5 Tips to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety

• October 31, 2022
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By Jennifer Britton and Hilary Lawton, Senior Account Directors and NGAGE experts

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As teams return to the office, socialize around the water cooler, and present in boardrooms again, it’s natural to experience some public speaking anxiety. It makes sense. We’re out of practice, and become accustomed to the “share, click, talk” provided by our screens, versus the truly engaging conversations we need to be having.

So, if you’re feeling a little rusty right now, you aren’t alone. Fifty-two per cent of Canadians have reported feeling some level of anxiety about the return to “normal.” It’s something our clients have shared too. And while they’re used to presenting, internally to their teams or giving a keynote in front of 1,000+ people, they recognize they need to muster up a new energy to really get back into it.

That’s why a service like NGAGE, North Strategic and MSL Canada’s new personal branding and executive thought leadership boot camp, is so invaluable in giving clients the tools they need to grow in their careers through in-depth audits, 1:1 workshops, brainstorms, and strategy sessions with our in-house branding experts, which include former journalists and experienced corporate strategists.

The reality is that two years of lockdowns and virtual events have dampened our confidence and made the once familiar feel foreign. As we continue to ease back into real-life events and presentations, here are a few tips to overcome public speaking anxiety and help deliver your message as effectively as possible.

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Know your audience:

Are they senior leaders? Are they well-versed in your industry? Are there journalists in the room? If it’s a smaller group, what are their unique personalities? By understanding the type of people in your audience, you can better prepare by tailoring your presentation accordingly. Understanding your audience allows you to determine how formal you should be, what information will resonate the most with them, and what kind of questions you can anticipate.

Do a test run:

We can’t overstate the importance of a rehearsal. There is nothing worse than showing up for a presentation and being intimidated by the size of the room or plugging in your computer only to find out you didn’t bring the right connection cables. Doing a test run gives you the opportunity to eliminate some of the unknowns that are often a source of anxiety. Are there comfort monitors? Where will the audience be seated in relation to where you’ll be presenting? How big is the room? Will you have a microphone? Iron out these details in advance so that you can focus on the content of your presentation.

Wear your power outfit:

We all have a go-to outfit that we feel good in. And when we feel good, we project more confidence. Confidence is vital when it comes to presenting, so dress your best on your big day!

Remember eye contact:

Did you know we make eye contact only about 40 per cent of the time in average conversation? In contrast, the average gaze time for news anchors is 90 per cent. When we’re giving a presentation, we want to mimic the approach of the news anchor. Eye contact is a key indicator of confidence and critical to delivering an engaging presentation.

Most importantly, be yourself:

Don’t be afraid to show your emotions and your personality. Embracing your unique traits is what sets you apart. Remember, you’ve been selected to host this presentation because you are the subject matter expert. So don’t be afraid to go off script and let your personality shine – nothing is more relatable to an audience than being yourself. Being human. And after 2.5 years of isolation and social distancing, that human connection is more important than ever.

Reach out to the NGAGE team for more information on how to upgrade your presentation skills or elevate your personal brand.

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