Public speaking is such an important aspect of the today's business world. However, a lot of people react to the two words, as if they just saw a ghost. In fact, public speaking is the number one fear that people in North America have. More than "death" and "heights"!
Like it or not, there are times that you do have to introduce yourself at a meeting or present a project. You can continue to hate it, but if you start to feel sick or get nervous, first thing you can do is to breathe in slowly through your nose into your stomach and breathe out. Repeat this process a few times, until your body feels relaxed. Take your time and focus on where you are right now, stand up straight, look around, make an eye contact with your audience, as you recognize everybody's presence. When you are relaxed and acknowledge everybody in the room, they will relax too. Again, don't forget to breathe!
If you introducing yourself, talk about something you are passionate about or you want them to remember. You don't have to try to impress them. Just be yourself. Your audience will feel your passion and enjoy your speech.
If you are giving a presentation or a speech, make sure that you are well prepared and have practiced. Winging it will make you more nervous and the audience will see it too. Presentation should not be about reading out your script. Prepare cue cards with key words. You will have more freedom to be flexible and sound more natural than robotic.
If you have a good experience, you might actually start enjoying public speaking more and more. Is it a wishful thinking? Well, you will be the judge!
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