~ But It Could Be Managed
Sometimes shit happens, even for good public speakers. It’s normal.
From goofs, people become good speech makers, if the bad experience is not allowed to damping the zeal to speak, at other times.
Fright could occur due to certain reasons; and it may not always be because of incompetence.
Fright sometimes, rather fires up the speaker.
The rule is that, a speaker who experiences fright at the beginning of presentation, should quickly manage it and turn it to fire-power. Getting frozen by fright; going blank or not being able to say anything at all, is the worst moment for any speaker. Avoid this worst-case scenario.
Sometimes, a speaker who fidgets at the commencement of presentation, ends up giving a good speech. Importantly, the message should be clearly passed to the audience. That’s all!
There are physical and psychological solutions to manage fright, on the spot. If quickly managed, the speaker could end up being applauded for giving a good speech.
Everyone might not be a powerful speaker. It’s a natural gift for some people. Public speaking could also be taught and learnt.
Above all, preparation before the speech delivery time, and regular practice to master presentation skills could take care of fright.
Accepting public speaking opportunities, when asked to do so even on short notice, instead of shying away; or voluntarily making short speeches in social groups, are also ways of practicing, to speak effectively before audiences. Don’t mind those who would label you as ITK or Sabinus; you are developing yourself, and you would lead some of them in future.
The key to good public speaking is:
✓Tell the audience that you have something to say (Topic and Introduction.
✓Then say it right away (Delivery proper. State the main points, manageably three points, with or without sub-points.
✓Tell the audience that you have said what you had to say, state solutions, actions expected of the audience, or your position (Conclusion).
✓ Thank the organizers for the opportunity given you to speak; thank the audience for listening to your speech.
BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER
✓Before the speech day, research about your topic and nature of the audience to be in line with the issues; and tailor the speech to the educational level and interest of the audience-members.
✓Think critically and creatively about the topic, to invite inspiration, which would illuminate your brain.
✓Draft your speech, draft, draft and redraft or rewrite.
✓Read through, edit and proofread the script to make corrections. You could also give someone to read through and raise observations, then make corrections.
✓Practice how to deliver; rehearse. Choose delivery pattern (verbatim delivery from script; memorisation; use of bold outlines, offhand, extempore, summarization patterns) any one best for you or suitable for the occasion. Do so before one or more persons; or record yourself to observe and improve the trials.
✓Dress well, not too glamorous in order not to take away listeners’ attention. Dress to suit the occasion.
✓Appear at the event in time, to observe the venue, technical facilities to use for the presentation, e.g., podium, lectern, PAS, sitting arrangement of the audience, etc.
✓Relax. Do deep breathing exercise, walk around the premises or hall; avoid drinking cold water, alcohol, coffee or other stimulants; chill bottle or glass of water is better.
✓Avoid acts, situations and persons who could cause you unnecessary stress, except relevant to your topic.
✓March out confidently when invited for the presentation.
✓Appreciate being invited, and relate courteously with the audience, while respecting protocols.
✓Start the presentation; it is your day; you are in charge at the moment. These feelings or assertions boost confidence.
✓ Be dramatic; add humour if the occasion is not a solemn one.
✓After the speech, watch out for reactions from the audience; listen to those who come to applaud you one on one; ellicit from them what you want to know about your performance; and take precautions on negative aspects of their evaluation; retain the positives for better performance in subsequent presentations.
And it could just be a great and admirable speech.
Continue, continue and continue to take up public speaking opportunities anywhere anytime.
Learn to write speeches; read books voraciously, any subject; listen to good public speakers as well.
And you could just become Cicero; Marthin Luther King Jr; Nelson Mandela; Barak Obama, name them.
© Etete Enideneze, Strategic Communication Practitioner
15/04/24