How Do You Become An Effective Public Speaker?
Even the most effective public speakers have undoubtedly experienced stage fright at one time or another in their careers. It is, of course, a natural reaction to be nervous when speaking before a large audience. The tendency for one to experience the dreaded “fight, flight, or freeze” can, indeed, be overwhelming. Here are some tips for overcoming what many refer to as “glossophobia,” and becoming a more effective public speaker. Successful public speakers use a variety of techniques to convey their message more effectively. Hand gestures, eye contact with a few strategically located individuals in the crowd, an ice-breaking joke at the beginning of the speech, any of these can help you feel more comfortable before a large crowd. If you can start by capturing their attention with laughter, it eases the tension from the beginning. If you have a fear of eye contact, try staring at the audience’s foreheads (this is a popular technique). Volunteer for a public speaking engagement in the n
