Art of public speaking: 8 things to avoid

When stage fright is the catalyst, most of the people choose flight. It plays a major part in one’s personality development process. Stage fear is a normal and to a degree desirable response, but it must be constructively controlled.

8 techniques to avoid to become a great speaker:

1. Preparation: Research the subject, organize the speech and then rehearse it with a tape recorder or with a friend. The more familiar with the situation, the less fear of it is.

2. To avoid confusion: Choose or modify the topic carefully, if necessary. Because, all is well that ends well.

3. Move about to avoid tension: By stepping away from the podium occasionally, walking among the audience or gesturing in a way that adds meaning to your words. (Otherwise tension produces more adrenaline, which wastes physical energy).

4. Use visual aids: Which helps you in minimizing your speech? Pictures impress listeners much, rather than words. One visual aid is equal to one thousand words.

5. Look your best: The speaker’s appearance should add to the impact of the message (rather than distract from it).

6. Dress maintenance: Wear your favorite suit, the one that makes you feel, as if you conquer the world. Certainly, dress and its color influence your thinking and behavior in any meeting or function.

7. Allow for spontaneity: Speak from a familiar outline, which allows the freedom to concentrate on the message. Speak conversationally and monitor the audience’s responses. Inter action with the audience helps the speaker to know the attitude and knowledge of the audience on the subject.

8. Speak often: Experience shows that the more we do something, the more comfortable and competent we become. Volunteer to give reports, introductions, invocations and announcements.



“Audience knows about the stage fright, but they admire the speaker who is in control of it, and at the same time, they dislike the speaker who apologizes for his nervousness (due to stage fright to speak)".