There are two words that have the power to evoke fear in 75 percent of the population (that’s 3 out of every 4 people) and leave otherwise confident, capable business professionals faint, sweaty-palmed and with their stomach in knots:

Public speaking.

According to many popular surveys, fear of public speaking – or “Glossophobia” – is the greatest fear that troubles people. This fear seemingly trumps fear of heights, confined spaces, spiders and even death itself.

So, why am I raising the topic?

Public speaking is the fastest path to cash in the business entrepreneur world.

Speech anxiety prevents countless business owners and entrepreneurs from achieving greater success and building the legacy businesses that dreams are made of. Confident speakers expose themselves to greater opportunities, improve their success in sales, increase their likelihood of success with potential investors and give those they network with the general impression that they’re worth knowing. Whether you are getting up to the podium or simply “working the crowd” at a networking event, the ability to speak confidently in groups is invaluable and can prove extremely lucrative.

Actively involved in the business and networking community, I have several friends and clients who are naturally vibrant, confident speakers. I also am fortunate to have a natural comfort speaking with and in front of others, whether it’s in a professional or social setting.

But I also know many very capable speakers who, at one point in their lives, trembled nervously at the thought of speaking in front of a group at a board meeting or making a pitch to an important group of investors. I can assure you that these people didn’t suddenly wake up free of their fear of public speaking ready to face the masses.

Overcoming fears is challenging. It’s hard work that requires determination and, often, discomfort. But be sure about this: overcoming fears is possible, not insurmountable. And the fear of public speaking is no exception.

Here are 7 tips to keep in mind if you want to earn the positive attention of your audience:

1. Remember – it’s a speech, not a conversation. When you’re ‘schmoozing’ casually with clients or even investors, you’re likely to use more conversational language, and that’s perfectly okay. But it’s important to differentiate your language when you’re delivering a more formal presentation. To come across professionally, make sure your language fits the occasion and that your vocabulary is tailored to the audience before whom you’re speaking.

2. Speak slowly and deliberately. Many nervous speakers are afraid of silence. Meaning well, these individuals pepper their speeches and sales pitches with ‘filler’ words out of habit (think: “y’know’, ‘um’, ‘like’, etc.). When you resort to filling space with these words, you weaken your message and often confuse your listeners. To combat the tendency towards using these filler words, make a conscious effort to speak more slowly and don’t be afraid to take a pause to collect your thoughts.

3. Breathe! One of the best tools that you can use to improve your speech presentation skills and sales delivery in general is to work on your breathing. Do you feel anxious before taking to the podium, making an important sales call or introducing yourself at a networking event? Take a few breaths before you begin speaking. You can also dramatically improve your speaking ability by taking a conscious breath after each sentence. When you breathe, not only do you give yourself the opportunity to stay focussed and communicate clearly, but you also offer your listeners the chance to digest what you’re telling them.

4. Keep it Captivating. Maintaining consistent, audible volume and an engaging tone is key to capturing and holding the attention of your audience. When your volume drops, your message is quite literally lost in translation. No one should have to strain to hear you speak (nor should they have to cover their ears – don’t shout at the audience!) Be sure not to trail off at the end of your sentences, mumble, or speak too quickly. To ensure that your message is being delivered in a comprehensive, captivating manner, s-l-o-w down and enunciate your words.

5. Know Your Material. One of the reasons for poor speaking delivery is lack of familiarity with the material. When speakers lack comfort with the material they’re presenting, they tend to read off note cards or slides verbatim, leading to a flat, emotionless delivery. When you review your material extensively and come in with simple notes or an outline, you are better able to speak from the heart in your own words. When you speak from the heart, your audience is more likely to actively listen to you and resonate with your message.

6. Start with a Smile and Maintain Eye Contact. Research studies have shown that the act of smiling (even if it’s forced) makes an audience feel happier and more at ease. The next time you need to deliver a presentation, smile at the audience before you get started. Likely, several members of the audience will smile right back at you, giving you a confidence boost and leaving you more relaxed. While a smile can initiate a connection with your audience, eye contact will allow you to maintain that connection. Once again, when you’re intimately familiar with your subject matter, you’re better able to make a conscious effort to make eye contact throughout your presentation.

7. Practice, practice, practice. If you aren’t a naturally gifted public speaker, don’t despair. With practice, you can steadily improve your delivery skills and confidence level. Start by practicing with friends and family and slowly but surely work your way up to larger groups. Attending networking events is an excellent way to work on speaking with others and getting out of your shell. To become more conscious of your public speaking habits, record yourself on audio or video. This exercise can be a huge eye opener!

To conclude, as you challenge yourself to make more opportunities to speak publically in forums large or small, remember that the worst mistake you can make is not speaking at all. If you’re a salesperson, entrepreneur or business owner interested in learning how to use speaking and networking opportunities to expand your business and “Double-Plus” your business this year, visit Celeste Giordano Coaching today.
Looking forward to hearing you all speak up!