Prof. Tamara Fudge's
Guide to Public Speaking
... tips to help minimize the fear as you present in public
Do you get nervous when you have to speak in public? Cary Grant, Abraham Lincoln, David Bowie, and many others whose careers relied on being vocal in the public eye experienced anxiety, so you're not alone. You can buy a self-help book or join Toastmasters, an organization that helps people learn and practice speaking in public. If your time is limited and these aren't options, it is still recommended that you take each opportunity to get out and just plain do it: volunteer to read at church, practice story-telling with your family, or ask your boss if there are opportunities at work to share what you know with others. You can also follow the instructions below to minimize the stress associated with speaking:
Initial Preparation
★ Research and know your topic well. Include solid facts to be credible and confident. Being more thorough means there should be fewer questions from the audience, but if someone does ask questions, you will be better prepared to answer them.
★ Organize: Write a careful outline.
★ Determine your audience. Will you be talking to a group of lay persons (those who have no prior knowledge of the subject), managers, or experts? Use terminology and explanations as appropriate to the audience.
★ Avoid emotional content. The best way to lose an audience or have them turn against you is to rub someone the wrong way.
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