The dreaded speech

The cue cards are cut and carefully numbered, the dog has given you his feedback, the hand gestures are kept in order and you know the exact spot you will be making eye contact with…

It’s time to dust yourself down, take a deep breath, step up to the plate and deliver the dreaded speech,
the one you hoped would always be weeks away.

It matters not if it is a pitch, a job interview or a company presentation; the trepidation is the same.
But fear not, there is plenty you can do to make your life easier.

Public speaking is something that many people fear. Glossophobia, as it’s technically known, is one of the most common work-related fears. And while you may not be able to overcome your fear completely, preparation is key to keeping it from becoming an issue.

Researching your topic thoroughly, practising your presentation plenty of times and getting feedback from friends and colleagues can ensure you are confident in what you are saying.

When it comes to giving the presentation, timely breaths and speaking slowly can create the appearance of confidence and authority even if you don’t feel the same inside.

Keep your eyes on your audience and seeing that first nod of approval or a chuckle at the gag you had be rehearsing for weeks can help the confidence to increase.

The conclusion may have seemed a long way off but it was never in doubt, as a result of the time and effort you spent preparing for this moment in the days and weeks before.