By Jadyn Cocozello
Fears come in all different shapes and sizes- reasonable and unreasonable. For some, maybe it’s securing that summer internship, or it’s finding someone to ask to greek life formal and for others it’s the upcoming Business Administration exam. But did you know that 75% of Americans fear public speaking over death? Yes, you read it right; the thought of standing up in a room and talking seems like a fate worse than the end.
In high school I took a public speaking class and found out I had a knack for stringing together a compelling presentation and drawing a crowd. I enjoyed the class so much I taught it the next year as a senior, and even now in my junior year of college I enjoy any chance to seize an opportunity to public speak. I understand it may seem daunting but with these 3 tips I’ll have you doing it like a pro.
1. Focus on the Message, Not Yourself
You may be the one doing the talking, but it’s less about you and more about what you’re saying. Is your biggest fear that people will judge your content or that they’ll judge you? No one knows your material like you- and even if you mess up, chances are you’re the only one who knows it, so just keep going! No one did the research like you and no one practiced like you did (hopefully). The audience isn’t there to judge you, they want to learn from you. Try reconnecting to your purpose; maybe it’s just because a professor or boss told you too, but why did you pick that topic? Something must have inspired you, add details that fill you with a passion and a purpose. The more you connect to your words the less you’ll be thinking about you and the more you’ll be thinking about your message.
2. Practice Practice Practice
When I started my public speaking class it was the peak of Covid and people had just started returning to school. I wasn’t able to see friends just yet, but I still needed help practicing, so I’d ask my friends to join a Google Meet and I’d present to them. Now you don’t have to jump through as many hoops to have people to practice with, but if you still can’t find anyone to listen to, just do it in the mirror. As silly as it may seem, the best thing you can do is run it over and over. Write in where you want to pause, inflect, breathe, and rehearse it until it feels natural. I recommend running it at least 7 times in its entirety or until you know what comes next.
3. Talkin’ Body Language
Humans are highly susceptible to what we see visually, like when you yawn then someone next to you in class does. When you’re public speaking you will only be perceived as well as you present yourself, now a big part of this is how you talk, but it’s also about how you walk… and stand and gesture. Wear clothes that you’re comfortable moving in, so maybe no stilettos or saggy jeans. Don’t be a statue, feel free to take some steps while you speak to engage the audience’s attention- make the room follow you. And remember, eye contact is key! Let each person in the room know that what you’re saying is for them, even feel free to gesture or make a specific reference to someone in the room. When you walk like you know what you’re doing, it convinces your mind that you do.
The most powerful thing about you is your confidence. If you’ve done the preparation you have no reason to sweat- you’re the expert! Always remember: focus on your message, practice until you know it, and walk it like you talk it.
Happy Valley Comm 