USA Funds University Trainer Shares Seven Steps to Better Public Speaking

Whether you’re addressing students and parents at orientation or counseling, or sharing information with colleagues, public speaking can be a nerve-racking experience. USA Funds^® University notes seven steps that can help ease your fears and make your presentations shine.

In a presentation to the California Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, regional training executive Cheryl Foster addressed elements of public speaking, including the following tips for conducting a better presentation:

1. Identify your fears. The first line of defense in controlling public speaking-related fears is to discover the aspects of giving presentations that make you nervous, and think through ways to reduce or eliminate those stressors. Whether it’s concerns about being prepared or nerves about standing in front of an audience, consider approaches to address those fears in advance.
2. Shift your perception to that of your audience. Consider that the audience members have something at stake too — they want to see a good presentation that doesn’t waste their time. They want you to succeed.
3. Even if you can’t get rid of butterflies, get them to “fly in formation.” Keep in mind that you’re the expert and you have knowledge that the audience wants. Visualize yourself conducting a successful presentation. And remember that appearance is everything, so if you can’t help but feel jittery as you’re speaking, take measures to ensure that you’re not drawing attention to your nervousness. For example, if your hands are shaking, don’t focus the audience’s attention on them by holding up a handout to ask if everyone received it.
4. Be clear in your speaking. Practice talking in a pitch that’s easiest on your voice and on your audience. Don’t shy away from using a microphone — without one, you lose some of the subtle nuances of your voice; you might strain your vocal cords; and, if you’re speaking to a large group, you’re being unfair to those without prime seats who may not be able to hear you. Have available a glass of water, preferably at room temperature so you don’t constrict your vocal cords.
5. Make eye contact. If looking into your audience members’ eyes intimidates you, look in their nose/forehead areas. Look at individuals throughout the room, making contact long enough to make a meaningful connection — but not so long that you make the person feel uncomfortable.
6. Make the most of your message. Tailor your information to the specific needs of the group you’re addressing, presenting messages in logically ordered, bite-size pieces that are easy for the audience to digest.
7. Appear credible. Credibility is your most important asset in giving a presentation. Be composed and confident and deliver your presentation with enthusiasm.

USA Funds University will offer additional information about delivering successful presentations during the July 22 session of its Summer 2009 Financial Aid Webcast Series.

Additionally, USA Funds University’s Speaker’s Bureau can provide an expert to discuss the topic.