5 little-known ways to conquer your fear of public speaking

No matter what type of job you have, at some point or another, most of us will have to speak in front of others. However, what’s alarming is that, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly 3 out of 4 people have a fear of public speaking!

Fortunately, most public speaking fears can be eliminated by adequate speech preparation. While you can find numerous tips for public speaking, below are 5 of the most unknown, but highly effective strategies:

• • Tour the room and the podium in advance.
• • Print out your remarks…in 18-point font.
• • Prepare bullet points with sub-headers.
• • Give your audience a handout.
• • Meet your audience in advance.

For the latter point, former Clinton White House Writer, John Corcoran, had this to say:

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Here’s how relationships can help your fear of public speaking. A lot of anxiety over public speaking has to do with strangers judging you.

So, make your audience your friends. Greet people as they walk into the room. Simply stand at the door and introduce yourself as the speaker. For bonus points, ask people if they have any questions in advance. That will ensure you are aware of the audience’s expectations and what they hope to get out of your speech.

Boom. You’re no longer speaking to a room full of strangers. You’re speaking to new friends.

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For more information on the above, or for other tips, please see the source posting.