Speaking in public is considered number one fear for many adults. People get tensed and try to avoid such occasions where they may have to do a public speech. It was not different for me until I learned public speaking skill by attending workshops and seminars by many well known speakers. Public speaking is a skill which can be learnt. Most people who give speeches or presentations confidently have learnt the skill.

What I learned from all training programs is, with some tips and practice; this skill can be mastered by any one. All that you need to do to be an excellent speaker isP.R.E.P.A.R.Eyourself. In detail you have to do yourPreparation,Rehearse,Entry,Posture,Audience,Relax andEnding well.

Preparation: It is the most important in public speaking. It starts with the following questions?

What will be your speech about?

Where is your speech going to be and how long?

Who is going to be my audience and why should they listen to you?

What are the take away key points for your audience?

How are you going to present your contents?

Getting answers for all these questions will make you doing a good preparation.

Rehearse:Rehearse your speech with the help of notes. You may check your timing each time when you practice. Keep practicing for few days prior to the actual day of speech.

Memorizing your speech has advantage and disadvantage. It is good to if your speech is a short and without much facts and figures. Disadvantage is you may forget certain parts and get struck with the lost figures. So, it is good to have a short note to refer on key points.

A speaker may not be able to be connected with audience when you read a speech. Limit your talk to a few key points. Once you have your key points, and then create your PowerPoint slides. That will keep you from having hundreds of PowerPoint slides.

Visualise the event in your mind and see yourself coping with the situation well and foresee any other potential problems you may face and see yourself dealing them with full confidence.

Entry:It would be great to begin your presentation with an impact.  I have seen some speakers have soft openings like humorous video clips and jokes. It is up to the choice of speaker and the topic. Once you had a great take off, rest of your course of lecture will be smooth. Beginning a lecture with an apology like…"I'm not really very good speaker" or "I didn't get enough time to prepare this talk" is like killing yourself. Your audience are the right people to judge you and let them do that. Never let you down by yourself. Be enthusiastic and speak with positive energy.

Posturing: Your body is a tool. Use it effectively. Keep a gentle smile in your face. Make your posture very relaxing gesture with your hands; let them return to the resting position by your side. Do not keep standing on one spot like a statue. Move different location and then stop there while your speech. Try to maintain eye contact with everyone by scanning through audience. Do not stare or focus too much on one person.

Audience:Do a research to know your audience better while preparing for your speech. What does your audience know about the topic? What is their knowledge and experience background? Try and anticipate their challenging questions. During the presentation, seek reactions, questions and concerns. Invite your audience to participate if possible. This makes you appear accessible and allows you to move through the topic with your audience following along closely.

Relax:Most people get panic and rush ahead when they are stressed. You need to clam yourself and slow down at this moment.  Practice slowing down when you are under stress and you will look more confident. When you think you are confident, you will feel and experience more confident Physical reactions in front of audience.

When confronted with a stimulating situation the body resorts to the "fight" or "flight" response. Your pulse increases. Adrenaline releases into your bloodstream. It is normal for any human being. Your body prepares for a physical response but you have to stay put.

Take a few deep breaths. Mild exercise or stretching can disperse some of the anxious energy from you.

Ending:Ensure you have smooth and correct ending of your presentation. Begin the end by summarizing your important key points. Next ask for audience questions and clarify any remaining issues. Then make your closing statement, which should encourage some action. What do you want the audience to do? Memorizing the last few lines ensures a strong close. Do not forget to express your thanks and gratitude to your audience. Finally smile and nod your head.

Anil