Be it an interview, a class presentation, or addressing a large sea of unfamiliar faces, public speaking can evoke varying degrees of fear. Individuals who are otherwise calm, coherent and confident may morph into anxious, inarticulate bumblers. In today’s show-and-tell world, the ability to present ourselves lucidly is often linked to professional success. From business to medicine to NGOs, being able to speak cogently can make a world of difference. Whether or not we forge a merger, promote a product or get funding for an innovative idea often depends on our communication skills.
Yet, many cringe in front of an audience. By following the steps listed below, you can learn to conquer, or least manage your anxiety so that you deliver a clear and persuasive message.
Prep it up
First, prepare and practise beforehand. Jot down what you would like to say and rehearse in front of a mirror. If you feel more confident with a set of points, you can take a paper (which is rather quaint nowadays) or your phone or tablet. If you are doing a PPT, then rehearse with your slides. As far as possible, try to mimic the demands of the actual speaking situation. Avoid reading verbatim from a pre-prepared text, as it sounds stilted. The more you practise, the better. If you have an opportunity, deliver your talk to a small, familiar audience. You may also videotape yourself to iron-out verbal and non-verbal oddities you are unaware of. Some people sway or shuffle their feet, while others keep saying “umm..” or “aah…” far too often.
Psychologist Sian Beilock writes in Choke , “Simulating low levels of stress helps prevent cracking under increased pressure, because people who practice this way learn to stay calm, cool, and collected in the face of whatever comes their way.” So, you may up the ante by asking your mock audience to watch with a critical eye, time you and ring a bell if necessary, or even act distracted so that you feel pressured to retain their attention. If you are delivering a long talk that taxes your memory, segment your speech into meaningful parts so that each bit leads to the next. This way, you will not have to commit too much information to memory.
On the big day, before your public appearance, list your achievements and talents. The purpose of this exercise, according to Beilock, is to reinforce the idea that you are a multifaceted person whose self-worth does not hinge on this one single performance. Just before the talk, if your palms get sweaty, your knees quiver, or your heart beats faster, don’t tell yourself that these are signs of nervousness. As the physiological reactions of fear and excitement often overlap, tell yourself that you are charged up to give your best.
Like any fear, stage-fright too diminishes as you face audiences repeatedly. Even if you fumbled the last time, don’t let that hold you back from speaking again. As popular singer Taylor Swift says, “The only way to conquer stage fright is to get up on stage and play. Every time you play another show, it gets better and better.”
The author is Director, PRAYATNA. Email: arunasankara@gmail.com
