Public Speaking for Those Who'd Rather Not Speak

5 tips that increase your confidence

by Maureen Merrill

Conventional public speaking instruction assumes that the challenges of public speaking are the same for everyone.

Not so! Many talented, expert "numbers crunchers" are reluctant (okay, we'll say it: ambivalent, averse, repulsed, or scared out of their socks) to speak in public.

They are the opposite of those smooth-talkative money extroverts who saturate the radio, offer seminars for the public, and jump at every podium.

• Throughout much of his career, Bill, an insurance company president who came up on the underwriting and finance side, would rather drink paint than speak in front of a group. But now he must address shareholders, lawmaking bodies, and industry conferences.
• Margaret is a commercial banker whose success brought her to the presidency of a nationwide industry association. With that honor came a major address to the annual conventions. And, when a lending scandal erupted, Margaret found herself on national television.

In coaching numerous clients like Bill and Margaret, we've uncovered specific techniques that work for lower-keyed speakers.

Five tips, in addition to professional coaching, help:

1. What to memorize:
   Memorize the opening phrases for the beginning, the major points, and the closing of your presentation. (We don't recommend memorizing the entire speech.)
2. Recommended practicing method
   Practice in front of at least one other person. But first, practice out loud, alone.
3. Look! (elsewhere)
   Direct attention away from yourself a time or two during your presentation. The simplest examples are visual aids. You could also ask the audience to answer a question, fill in a blank or two on a handout, or take 30 seconds to discuss an idea with a person next to them.
4. Capitalize on your affinity for numbers and details
   You in particular benefit from extra attention to fact, detail and the organization of ideas. These are your strong points, and we want to capitalize on them.
5. Alone time
   Carve out fifteen minutes or so to be alone before you speak. If you are speaking at a reception or other gathering when you'll be socializing before you speak, get yourself away from the crowd for at least five, and preferably ten or fifteen, minutes.

"Numbers" folks should do the usual prep, as well: visit the site in advance, practice, and choose clothing that increases your confidence. We usually don’t advice people to read their speeches. But, if severe jitters remain a problem, this is a good answer . . . IF you practice out loud several times.

Speakers of all temperaments face similar issues in delivering a talk with confidence and credibility. But it makes no sense to recommend that all of us approach the challenge the same way.