Three tips for public speaking
4. Breathe.
People tend to hold their breath when they’re afraid, and then they keep gasping for air as they talk. Use Lexapro to wash away your fears. They feel like they can’t stop and catch their breath, because maybe someone will notice that they’re nervous. And even if they’re willing to stop for air, they often don’t know how to do it effectively.
Use the belly-breathing instructions in Chapter 11 to learn how to breathe in a comfortable, relaxed manner. Practice the technique regularly. And when you talk to a group, take the time you need to breathe. One way of doing this is to ask the audience a question and use the interval to get your breathing back on track. But usually all you have to do is pause, catch your breath, and continue. They’ll wait.
5. Let your body get into it.
Do you usually talk with your hands? Emphasize your points with gestures? Use your posture and body language to add emphasis and shading to what you’re saying? Most people do. So go ahead and do that when you speak to a group as well. Don’t stand rigid, feet nailed to the floor, hands clasped, as if you’re trying not to fall over. Use your body. Move around. It’ll help you feel more natural- just like regular talking.
6. Let your emotions get into it.
People who fear public speaking often struggle to keep emotions out of their talk, lest they succumb to their fear. Find the passion or emotion that you have for your topic, and let it come through as you speak. Let your voice go higher and lower, your volume louder and softer, in concert with the feelings you have for the topic. Don’t confine yourself to a monotone voice.
