Relish Your Public Speaking Opportunities
Author: Stephanie Bickel Bingham

You've been dreading this public address you are giving in just a few days. You have a million other things you should be attending to, but this tiny speech is throwing everything out of perspective. How can you ease your anxiety and actually enjoy this experience?

Prepare: The bulk of our nerves comes from the fear of failing. The fear of failing is born from our fear of not knowing what we are going to say or do in front of people. So, plan what you are going to say and do, and the fear of failing will dissolve. It is best if you can practice your speech on another person. It is also helpful to practice in the space where you will speak. If you are forced to practice alone, do this in front of a mirror. This will instantly remind you to smile. You wouldn't want to forget to smile at your audience! You are overjoyed to share your information with the audience. Let them know that. Preparation through rehearsal will help eliminate fear.

Purpose: It is vital that you have a purpose when speaking. The reason actors are so captivating to watch in movies and on stage is that they are fighting for something with every ounce of their being. When the lawyers of courtroom dramas give their closing remarks, they deliver their speech as if it were a life or death situation. It is much more interesting to observe a speaker who is emotionally connected to their subject material rather than someone who is speaking because he was asked to do so. When you are emotionally connected to what you are saying and why you are saying it, your enthusiasm to speak will be bursting at the seams.

Work the room before you begin: The audience is your friend. You have to care about your audience, or they will not care about you. If you didn't care about your audience, why would you share this information with them. Chances are, you will care much more about your audience, if you know them. Before the event takes place, introduce yourself to as many of the audience members as you have time to greet. This way when you step up to the microphone, you will feel as if you are speaking to friends in your living room.

Visualize: Before the event, imagine the entire scenario. Imagine how the event ensues down to the tiniest detail. Visualize your walk, your opening remarks, the reactions of your audience, and your walk back to your seat. Now that you have envisioned the entire even, there is nothing else to ponder or weigh. Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Breathe: As begin your speech, check your breath. You should be able to exhale. Try to inhale on a count of "5" and exhale on a count of "7." This is the quickest way to calm yourself down and reconnect to why you are speaking.

There is a joy of public speaking that is unlike any other activity. You have the opportunity to share yourself, your voice, and your thoughts with a crowd of people. Every time you speak to a group is an honor and a treat. Just remember: your message is more important than you. Connect to your message (the WHY not the HOW of public speaking), and you will enjoy the experience ten-fold.

Please send questions and comments to Stephanie at stephanie@stephaniebickel.com.








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Stephanie Bickel is an actor, singer, and coach. She is founder of SPEAK by DESIGN, an image consulting firm based in Chicago, IL. Stephanie offers seminars and workshops in VOCAL DEVELOPMENT, PRESENCE, ACCENT REDUCTION, WORD CHOICE, TELEPHONE SKILLS, and THE CONFIDENT SPEAKER. Check our SPEAK by DESIGN at www.stephaniebickel.com. Email with questions and comments at stephanie@stephaniebickel.com.

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