Conquering the scare of addressing audiences - Part 3
This is the third and final part of the series “Conquering the scare of addressing audiences”. If you already haven’t please ensure you read the First and the second part.
When should I speak? First or last? I get nervous easily.
It is best to speak first if you are the nervous type.
If you are the one who will become nervous on stage, you should go in the middle of the group of speeches.
If you are thorough about your subject and are confident about your preparation then you do it last. The audience will remember you because your message is the final.
How do I maintain a consistent eye contact when I am nervous?
Concentrate on one individual in the crowd and make eye contact. Pan your vision occasionally and look at other people in the room.
How to gesture effectively so I don’t look stressed? Is it good to keep my hands to my sides?
Don’t preach to your audience, talk with them, getting there takes time, have necessary patience. Don’t think about your hands.
If you have a habit of placing your hands in your pockets, avoid it. Listeners get distracted by this posture
What if I am clumsy and my cue cards drop down?
Simple, pick them up and flip to the appropriate card and continue with your speech.
It is best to annotate or number your cards. If you find this uncomfortable use colored cards.
Make a mental sequence for your talk and follow it to the letter. Just keep the main topics in your mind.
