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Searching on the web for “public speaking tips” brings up well over 2 million different pages. While there may be a lot of resources out there on the topic of public speaking, all the help in the world just isn’t enough when it’s you who has to step up to the podium and address a group of people. If you have a fear of speaking in public, then it may take more than advice to get you comfortable with this.

The fears that many have in connection with speaking in front of a group largely come from yourself. The audience generally cares far more about what you have to say rather than how you say it; the anxiety is all your own. The following tips can help to put you at ease with the idea of addressing a group.

Public Speaking Tip #1

You need to know your topic backwards and forwards. Not only do you have to know your speech by heart, but you should be very well versed in the subject matter so you’re prepared to answer any questions which audience members may have. Make sure to research your topic very thoroughly while writing your speech.

Public Speaking Tip #2

Before your speech, talk with as many of the audience members as you can. The more familiar you are with the people in the audience, the more confident and comfortable you’ll feel when speaking.

This strategy also prevents you from pacing back and forth and worrying yourself to death until you go on. There is no point in cramming now, if you don’t know it, you wont, and it will show.

Public Speaking Tip #3

DON’T think everyone in the audience is naked, this in fact will hurt your chances of a successful public speaking outing.

Public Speaking Tip # 4

If you find yourself filling in the pauses with ers, ums and uhs, you need to stop. Instead, repeat the sentence as if you’re emphasizing it, replacing the uhs and ers with pauses; this has a dramatic effect which sounds intentional (and far more polished than the alternative).

Public Speaking Tip # 5

Animate your speech. Most people think that good communication is mouth-centric. Nothing could be farther from the truth! To be a powerful communicator, you have to use your entire body. Gestures and body language add energy and enthusiasm to your speech.

All of these tips are useful in helping you to overcome your stage fright and get comfortable with public speaking. Being able to give a speech in front of a group when needed can be very important for your career; there are people who actually pass up on a promotion because of their fears of having to speak in front of people!

Many even have a greater fear of speaking in public than they do of death! Of course, it’s easier to get your head around the prospect of stepping up to the podium than it is to grapple with an abstract concept like dying – but fear of speaking in front of a group is very real and can be intense. Thankfully, it is possible to overcome this fear and be able to speak publicly. You may never learn to love it, but you can learn to get through it unscathed. As long as you know what you’ll say and can anticipate the most likely questions you’ll be asked, you’re more than halfway to giving a successful speech.

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