by Dan Monaghan

Created on: December 21, 2008

A recent survey revealed that most people fear public speaking more than death. In fact, public speaking consistently ranks number one when it comes to situations that makes our blood run cold.

This fact is unfortunate because most company officials will tell you that the willingness and ability to speak in front of a group is a good indicator of a future leader. With that in mind, we offer some pointers that should help you overcome your fear of speaking and, in the process, help you impress your superiors.

1- KNOW YOUR STUFF- The majority of your fear comes from being unprepared. No one wants to look foolish or be challenged on their facts. Credibility is the key to your success as a speaker and will do wonders for your confidence. Once your audience believes in you, you will sense it and become comfortable with your presentation. Double or triple check your facts. Practice your presentation in front of family and friends. Ask them to be candid in their assessments. You can't over prepare.

2- GET THERE EARLY- Arrive at the venue at least 45 minutes before the program starts. In addition to helping to make sure everything is where it is supposed to be, it will allow you to greet the audience as they arrive. This will permit you to engage in some small talk with some of the participants which will help relax them as well as you. They will see you as a just a "regular" person who is about to engage them in a conversation. It creates a comfortable environment for all in the room.

3- MOVE- Anchoring yourself behind a podium creates a barrier between you and your audience. Plus, the tendency for most people is to grab on to a podium for dear life and squeeze the sides until it's ready to crack. All that does is transfer the stress you are feeling to your voice which will tip off your crowd to your anxiety level. Walk around the room. Sit on the edge of a table. Lean on a wall. By moving around, you release kinetic energy and become more relaxed. Plus, the audience is much more likely to stay engaged with a speaker who keeps moving rather than one who is a statue in front of the room.

4- USE HUMOR- Most of us have at least somewhat of a sense of humor. You don't have to be a master joke teller to get people to have fun. In fact, telling jokes is not recommended because few moments are more uncomfortable then a joke that falls flat, or worse, offends your audience. Think of a funny story that's real, that actually happened to you. All the better if it is self-deprecating. People love other people who make fun of themselves. Nothing cuts the tension and makes you feel confidant more then having people laughing and having a good time in your room.

You can't read a book or watch a video to get better at public speaking. You have to just do it, over and over and over again. The more you do it, the easier it will become and you will soon be actually looking for opportunities to speak. When you reach that point, your future success will be closer to reality.

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