It is likely that you have several colleagues who are Nervous Speakers. This common affliction has consequences that range from “unfortunate’ to tragic. Speaking anxiety is certainly career limiting, but for the accomplished lawyer, accountant or executive, speaking anxiety can also be humiliating – particularly in new encounters and early in relationships. If you have the impulse to help a colleague struggling with this, here are a couple of techniques which I use that may be of use to you.

Your first obstacle is in how to offer assistance; fear of speaking is so personal that we hesitate to bring up the subject with someone who suffers from it.

The best we can do is to bring introduce the topic in some way; preferably by offering sincere compliments to the nervous speaker on those aspects of their speaking that we like. Focus on what you like about their content – and ask them to tell you more about it. (Make a mental note of how well they talk one on one). They may be pleasantly surprised, happy to tell someone exactly what they had wanted to say if they hadn’t been so nervous. This will often encourage them to share their concerns. Another technique is to talk about your own speaking activities and share with them your own concerns about managing anxiety.

Many nervous speakers are surprised to discover that accomplished speakers like you experience anxiety as well. In fact, this is the most common misconception; “no-one else has this problem – I am the weak link in the group”.

So, here are my three best tips to reduce fear of speaking - which you may choose to pass on.

One: “Perfect is the enemy of Good”

Agonizing over the “Definitive Presentation” filled with as much good information as possible is a very common mistake. Speakers seldom need to demonstrate their mastery of the subject, nor are their listeners interested in everything that is to be said on the topic. We should address, exclusively, our listeners’ concerns and interests. Everything else is a waste of time.

Anticipating the listeners’ questions and interests is the best (to my mind, the “only”) way to prepare a presentation. Listener-oriented content will help to move the nervous speaker away from the idea of a formal presentation. Most importantly, they will begin to think more in terms of conversation and sharing, which all audiences prefer.

Two: Write from your “Speaking Brain”

Many nervous speakers are excellent writers, but they are writing for the “eye” – and when they recite what they have written, it feels “artificial” – and does not sound like themselves – or anybody else! So I advise, talk first – then write down only what you like. Prepare by having conversations with colleagues – and make notes or record parts of the conversations.

To find simple and direct ways of describing information and issues in your own voice – with your own preferred turns of phrase and cadences, think out loud about your topic - wherever you are – and keep a digital recorder handy. You will be preparing your material, memorizing much of it and rehearsing your delivery all at the same time – and all in your own natural speaking style. Your final text can be bullet points to guide you as you speak extemporaneously and conversationally throughout your

presentation.

Three: Take Control of the Room.

As you know, Nervous Speakers often talk to themselves, rather than to their listeners. They dread eye contact, struggle to manage anxiety and focus desperately on their own performance. As a result, they look and feel like a nervous visitor – who is not to be trusted!

The cure is to have a simple purpose – a simple, interactive “exchange”.

Good speakers calm themselves by taking a few moments of silence to make brief eye contact with everyone – never, ever rush into your presentation. You are the gracious host for the next few minutes – welcome everyone with your eyes. These few moments can be magical.

Begin by speaking specifically to two or 3 separate individuals with full eye contact. Dare to wait, momentarily, to read the response from each of them. Graciously take your time while they get used to your voice. Express your sincere interest in your listeners, your enthusiasm for sharing this particular topic at this time – and what three or four (no more!) benefits you have prepared specifically to share with them.

Now you are taking control. You are fully occupied – reading responses from moment to moment, discovering what is not understood – what is amusing – skipping unnecessary examples – and adding new thoughts as needed. Stay grounded; take time to pause, look down at notes -perhaps have a sip of water – then re-connect - ask a question if one occurs to you- and then continue. It’s called Commanding Presence.

These key points have the potential to help and even transform nervous speakers – and help them to rediscover the joy of speaking.

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For more training on managing anxiety and increasing your speaking skills to the same high level as your writing skills then you should attend one of our .

The workshop is designed to improve every aspect of personal communication skills, from strategy and text preparation to establishing rapport and overcoming speaking anxiety.

Participants are recorded 4 times with feedback from the other participants and personal coaching from the workshop coach. Each receive a USB of their video clips along with a letter of analysis from the workshop coach.

Participants will learn how to:

Master Eloquent Speaking

Think on their feet and respond persuasively and eloquently in one-on-one situations, meetings and large audience situationsEffectively use the Focus Method to communicate complex ideas and thoughtsManage their fear of speaking

Become a Charismatic Communicator

Master charismatic communication skills, such as how to "be in the moment"Make sincere eye contactSpeak effectively from notesUtilize effective platform and meetings skillsLearn powerful gestures and movement while communicatingEffectively deliver financial and complex data and powerful PowerPoint

Rediscover the Power of their Natural Voice

Assess and evaluate their voice qualityPerform a wide range of exercises and simple practices to improve the warmth, resonance, and richness of their voiceUtilize exercises to improve their voice on a daily basisImprove their diction with simple techniquesManage their speaking anxiety with relaxation techniques

Upcoming Two-Day Workshop Dates in Toronto

Apr 30 - May 1, 2018 (3 places left)

May 28-29, 2018 (3 places left)

June 25-26, 2018 ( 4 places left)

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