Public speaking, just like hitting a tennis ball, is a learned skill? But why is it so hard? Maybe, first, we need to ask, why are we so afraid of it?
We are afraid because we fear rejection from our beloved group, so to speak. Secondly, we some of us have confidence limits – we wonder what we could say that has significant value. In other words, Why me? I ask you, why not you? Nelson Mandela says, ‘ it is our light, not our darkness that we fear the most.’
Public speaking is a multitasking challenge. The pre-frontal cortex part of our brain is limited to around 4 items on the stage at once; however, in public speaking, we have many items to handle.
- Who am I talking to? Get as clear as you can on who your audience is and what they want.
- You need to be self-aware (know you are doing, what you are feeling in the most that it is happening) while you are standing in front of others. Your internal foci cannot distract you. Careful too, do your best to ‘see’ your assumptions and biases, as they can get in the way.
- What do I need to do during the speech? Move your body slowly and intentionally. Pay attention to your posture, notice if you are fidgeting, etc.
- For an extemporaneous speech, plan your message – your content and meaning. Be sure you are clear on you needed or wanted outcomes.
- What do I need to say? Be intentional with every single word you utter. Yes, every word. Yes, I know that is hard work. Additionally, be sure you are ordered in the delivery or the audience will have difficulty following you.
- What is the energy you are projecting into the room? Human energy extends 26 feet. Be sure you are projecting what you want them to feel.
- Maintain awareness of the collective energy in the room. When it wens, you need to act to elevate attention.
- Maintain awareness of the individual energy in the room. You must be ready in all moments, to handle a distraction. Sometimes the distraction is physical; sometimes it’s emotional. Stay alert.
- Monitor your internal distraction. Don’t be emotionally hijacked by someone not paying attention. You must maintain your emotional control at all times.
- Monitor the distraction in the room. Each audience-member is depending on you to be in control of the situation.
The key then is to practice. In order to be able to do many things at once, some of these behaviors need to be governed by the habit center of the brain. Practice. Practice Practice.
Successful Business Communication 