Oh goodness, you've got to give a speech. What will you do?
It is a fact that to get ahead you need to be able to speak in public. Whether you are a salesperson, business owner, manager, professional or employee, you will eventually get the dire news that you need to make a presentation.
Fear of public speaking ranks above root canals, major surgery, shark bites, IRS audits and many other real dangers. Don't worry there is help.
To overcome this obstacle you can take a few steps. First study the topic. There are thousands of books and courses devoted to public speaking, presentation skills, and salesmanship.
I am a fan of Dale Carnegie. His books are several decades old but nothing much has changed in the skill of relating to other people.
I have taken many relevant courses over the years. One presentation skills class involved being video taped and then playing the tape back to us. That was horrifying. However it was probably the best way to learn.
After delivering a few dozen speeches and classed I realized a few principles.
First, no one has any idea what you are supposed to be saying. Therefore, if you miss entire segments or get something wrong, no one will know except you. So when you do make a mistake, just charge ahead. Don't let them see you sweat.
Second, the first thirty seconds are difficult. The next five minutes or two hours will be easy. Therefore, develop and memorize your introduction. Get that off the ground and the rest should go smoothly.
Third, it is essential to write a detailed script for what you are going to say. Write everything down word for word. Go over your script several times.
Fourth, it is essential that you throw out your script. Sometimes I would keep the script but only look at the headings on each page. Other times I would just write the main talking points on index cards or on a single sheet of paper. Often I would simply use my power point bullets to guide me through.
Fifth, keep your audience awake. I still remember giving a product training presentation in Wilmington five years ago. As I panned across the class I saw one of the attendees sleeping. I started talking louder and louder and kept my gaze on her. Finally she managed to come out of her coma. Therefore, make sure there is coffee in the room.
Sixth, involve your audience. No one wants to hear you talk the whole time. Find segues where you can ask for comments or examples from the audience.
Seventh, deal with the detractors. If an attendee is hostile to the topic, ask the other attendees for their opinion. Do not get into a direct confrontation with this person. Let the other attendees put him in his place. This is probably the hardest challenge for a presenter. It often comes up, as it did with one of my presentations, when you are rolling out changes in policy to front line employees.
Finally, incorporate some humor. Some actually advise against this. However a small dose of laughter breaks the tension and makes it all more enjoyable.