

NOW…Imagine yourself speaking in front of others and walking away feeling good because it went just fine… better than fine.  You were organized, relaxed, and you spoke from your heart.  It can happen. It takes determination and work, but the end result makes the journey worth while.