Do you have a speech that you need to present soon, but feel nervous about it?

Does the thought of presenting before a big audience frighten you?

If so, you’re not alone. It’s normal.

Almost every human being is biologically engineered to develop a fear towards public speaking.

Several studies have revealed that humans fear public speaking more than the fear of death.

Yet, we have several accomplished orators that have set the stage ablaze with their words of courage and conviction.

Take Winston Churchill for example, who suffered all his life from a Speech Impediment whose speeches now are sought after by millions and millions looking for inspiration.

There are countless other souls who’ve risen above their fear of public speaking and delivered speeches that have moved hearts.

If they can do it, so can you.

With that said, here are 3 No Sweat Public Speaking keys to rock it like a pro even if it’s your first time…

1) Prepare Your Speech

You can’t rock the stage like a pro if you haven’t prepared for your speech. A prepared speech will calm and soothe your nerves and it’ll enable flawless delivery on the stage.

There are some people who are good at giving impromptu speeches when they’re on stage. It just comes naturally to them.

But that isn’t for everyone. There’s always a chance of you going blank as soon as you see the audience  on stage.

To prevent this, the best thing you can do is to prepare your speech beforehand and know exactly what you’re going to say.

You don’t have to memorize your entire speech, but make sure you have an organized flow of speech ideas in a notepad.

And with each of your speeches, to come out on top like a pro, make sure you memorize the first line and the last line of your speech.

First impressions and last impressions count all the time, and they count even more on the stage.

So memorizing your first line and reciting it right off the bat will showcase your preparedness and confidence. Everything else will easily flow from there.

2) Know Your Audience & Purpose

While you prepare the script for your speech, there are 2 things you need to keep in mind:

a) Your audience

b) The purpose of your speech

These 2 things determine how you start, how your speech flows and how you conclude.

With every speech that you give (whether it’s a presentation at work, a project at school or a fundraiser speech), you are basically trying to get the audience to react or respond to something (your message).

Even if your speech is educational, it still has to have a purpose. Without a purpose, your speech is dead even before you begin.

The next thing you need to consider is your audience. Who is the main person that you’re trying to move with your speech? Is it your colleagues, your bosses or children?

Once you know who your audience is, you have to figure out what catches their attention and present your speech in a way that it captures their attention and resonates with them throughout the speech.

You can’t deliver the same presentation that you give to a group of scientists to a group of 5th graders. You must understand your audience, their comprehension abilities and customize the speech so it makes sense to them.

3) Practice & Polish Your Speech

Once you prepare your speech, it is incredibly important to practice your speech in front of an audience, reflect on it and then polish it further. No speech is perfect right off the bat.

Request your friends or family to gather in a place and consider presenting your speech before them.

There’s a big difference in practicing your speech in front of the mirror on your own and practicing your speech in front of other people when they’re making eye contact with you.

For most people, the ideas they have flowing in their head ebb away as soon as they make eye contact on the stage with someone.

… which is why practicing before a group of people is important. It will prepare you for such situations.

If you can’t find a helpful support group that can help you practice & polish your speech, we recommend that you look at visiting a local Toastmasters Club.

At a Toastmasters Club, you can deliver your speech to an audience, get your speech evaluated by seasoned speakers and find ways to improve your presentation.

Presenting before an audience at a Toastmasters Club will provide you with a hands-on experience of what it’s like to present in public.

In addition, it’s also a good platform where you can evaluate other elements of your speech such as body language, nervousness, blank-outs and handle it accordingly.

To learn more about Toastmasters & a local Toastmasters club that can help you, click on the link below:

www.TalkmagicToastmasters.com/future-leader