[OfficeArrow]

You've probably heard reports that the fear of public speaking ranks higher than fear of death for many people. In reality, the ability to speak well in front of groups is a valuable skill to have. Tell us what you do to overcome the fear of public speaking and you could win an Amazon Gift Card.

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[dewoun]

In the Toastmasters organization, you are taught the necessary skills and techniques needed to overcome fear and give a speech that will be satisfying to the audience. Among the many tips and tools I have learned are:

1. Know and understand the subject you are speaking about.
2. Greet audience participants prior to the start of the presentation so that you can become familiar with them.
3. Give yourself a "confidence boost". In other words, do something like visualize the audience give you a standing ovation at the end of your speech.
4. Focus on the message.
5. Practice the presentation (numerous times) because we all know that practice makes perfect!

Becoming a part of Toastmasters provided me with the ability to give speeches and presentations with confidence and assurance. In addition, I was able to communicate more effectively.

[chris2365]

* Know your topic.
* Think about the 'yeah, buts....' that your audience may have. Thinking about their problems with what you'll say and pre-empting them in your speech is a great technique.
* Choose a couple of people that appear friendly to make eye contact with initially, then try to make eye contact with all areas of the audience throughout your talk.
* Try to get out from behind a podium. I often walk throughout the audience if I can logistically.
* Don't fear making fun of yourself just a little, but not in a way that belittles your current credibility.
* Make it personal - use anecdotes and real-life examples.

[Lauren Elder]

Thank you to all of those who participated in our "Freedom from Fear of Speaking" contest! You shared some great tips and we hope that all OfficeArrow members can benefit from them!

Congratulations goes out to our winner Dewoun Hayes (OA member: dewoun) of Chicago, IL. Dewoun will receive a $25 Amazon gift card as well as a copy of the book In The SpotLight, Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking and Performing by Janet E. Esposito.

Check back later today for another great contest announcement!

[Patricia]

Originally Posted by OfficeArrow

You've probably heard reports that the fear of public speaking ranks higher than fear of death for many people. In reality, the ability to speak well in front of groups is a valuable skill to have. Tell us what you do to overcome the fear of public speaking and you could win an Amazon Gift Card.

View The Full Article

I know this contest is over, but I read something recently that has really helped me. They said to think of your audience as a group of your best friends and then speak to them as you would to your friends. It has helped me to make eye contact with people (I used to see the audience as a blur). Now they don't look so scary.

Even though that has helped me get over my fear of the audience, I still need to be prepared, prepared, prepared. Nothing worse on the nerves than not knowing what you are going to say next.

Also, speak with authority. You have been invited to share your ideas and so you should not make any apologies about doing that.

Smile and engage the audience. I try to say something humourous, but if you are not good at jokes, don't tell one. Humour can come in many forms. The weather or traffic is always a good subject that everyone can relate to. Using funny pictures if you are giving a PowerPoint presentation is good as well.

I was very afraid of being at the front for many years, but I always had a secret desire to be up there. Finally, I just decided if I was ever going to experience it I just had to start saying yes to opportunities when asked. Once I got to the front, I found I actually really enjoyed it.