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What if you could shed the misgivings and fear of public speaking forever? How would that change your life, your career, your self-esteem and confidence? Finding the way to ease in front of an audience, large or small, can be the key that unlocks your true potential as a communicator. After I’ve entertained a group at one of my keynote presentations, more than one member of the audience will approach afterwards with some version of the following question. “You look so comfortable on stage, how did you learn to do that?” The answer is multi-faceted, like trying to explain why you enjoy a chocolate sundae. Is it the ice-cream or the hot fudge sauce? The nuts or the cherry on top? There are several keys to gaining the confidence to speak in public, whether it’s for business or pleasure. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned over the years about standing up and taking the microphone. 1. Let them know the real you. Somehow, many speakers fall prey to the temptation to become television newscasters when they open their mouths. Voices drop an octave or two, and faces take on the worried demeanor of the local nightly news anchor reporting on a car crash or house fire. Having survived both of those types of incidents in my own life, I can tell you they’re no laughing matter. Still, “playing” the serious role means you’re not coming completely clean with the people who came to hear you speak. Keep your regional accent, your drawl and your unique personality intact when the microphone is passed your way. 2. Get to the point. Public speaking is consistently cited as one of the most prevalent fears among adults. Given that information, it’s amazing to me, once a person gets the opportunity to speak, how difficult it can be to pry them away from the spotlight. The true test of speaking talent is not measured in the amount of time you speak, but in the amount of value you deliver. Early on in my career, I delivered a 45-minute keynote address on effective business communication. As part of my development process, I listened to the recording of that address and typed out every single word. Every “um”, “y’know” and “gonna” that I coach my clients to eliminate rang through loud and clear! I also discovered that it took me 25 minutes to make the first of my three key points; the speech was more than half over before the audience heard anything of tangible value! 3. Tell your story. Several of the clients who have come to me to improve their public speaking skills confess to a level of confusion about their own speaking abilities. “How can I be so comfortable delivering a slide presentation in front of 100 people, and yet so ill-at-ease speaking in a team meeting of 10?” The team meeting of 10 people typically forces a speaker to talk about feelings, concerns, issues and the “hard truths” of getting business done. A large-scale presentation with graphs and overheads asks the speaker to be a conveyor of information. “Just the facts Ma’am”, as the actor Jack Webb playing detective Joe Friday of Dragnet used to say. The comfort difference lies in what type of information you’re seeking to communicate, and how those same visual aids can act as crutches. Using visual aids like slides or a handout provides the speaker a respite, and relieves pressure to be the sole source of information and expertise. While supporting material like this has its place, it’s vital to realize when your own human-ness can be the difference between relating information, and truly connecting. A story, a vignette, the piece of yourself that you share with your audience creates a bond that outlasts any graph or timeline. Expose yourself (not literally!) to make a lasting connection. Like in any healthy relationship, sincerity and trust are critical components to building a bridge of understanding. We build friendships and loves in our personal lives based on those ideals. It’s the same dynamic at work when you’re in front of an audience. The smiling faces staring back at you in rapt attention, and the ones with folded arms and creased brows, simply want to trust you. Making these attributes a part of your public speaking persona takes practice, more than a bit of courage, and the determination to objectively examine how you say what you say. You can learn to deliver your most important messages with confidence and poise in front of any audience. To learn more about Faber Communications coaching, or to schedule Mike Faber as a keynote presenter at your next gathering, please visit www.FaberComm.com or call our offices at (877) 262-2402. This article may be re-printed in part or in whole only with inclusion of this final paragraph, and with appropriate attribution to Faber Communications, LLC.
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