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Public Speaking Paralysis |
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How to Bury your Nagging Nerves Part 2
By L. Legendary
If you are a neophyte speaker still struggling to overcome your nervousness, you may be wondering if you will ever really conquer your fears. You may have to accept the fact that perhaps preparing your presentations should include ways in which to handle your mental chaos and stay focused.
In part one of this series, we discussed ways to answer those nasty “what if” questions that plague you, such as; “What if they all laugh at me?” and “What if I forget what I'm supposed to say?”
Here are a few more ideas that will help you bury your nagging nerves.
What if someone is disruptive or heckles me?
It happens. You have no way to control who has arrived late, who has had a terrible day, and who decides to get plastered at the hotel bar before your presentation. You can, however, control your response.
Arm yourself with a few jokes at the ready, a funny facial expression or “saver” lines. You never know when you will need them, but do some research and file away a juicy laugh line or two. Just remember that the mood of an audience can turn on a dime, so you never want to anger or offend anyone. Your poise and good humor will be well remembered long after the drunken idiot staggers home.
What if someone asks me a question that I cannot answer?
If you know your topic cold, this probably won't happen. If it does, the worst thing you can do is to “BS” your way through it. Someone in the audience is bound to know the correct answer, and you will utterly lose all credibility by providing a fake answer. Don't risk your professional reputation on trying to save face. Instead, think of ways to answer the question by inviting someone else to contribute. If you've momentarily forgotten, simply ask if anyone in the room knows the answer, without admitting you don't know. If the attendee's response triggers your memory, you can then augment their response with your own thoughts.
If you are asked a question that would take a long time or a great deal of back story to answer, simply say that in the interest of time you'll have to answer them after the presentation. Tell them it is a great question, and it deserves a complete answer. Finally, be willing to say, “I don't know, but I know where to get the information you need.” Then, provide all of your contact information and ask them to leave theirs so you can make a personal call. They will appreciate your undivided attention. In addition, you can tell your audience that you will post the answer on your web site.
What if I'm judged, criticized, or I receive terrible evaluations?
If you plan to pursue public speaking on an ongoing basis, it is imperative that you learn to see yourself through the eyes of your audience. No one likes to be the recipient of stinging criticism. In order to improve, though, you may have to hear it. Join a group such as Toastmasters that can help you craft your message and enhance your delivery. Find out why your talk may not have been well received, and learn how to smooth your presentation style. Like anything else, public speaking is a learning process that requires practice and perseverance.
Ultimately, you must learn how it feels to be nervous, and what you must require of yourself to deliver a great presentation in spite of that nervousness. If it means more rehearsal, a stool nearby the lectern in case your knees buckle, a lukewarm cup of water at your table or a glass of wine with dinner, find what works power through it. You will be amazed at how many people tell you that they admire the fact that you can speak in front of a room full of people, because they cannot.
Always remember that you have an important message to deliver. Even if that message is simply to, prepare the audience for the next speaker, to introduce a guest or make a toast. When all else fails, speak from your heart. Speak with passion, conviction and truth. Stand right in the center of who you are and deliver the words that matter to you. Your audience will know sincerity when they hear it, and before you know it, you won't even notice those nerves.
Laura Legendary is a speaker, author and educator specializing in disability awareness, advocacy, accessibility and assistive technology. For corporate, community or caregiver education, visit www.eloquentinsights.com If you need answers to questions about in-home health care, sign up for the free newsletter at In-Home Insights www.inhomeinsights.com Finally, you'll discover a site for sore eyes at Accessible Insights www.accessibleinsights.info
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