By John DiPietro

We continue our series on TAKING THE FEAR OUT OF PUBLIC SPEAKING. In our last issue, we looked at the overall benefits of becoming a great public speaker. In this issue, we want to look at two of the main points in becoming the person that you would like to be when it comes to your public speaking ability.

Point one: PASSION can set you apart from the crowd!

That’s right, call it passion, excitement or enthusiasm, but either way, it means that when you speak with conviction, you are setting yourself apart from most of the other speakers that audiences hear. I cannot even count the number of immediately forgettable speakers that parade themselves in front of an audience and begin to instantly have the crowd hope that the session ends very soon! These folks just go up and recite facts and figures that the audience is already aware of. When you take the microphone, your first job is to let the audience know that you are excited to be there and want to take them on a memorable journey. Do it with a smile, an appropriate joke or a timely story of interest to all. Even, the capability to move from side to side on the stage shows motion and excitement. Changing the tone of your voice offers the same opportunity. Speak loudly during dramatic parts of the talk, and quietly during somber moments. So before your next trip to the stage, figure out what you can do to add life, passion and excitement to your message.

Point two: FEAR is common.

Studies still show that the number one fear that people have is the fear of getting in front of an audience and delivering a speech. Many fear death less than public speaking! If you fall into that category, you are certainly not alone. You can master your fear by going directly at the issues that scare you. You have to approach that stage with the attitude “this audience is going to love me.” Also, it helps to alleviate fear with the knowledge that the audience wants you to do well. After all, they have to sit through your presentation. So, fear will never be totally eliminated from your preparation. A little fear is good, since it makes you aware of your potential for great success while delivering a great presentation or great failure if you deliver a shoddy performance.

Next month, we will discuss how to never start your program and how you can dress for success from the stage!

John DiPietro speaks to audiences all across the USA. He can be reached at john@Johndipietro.com. He is the author of “You Don’t Have to be Perfect to be Great” and is featured in a newest edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Inside Basketball.

Return to Blog Page

Tags: public speaking