Sunday, March 15, 2015

'CONNECT' 34: Tips on public speaking...the first 30 seconds


I don't get stage fright, I actually love the energy, I love the spontaneity, I love the adrenaline you get in front of a live audience, it actually really works for me.

How you in the first 30 seconds of your speech is very important. Even if you are a professional speaker with years of experience, you may have some tension and stress inside you which is natural. Do you think that Serena Williams will not have tension when she goes to play a game of tennis?


When you reach to the podium, do not rush to speak. Do not lean on the podium. It may mean that you are nervous which you are trying to hide. Take a few seconds to get set. Look at the audience and try to make eye contact with them . Arrange and organise your papers or flash cards and keep them at a place where you can access easily. Take a deep breath. Smile. And then you may start your speech.

May be there are occasions where you may not be comfortable. May be there are speakers who are much more senior to you. Or there may be great personalities and legends on the stage and you may not be comfortable to speak in front of them. Still feel comfortable. Fake it to make it! Yes, even if you feel uncomfortable, fake as though you are comfortable and you will feel comfortable!

N C Sridharan

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