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Speak With Confidence in Public Speaking

ReputationProfessor.Com Confidence By Edward Hope.

The ability to speak with confidence does not come naturally to many of us. In fact we are more likely to have a fear of public speaking. It is normal to have nerves before public speaking or presenting as we are the centre of attention and want to do our best.

Most of today’s confident public speakers suffered nerves when starting out and still do. The feeling is now used to spur them on to be their best.

There are 3 activities that are key to overcoming public speaking anxiety and to be able to speak with confidence, once you have made the decision to do so.

1) Know Your Audience

When starting out, the focus of many speakers is on themselves and not what the audience wants. However, to be a truly effective speaker it is crucial to know your audience.

Audiences are interested in hearing good information that can help them rather than great oratory. These days, effective public speaking is about the content of the speech, not the person delivering it.

Experienced and effective speakers research their audience. The more they know about the audience the easier it is to prepare and deliver a speech that the audience will find interesting and meet their wants. When you have developed a speech that you know is worthwhile for the audience, you will be more confident when delivering it.

2) Prepare Thoroughly

Careful preparation builds confidence. Following a set process helps to reduce worry and anxiety because you know what your next step is and you can focus on that. A tested seven step process to use when preparing a speech that is beneficial to an audience is;-

a) Determine why you are speaking

b) Choose a topic that is of interest to your audience

c) Select the type of speech you will deliver. Will it be persuasive, informative, inspirational or narrative?

d) Research your subject

e)Select and organize your material

f) Write out your speech and prepare a speaking outline g) Practice using the speaking outline

Practice as often as you need to be confident that you know your speech. Have a practice run through at the venue where you are to deliver your speech, so you are familiar with the circumstances you will experience when you actually deliver the speech.

3) Doing It

More than any other human activity speaking is improved by doing it. For your first appearance you need only speak for a short time. Your first public speaking appearance may only involve giving your name and business.

For your next appearances develop a short speech on a subject you are knowledgeable and interested in, and will interest your audience. Give your speech as frequently as you can.

There are many meetings in a community each week that an ambitious speaker can use as opportunity to be heard. Thinking of these speeches as practice will help in settling any nerves you may fell.

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