It has been said that more people fear public speaking than death. It does not have to be that way, however, if you learn to avoid these common blunders:
- Being ill-prepared. Take time to learn your material thoroughly and practice, practice, practice.
- Lack of confidence. Realize that people want you to see you succeed. If you need to, fake it until you make it.
- Do not engage the audience. Engage the audience by making eye contact, asking questions, and throwing in some humor.
Once you are comfortable with your material you can focus on your message and talk to your audience as if they are a group of friends. Of course, the more practice you have with public speaking, as with anything, the better you will become. Keep your voice at an even keel, not too loud or too soft, talking at a normal conversational pace. Work with a coach to get some feedback and help with relaxation techniques.
