Terrified of public speaking? You’re not alone. It’s estimated that as much as 75% of the population struggles with a fear of public speaking to a certain degree. Keen to do something about it? We hope these tips help you master the art of public speaking.
Vernon Thompson, Head of Voice and Speech at London-based education charity, City Lit, has shared his top tips to perfect the art of public speaking:
Don’t Forget To Breathe
We forget to breathe at the times we most need to. While the audience is clapping as you get to your feet, inhale deeply through the nose and then allow the air to leave your body through an open mouth over at least 10 seconds. You will immediately feel more relaxed.
Use Cards As Prompts
Use postcards to give your speech structure, ideally so that you can discard one when you have used the ‘idea’ or ‘topic’ written on the postcard. Using postcards with just a few aide-memoires on each means that you can look up without losing your place in a long, closely written script.
Speaking from memory always looks better. However have the cards on you anyway so you are reassured you have a ‘safety net’.
Number the postcards in case you drop them in your nerves, this way you will know what order they are meant to be in.
Identify Your Anchors
Having anchors in the room means you pick a person on each side of the room and let your eyes sweep over those between them, giving the sense that you are involving everyone.
Picking out one person in front of you to stare at is intimidating for them. And this can be seen to be just as bad as not looking up at all.
Make Sure To Warm-Up
You wouldn’t go for a run without stretching and your voice is no different. A quick voice warm-up is essential!
Two minutes of humming onto the lips, opening the lips into vowel sounds and performing a few lip and tongue exercises will pay dividends.
Pace Your Speech
Try to leave pauses between short sections of your sentences or phrases. Think of your favourite speakers and I guarantee they will do this.
If we dislike public speaking, we are tempted to gabble to ‘get it over with’. However, this will just compound the problem.
To find out more about City Lit and their online public speaking and communication courses, please visit here.
Bio
Vernon Thompson been responsible for overseeing all Voice Speech and Communication courses at City Lit in London since 2005. He also works as Voice Consultant to Channel 4 News.
Vernon has an MA in Voice Studies from Central School of Speech & Drama and PGCE from City University. Outside City Lit Vernon also works as a freelance director. He also produces a season of rep theatre every summer in Bournemouth with London Repertory Players.
