Do you dread speaking in front of others? You might have glossophobia—a fear of public speaking that affects up to 75% of people.
From mild anxiety and brain freeze to shaking, perspiration, rapid heartbeat, and extreme panic, the physical symptoms can vary greatly.
For many, the fear isn’t a problem unless they have to give speeches or presentations at work. However, if public speaking is valuable in your career, it’s worth taking deliberate steps to improve your skills.
One of the most crucial traits of a leader is persuasion—the ability to inspire, motivate, and align others with a shared vision. Mastering this skill builds trust, fosters collaboration, and drives collective action, making it essential for long-term success.
Luckily, public speaking is a skill you can learn and improve.
Start by talking about topics you’re knowledgeable about and genuinely interested in.
Prepare thoroughly, rehearse, and visualize to ease your anxiety. Draft your entire presentation, even if you’ll only refer to your notes. As you polish your content, your confidence will grow.
Now, let’s focus on two important concepts: preparing your script and practicing your delivery.
Preparing your script
Writing a script helps you refine your ideas and choose words that resonate with you. Pay attention to the phrases you feel comfortable using, and be intentional with your language. Use expressive words, keep sentences short, and provide clear examples to back up your points.
In your closing remarks, reiterate the key takeaways you want the audience to remember. Carefully edit your draft, removing any unnecessary or confusing information.
Yes, this takes time and effort—but it pays off.
Think of it this way: athletes, musicians, and professionals spend significantly more time training than they do performing. So why should public speaking be any different?
Practicing your delivery
Follow these steps as you prepare for your next talk:
- Create a Plan:
Choose the most effective strategy for your topic, considering your audience’s diverse backgrounds. Ensure your presentation is relevant and engaging for everyone.
- Organize:
List the topics you want to cover and organize them into three or four main ideas, with sub-concepts under each. A strong opening should (a) build rapport by identifying common interests, (b) clearly state the topic and its relevance, and (c) outline the key ideas.
A strong conclusion should summarize the main points and reinforce the key takeaway—the action or idea you want your audience to embrace.
- Develop:
Gather materials, make notes, and determine what evidence—such as studies, quotes, or stories—will support your arguments.
- Practice:
Reduce your content to a basic outline and practice delivering your speech out loud. Keep your style conversational and natural. Practice pacing and leave room for flexibility.
If your talk is scheduled for 15 minutes, aim to finish a few minutes early. Practicing a little each day will help you become more comfortable over time.
Time spent on speeches is valuable. When you speak, you’re not just sharing information; you’re investing in your audience’s time. For example, if you give a 15-minute speech to 150 people, that’s 37.5 hours of total listening time!
With these strategies, you’ll build confidence and command the stage—turning public speaking into a powerful tool in your professional arsenal.
You’ve got this! By refining your speaking skills, you can elevate your presence and make a lasting impact.
(Tashia Bernardus)