I know how you feel. That sick feeling in your stomach, the sweaty armpits and clammy hands. The “What if” monster running loose through your head, “What if I forget something”, “What if they laugh”, “What if I say something stupid”.
I used to be that way. That's not to say that I don't get nervous before stepping on a stage or behind a podium today, I still do, but it's not the same anymore.
I have had the opportunity to speak in front of small to mid-size businesses (both executive staff and employees), been a guest lecturer at Indiana University for MBA students, pleaded my case to voters in a high school auditorium, and have spoken in front a large contingent of hostile citizens.
Out of all those venues, like most people I would assume, I am the most comfortable with smaller more intimate groups. That said, at times we are called upon to speak to larger audiences.
This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of speaking to 400 plus guests at the Center Grove Education Foundation's annual Gala. As the president of the Foundation, it was my responsibility to get the evening kicked started.
While the crowd was large, and the venue larger, I was no more nervous than I would be in front a small group. “Well, that has to be because you have spoken in public many times before”, some might say.
Others may believe it's because I have some natural gift. I assure you I have no natural gift for public speaking. The reason I'm able to get in front of crowds without big sweat stains under my arms is because I follow what I call the 3 P's of public speaking.
3 Ps to overcome your fear of public speaking.
Preparation – This is exactly what it sounds like. Some may be thinking it is the same as practice but it is not. Preparation for me starts long before I actually stand in front of an audience. It's the research I conduct prior to speaking on any subject.
If someone has asked you to speak on a topic, what is the first thing you do? You start gathering information about the topic, the organization you will be speaking to, the audience who will be attending and their concerns.
I often start this process by asking myself the following question, “If I was attending this event, what would I want to hear”. The better prepared you are, the better your speaking engagement will be.
Practice – Once you know your message and you have prepared your speaking points for your audience, you need to practice. I don't mean to read them over and over, although that can help, I mean stand up and recite your speech out loud.
Do it in your car, in your office, or in your bedroom (yes, I'm still talking about practicing your speech). Where it is done is not as important as actually doing it. In case you are wondering, I tend to practice mine in front of my family, while walking around the office and kitchen.
They love it. I know it's time to quit when my boys can recite parts of it with me.
Proficiency – When used as a noun proficiency means having a high degree of competence, being an expert. This is a 100% mindset issue. Do you have a difficult time seeing yourself as an expert?
I certainly do, it's the humbleness in me. What you need to keep in mind (and remind yourself if necessary) is that no one else knows your subject matter as well as you. You know it because you have prepared and practiced it.
The fact of the matter is that just by the act of being asked to speak on a subject shows that others believe that you are an expert, even if you do not see yourself as one.
The people in the audience are there because they want to learn from you and because they see you as an expert. Remember this the next time you step on stage.
I liken proficiency to being asked that age-old question during an interview, “Tell us about yourself”. Why this question makes people nervous, I have no idea. Who knows more about you than you?
Who knows more about your topic in the audience then you? You are the expert. Remember that. It helps. Or at least, it has worked for me.
So what are your thoughts about the three P's? Or about public speaking in general. Love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
