Don’t Freak Out

In my job, I need to do a lot of presentations and public speaking. Early in my career, I started with the typical labour relations meetings reps do—membership, labour-management, grievance, and ratification—and then moved on to teaching stewards training and other workshops.

Typically, I would get nervous at the beginning of a presentation, but that has calmed down as I’ve gained experience and confidence. Now that I have been teaching for over 10 years, I don’t freak out when I have to present to a class of 30+ people.

However, coworkers were surprised recently when I shared that I am sick to my stomach—literally—when I have to present to 100+ people. Only with my last large group presentation did this not happen. And while I actually enjoy public speaking now, it’s only after I’m about five minutes into it—the openings are still something I dread and find scary.

Public speaking consistently ranks as one of the top fears among people. The majority of people do not need to speak to tens or hundreds of people at a time, but most of us do need to make small presentations or engage in difficult conversations. You may need to talk to a group of coworkers or question a supervisor on a decision or present a grievance to management on a members’ behalf. This can be just as nerve wracking.

6 Tips for Building Public Speaking Confidence

1. Prepare

• Know exactly what you are trying to achieve with the presentation.
• What are your key points?
• What are the questions you need to ask?
• Who is your audience?
  • Why are they here?
  • What is their background?
  • What are their expectations?

Jot down some notes beforehand so you are clear. I have way more confidence going in when I’m prepared and  not just winging it. I am less likely to stammer, lose my train of thought, or get flustered when I have anticipated what I am going to say, why I am saying it, and what questions may come up.

2. Practice

Enlist the help of a coworker, friend, or family member or stand in front of a mirror. Practice out loud, not just in your head. Have them listen to what you are going to say to make sure they understand. They can also comment on your delivery. Competence comes with experience and practice.

3. STAY

Stop Thinking About You and focus on the audience.

This helps me immensely as it takes the pressure off me personally when I realize that my presentation is not about me.

4. WII – FM

The audience is tuned into What’s In It For Me. So think about how you can answer that. How can you make it all about them?

5. Expect to Be Nervous

Don’t try to get rid of all of the butterflies and nerves. Channel them into energy. Sometimes, when I simply accept that I will be nervous, then I actually calm down a little. Remember to take a couple of deep breaths before you start or go into the meeting.

6. Act Confidently

Most people can’t tell how nervous you really are. And the vast majority of the time, you know way more than you give yourself credit for. In some cases, you may need to fake it at the start. But eventually it won’t be an act. Look confident, even if you don’t feel it.