I realised the other day that some of the methods that helped my own speech and I now teach to people who stammer can be used for those with performance issues and the fear of public speaking.
Recent data suggests that people fear speaking in public more than they fear death. I wouldn't have gone quite that far but I know that when I was faced with having to speaking in front of an audience I would feel like running away, or better still, wish for my presentation to be mysteriously cancelled at the last minute.
It never was. If that had happened I would have felt like a cheat anyway. So, sometimes speaking in public is something we have to do. Here are a few insights that I offer and believe if, as a recovering stammerer I can do it then so can you.
Insight #1 Use a stress reduction method before you speak
OK, so you can't get out of it, you have to speak in front of an audience so use a stress reduction method first. The one that I am familiar with is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). Tap with you fingertips on stress-relieving points mainly on the face and neck whilst acknowledging how you feel - e,g 'I feel scared of speaking in front of those people'. And it works - it reduces stress!
Insight #2 Speak from your chest and project your voice
When you speak from your chest your speech feels anchored and strong. Speak from your chest and slightly down - imagine projecting your voice out at an angle of 30 degrees down from your chest.
Insight #3 Eye contact and focal point
Have two or three focal points when you speak, usually just above your audience heads. Look your audience in the eyes as you feel appropriate - don't stare them out and don't look at them too little - and don't keep looking at one person all the time, they may think you fancy them.
Insight #4 Pause
Don't waffle. Pause and count to three when you take a breath. It makes you look like you're in control even if you don't feel like you are. No one wants to listen to someone rabbiting on as they wring their hands and play with their glasses.
Insight #5 Move
Don't stand in the same place all the time. You wouldn't write a book in one paragraph so don't just stand there. Each time you make a new point walk a couple steps before you make your next point.
I've learned that it's better to accept a situation as best you can rather than fight it - what we resist persists. If you have to go on stage then these insights will help you accept the situation a little more.
John Blosse is an AMT qualified Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Master Practitioner, Matrix Reimprinting and Emotrance therapist. He is an expert in self-esteem and self confidence issues.
John runs a successful practice in Brighton and Hove, UK and offers one to one sessions to clients from all over the world via Skype and over the phone.
You can contact John on 44 (0)1273 241204, email: emoshift@yahoo.co.uk or visit: http://www.confidentlivingnow.com
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