Page 103 - Between One and Many The Art and Science of Public Speaking

70 Part 1 Foundations

you as you will be of yourself. Your audience is also less likely to pick up on mis-
takes than you are, because they don’t know your speech like you know it. When
you make mistakes, which even the most polished speakers do, avoid criticizing
yourself. Refrain from saying such things as, “Way to go, stupid,” or, “Why am
I screwing up?”
Instead, as you speak, try to use statements such as those suggested in Exhibit
3.5. These process statements will help to keep you in the moment and on track.
They will also help to keep your mind from wandering or dwelling on minor
mistakes your audience probably did not catch.

Tips and Tactics
While You Speak

• Take time to get comfortable before you start to speak. Take a couple of deep
breaths, make eye contact with a friendly face, and smile. Also take a shoul-
ders-width stance and try to stand tall.
• Don’t obsess on your audience. Important as the audience is to your success,
you need to keep their importance in perspective. Remember that your audi-
ence wants you to succeed and that the audience is uncomfortable when you
are uncomfortable.
• Dress appropriately for the occasion. Not only will it help make you feel more
confi dent, but it will also increase your credibility with your audience.
• If you engage in self-talk, follow the advice in Exhibit 3.5. Talk to yourself
about what’s going well. Tell yourself that you are okay and that your audi-
ence is with you.
• Avoid reading “too much” into the feedback you receive while speaking. Not
every cough or squint or wrinkled-up nose or furrowed brow is meant to “tell
you” how you are doing. Also, the whispering between the two discourteous
people at the back of the room is not about your appearance or your speech.

Exhibit 3.5
Get comfortable.
Constructive Self-Talk
During Your Speech Speak slowly.
I know my speech.
I was nervous to start, but I’ve calmed down.
It’s okay if I’m not perfect.
The audience is interested in what I have to say.
This is easier than I thought.
Make eye contact.
Just like I practiced.
So far so good.
Don’t rush it.
Time to summarize.
Take your time.
Not bad . . . not bad at all.