Common fears of public speaking

Being judgedTry to think less about your own performance and more about engaging the audience – anybody can teach anything if they connect with students. This will enable you to be less self conscious and think more about what you’re teaching, and de-personalise your presentation.

BlushingWear high neck top and don’t let it rule how you feel. Let it go, your face will soon calm down.

Body languagePositive, confident body language - shoulders and straight back, smile, don’t fidget. Dress professionally – personal appearance does matter.

Delivering a boring presentationDo not underestimate the entertainment value of your presentation – engaging the audience not only de-personalises the experience but it generates interest:‘as a presentation is just an extended conversation, those listeners will want to feel you are speaking to them, not speaking at them’. (McCarthy & Hatcher, 2002: 4). Try thinking about interesting topics to stimulate discussion, either during or after the presentation, if appropriate.

Dry throat / coughing fit

Take water in with you. Have a sip before you beginning and don’t be afraid to take a drink during the presentation.

Facing hostility

Remind the audience of the ground rules (aggressive behaviour is not tolerated, respecting each others views, tolerance, etc) and adjourn the meeting / event if necessary. A Chair / tutor should ensure so that everyone feels at ease within the room.

Feeling inferior Think about the achievement after the presentation, and the reward of education. You know more than you think! Presenting may be stressful (it does get easier) but in challenging this hurdle without avoiding it, it will help towards your personal development and growth.

FocusKeep to the point by using reminders such as bullet points on slides or an A4 sheet. It is also good to write a lesson plan to time manage your presentation.

Group presentation - personal criticism, letting the group downSpread the workload amongst the group. Knowing where you are within the group - where your first line is. Rehearse as a group. Bounce personal criticism back, ask how they would do it differently.

Daren Mansfield University of Lincoln

Handling awkward questionsIf you don’t understand the question as it to be repeated. If you don’t know the answer, open it up to the group. If you really don’t know the answer, be honest and say that you will find out the answer and get back to them.

Lack of confidence Confidence will grow – experience definitely helps!

Looking like you don’t know what you are talking about / lack of knowledgeDo your homework and rehearsal will make you feel more confident. Good preparation and practice will make you more confident. Make sure that you’re prepared for the unexpected. Presenting is about convincing the audience of your subject.

Meeting expectationsEnsure that you know the assessment criteria thoroughly so that you stick to the point. If you know the subject well then your audience should be interested too.

RushingTry deep breaths – it’s very difficult to control your speech when you cannot breathe properly.

ShakingDon’t hold your paper. Hold your hands behind your back or at the front of you.

Showing your anxiety

Studies have shown that anxiety is reduced simply by concentrating on delivering the message of your presentation, rather than on your own performance: ‘All else is irrelevant because you are deeply involved in a conversation’ (McCarthy & Hatcher, 2002: 4).

Your audience will not be able to tell that you are anxious. How you feel on the inside is not reflected on the outside. Remember that they are not listening to 8everything that you are saying.

Don’t be self-conscious as they are not that aware of you.

TechnologyHave a contingency plan. Check the equipment before your presentation and have slides or handouts as back-up.

Tongue tied / stuttering / going blank (forgetting what you are trying to say)Memorise your first line, things will begin to flow once you have started. Having slides with prompts will help you if you go blank. Pace yourself and remember to control your breathing.

Worried about attention (eyes) on you Your audience will not always be looking at you. Distract attention by using a slideshow / presentation aids.

Daren Mansfield University of Lincoln

Look above the persons head or look at their nose. Think more about engaging the audience via an interesting and well-researched presentation: ‘the best persuaders seem to be speaking to each member of the audience individually’ (4)

Reference

McCarthy, P & Hatcher, C. (2002). Presentation Skills: The Essential Guide for Students. London: SAGE.

Daren Mansfield University of Lincoln