PUBLIC SPEAKING: THE DO’S AND DON’TS

You know that feeling you get when butterflies fill your stomach and intestines? That anxious feeling you get? Or maybe not sleeping enough because you stressed how you will perform tomorrow?

Well that feeling is caused by your fear of public speaking.

It’s amazing that even in the 20th century the one thing that people fear the most other than Death, is Public Speaking.

I recently attended a DSA Public Speaking Workshop on develeoping basic communication and presentation skills at my institution Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) located in Cape Town, South Africa and these are some of the notes I could gather from the training. I hope you find them as useful as I did.

 Stress Triggers which can be defined as, events or conditions in your surroundings that may trigger stress, that are common when it comes to public speaking are:

·                    Going blank in the mind

·                    Being Confused

·                    Not knowing where to start

·                    Thinking of other things that are not related

Emotions that come with stress:

·         Cry

·         Angry

·         Irrational

·         Panic

Things that show you are stressed:

·         Sweaty palms

·         Heart racing

·         Feeling like you can’t breath

·         Back and body aches

·         Mouth becomes dry

The vocals are also affected when you stresses.  The changes in your vocals that happen:

·         Wobbly voice

·         Talk too loudly or too softly

·         Loose voice / Laryngitis  

INTERCOSTAL DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING (IDB)

This is deep breathing is breathing that is done by contracting the diaphragm, which is a muscle located horizontally between the chest cavity and stomach cavity. Air enters the lungs and the belly expands during this type of breathing.

Using your stomach to breathe causes strain on your vocal voice.

 The benefit of using this type of breathing is that:

·         It reduces the tension in the neck, shoulders and jaws

·         72% of oxygen in each breath

·         Allows an emotional connect to take place

·         You can project your voice without shouting

When doing public speaking is imperative for you to make at least 75% eye contact with your audience.  It helps to keep them awake and not bored during the time of your speech and it makes them feel engaged.

DRESS CODE

HAIR

·         Men should always keep it short and neat and

·         Women keep it tamed

·         If you have dreadlocks or extensions, twist them up or pull them back.

·         Your hair should look clean and have a mild smell.

SHOES

·         Men should wear formal shoes that are preferably black, brown, or navy while

·         Women should wear flat shoes such as pumps or if you prefer heels they should not be over 3″ long.

ADORNMENT

·         Men should stick with a ring, a watch, cufflinks, and/or tie clips. No chains!

·         Women, keep your jewelry small, simple, and of good quality

·         No piercings tattoos should be visible

CLOTHING

·         Men, your clothing should be of good quality and fit you well. Keep your shirt buttoned up.  Once you’re speaking, you can roll up your sleeves and open one button.

·         Women, no short skirts.  Your clothes should not be too tight.

MAKE-UP

·         Women, keep it light, in neutral or classic colors. No black nail polish, white lipstick, or glitter eyes, it diverts the attention of your audience.

SCENTS

·         No heavy aftershaves or perfumes. Some people love them, some people hate them.  Don’t take chances.

·         Be sure you smell fresh.

·         If you sweat easily, bring a washcloth, wipes, or even clean clothes so that you can freshen up when you arrive.

REMEMBER TO BE YOU AND TO RELAX.