Overcoming Fear: Becoming a Great Public Speaker

Stepping onto a stage with a spotlight glaring down can be one of the most daunting experiences, conjuring images of nervous glances, shaky hands, and the overwhelming pressure to deliver the perfect speech.

This scene often comes to mind when we think about public speaking. However, the reality of public speaking has evolved; now, rather than a physical audience, we face a virtual gallery of colleagues.

This new way of work brings its own set of challenges and misconceptions. The absence of physical presence doesn't necessarily ease the anxiety. Instead, it introduces new pressures like managing technology, maintaining engagement without physical cues, and the fear of technical glitches interrupting your flow.

For leaders in the workplace, public speaking is often seen as a necessary challenge but mastering the skill can have a profound impact. Leaders who effectively convey messages confidently and authentically enhance trust among team members, foster a culture of openness, and strengthen morale.

Ultimately, well-spoken, authentic, and convincing leaders can motivate teams during times of ambiguity.

Public speaking presents unique challenges for workplace leaders, particularly in today's digital age. Unlike in-person settings, where eye contact and body language help maintain engagement, virtual meetings make it difficult to read non-verbal cues, requiring leaders to rely heavily on their vocal tone and digital content to capture and retain audience attention. 

Managing diverse and remote audiences adds another layer of complexity. Leaders are often tasked with addressing teams scattered across different geographical locations, each with cultural nuances and time zones. 

These challenges, among others, can be particularly intimidating for new leaders and managers who may need to become more familiar with digital communication tools and techniques. But how can you improve your public speaking skills? And what are the different ways to practice overcoming the fear that 25% of the population shares?  

1. Relax Your Body Language  

Nervousness can negatively impact your body language, leaving you tense. Speakers who exhibit proper posture, make eye contact and move naturally demonstrate confidence in the subject matter and enhanced credibility.

Improve your performance by starting with your arms at your sides and using purposeful gestures. Maintaining eye contact during any speech or meeting can help the audience genuinely connect with the information being shared.  

2. Practice Voice and Breath Control  

Public speaking can often accelerate your perception of time, causing you to rush. This results in quickened speeches, which can make the presentation harder to follow.

Maintain a steady pace to calm your nerves and enhance audience comprehension. Practice breath control by using your diaphragm and take deep breaths before speaking to steady yourself.  

3. Prepare Talking Points  

Be clear about what you're communicating. One of the best ways to iron out your talking points is to create an outline with the key messages you hope the audience takes away. Start with three to five broad themes and develop supporting points.

Organize these logically to stay on track and ensure comprehensive coverage of essential topics. Try not to stray from your original outline, keep the audience focused on what you are trying to communicate.  

4. Know Your Audience  

Who's going to be in the room? What about your topic will resonate with them? Are you using language that’s easy to follow?

These are a few of the critical questions you should be asking yourself as you prepare to speak.

It's important to tailor the presentation to the audience. Doing so will retain their attention and more effectively deliver the message. Consider what matters to them, and adjust your presentation accordingly. 

5. Rehearse  

Practice is vital to mastering public speaking. Through repetition, you can refine your message and improve delivery.

Rehearse multiple times to become more comfortable and natural when speaking in front of an audience. Even the most experienced speakers use practice as a way to identify areas for improvement.  

Recording your speeches can help too. This allows you to review and analyze your performance. 

One of the tried-and-true ways to become an expert at anything is to practice and prepare. Skillsoft’s AI conversation simulator, or CAISY, is just the tool leaders need to practice a speech before the big day. 

CAISY allows anyone to prepare for real business conversations in a safe, protected virtual environment. The AI coach will provide real-time feedback on your responses and help you refine your communication skills. 

See exactly how ⬇️