It's infront of a group of sales people and I'm racked with anxiety and nerves. Does anyone have some good advice?
2006-09-14 14:42:41 · 13 answers · asked by SBean_29 3 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
Advice I give to my trainees is more cognitive in nature. I'll ask them why they're afraid. Usually fear of failure through non-acceptance, forgetting the info, or some other gaff. The odds of falling or something of that nature is actually pretty small. If you have decent notes, you'll recover from any lapses OK. As for non-acceptance, rarely have I found a truly hostile audience. They won't beat or kill you, probably won't throw rotten food at you either, like you see in the old movies. They might not agree with you entirely, but most adults will at least clap politely.
A good book to read for getting over your fear of speaking is, "How to Argue and Win Every Time" by Gerry Spence. He relates virtually everyone feels some degree of anxiety in public speaking; just use the fear to power your speech. Don't let the fear control you - acknowledge it and let the controlled emotion flow to make your speech more sincere and interesting. Every notice how flat, unemotional speakers are boring?
Like diving from the high diving board, just get up there and do it. Small groups are easy to brief, large ones shouldn't be either. Once you get going and get comfortable, you'll be fine. The more you do, the easier it gets, but you'll always have a butterfly or two in the stomach.
2006-09-14 14:56:48 · answer #1 · answered by Adashi 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost - remember that your audience WANTS you to succeed. They are on your side! Second, don't look anyone right in the eye. Instead, look at the tops of everyone's heads - it gives the illusion that you are making eye contact.
I had to give many speeches before and I found the book The Complete Idiot's Guide to Public Speaking was extremely helpful. I checked it out from the library at least 3 times a year, LOL! Good luck!
2006-09-14 21:52:05 · answer #2 · answered by ? 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You probably are not really afraid of giving the speech because you are probably fully informed on your subject matter.
If it bothers you that there will be 150 people try to remember that they are there as your audience because they believe you have some information or knowledge that they want to hear about. You will not see the 150 people anyway as you will be concentrating on giving your message to the one or two people in the first seats that first appear to have a strong interest. Based on experience you will do fine. Be confiedent
2006-09-14 21:50:41 · answer #3 · answered by mnterryd 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because that's an intimidating thing to do whether it's 5 or 150.
Try to remember that they are there to hear you speak and are interested in and will appreciate what you have to say.
I'm nervous too when I even have to give a staff meeting but I try to remember that we've all got to work together as a team and that I am there as the means to deliver an important message.
:-)
2006-09-14 21:53:21 · answer #4 · answered by Ragdollfloozie is Pensive! 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Public speaking is one of the biggest fears that any of us have. Check out a group called Toastmasters. The web site link is below. Click on the "find a club" link but seriously go to a meeting and check things out. I can assure you that you'll have a new attitude about speaking with their guidance. Now, don't just say "hey, good idea." I want you to battle the fears of going to a meeting ... bring a friend if you have to ... but GO!!! Let me know how it goes for you.
2006-09-14 22:06:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would say imagine them in their underwear but that doesn't really work and it could be gross..... so what I do is just to not let my nerves get the best of me...... remember that it will not last forever and once you have done it.... I'm sure the feeling afterwards will over power anything negative you may have felt prior to this speech. Good Luck!
2006-09-14 21:51:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Meet the people before they enter the room. Stand at the door and greet them, have little conversations before your speech. This will help a lot. At home, practice in front of someone you know and always understand that as long as you know what you're talking about, you'll do fine. Good luck!! =)
2006-09-14 21:50:50 · answer #7 · answered by fierce_guy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most people suffer from speaking anxiety at one level or another. There'a a great deal of good help on the website below. I suggest you browse most of the pages.
2006-09-16 11:00:35 · answer #8 · answered by batesserea 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to hate doing things like this until i just realised they want to hear it! So i just start off acting in my head that i'm alone in the room. Then i get really into it
2006-09-14 22:26:35 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take a valium or Xanex. They help me when flying.
2006-09-14 22:28:07 · answer #10 · answered by cooperbry 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋