Seniors / leaders are scrutinised when they are speaking in public or giving a speech. This is an opportunity to set the tone for the organization, show a leader’s strength, and have a far reaching positive impact on any followers. Delivering a good speech requires effort and preparation. The authors offer some key steps leaders can follow to overcome their fear and anxiety about public speaking:
* Write out the presentation in full. Sentences should be short and to the point.
* Learn the speech. Record it and listen to it over and over again until it sinks in.
* Do not be concerned about learning the speech word-for-word. However, learn the first two minutes by heart. This will alleviate initial nervousness.
* Write out notes onto small cards in case a prompt is necessary midway.
* When a speech is being given in unfamiliar territory then visit the site beforehand. Check audio and visual systems and become familiar with the environment.
* Make alternate plans in case any audio or visual system fails. Always have a back-up plan in case something goes wrong. This will give a greater sense of confidence prior to speaking a word.
ANUBHA WALIA is a veteran in the learning & training industry for more than fifteen years of experience and Director at Prism Trainings & Consultancy, a company specializing in training, facilitation, instructional design and content development for learning. First lady in India, to do research in Followership and bagged numerous Emerging HRD thinker awards.
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