Public Speaking and You
Spoiler alert! Most of us — even those at the top — struggle with public-speaking anxiety. And it’s no surprise that when they get up to speak, nearly all of them initially avoid making eye contact with the audience. Herein lies the problem: While avoiding direct eye contact may seem like an effective strategy for managing anxiety, it actually makes you even more nervous.
But there’s a way to counter this. Showing kindness and generosity to others has been shown to activate the vagus nerve, which helps calm our fight-or-flight response. When we approach speaking with a spirit of generosity, we counteract the sensation of being under scrutiny, and we start to feel less nervous.
1. Make Your Audience The Focus of Your Preparation
When we start preparing for a presentation, the common mistake is focusing solely on the topic. This approach quickly puts us into the details, making it harder to break down the barrier between us and our audience. Instead, start with the audience. Before diving into the content, ask yourself: Who will be in the room? Why are they there? What do they need?Be specific in your answers. Identify both the spoken and unspoken needs of your audience, and craft a message that speaks directly to those needs.
2. Refocus Your Brain Immediately Prior to Speaking
You are likely to feel the most nervous right before you begin speaking. This is when you can actively refocus your thoughts. Remind yourself that your purpose is to help your audience. Be firm with yourself: This presentation is not about me; it’s about helping my audience.
3. You Need To Make Eye Contact
The best way to connect is by speaking to them as individuals.
You will find that making sustained eye contact with one person for each points you are communicating will make the experience more personal for the audience and you.
This can be challenging at first since we’re used to scanning the room. Making direct eye contact may feel uncomfortable initially, but as you practice, you’ll find that it reduces your anxiety. It’s much easier — and more effective — to have a series of one-on-one conversations than to try to address everyone at once. When using this technique consistently, you will find a significant decrease in speaking anxiety.
