Mastering public speaking: handling nerves with influence and impact

24 Jul

Public speaking is a skill that can make or break careers, yet it's also one of the most common fears people face. The good news? You can transform those nervous jitters into powerful energy that enhances your influence and impact.

Here, friend of Broom & Moon Ricky Lien shows how focusing on your love for your topic and delivering with intention can help you overcome public speaking anxiety and captivate your audience.

Understanding public speaking anxiety

First, it's essential to recognise that feeling nervous before a presentation is entirely normal. Even seasoned speakers experience some level of anxiety. These nerves are your body's way of preparing for an important event. The key is to channel this energy productively rather than letting it overwhelm you.

My personal tip is to change fear and nerves into excitement. Yes. They feel the same. When I’m excited, I deliver well. When I’m nervous and hesitant, I can only do a half-job.

The power of loving your topic

When you genuinely love and understand your topic, it becomes a powerful tool in managing your nerves. Here's why:

Confidence boost: deep knowledge of your topic naturally increases your confidence. When you know you're well-prepared, you're less likely to worry about forgetting important points or being stumped by questions.
Authentic enthusiasm: your passion for the subject will shine through, making your delivery more engaging and authentic. Your audiences respond positively to you when you are genuinely excited about the topic.
Focus shift: concentrating on your love for the subject helps shift your focus away from your nerves and onto the content you're eager to share.
Resilience: when you're passionate about your topic, you're more likely to bounce back from any minor mistakes or unexpected challenges during your presentation.

Strategies for harnessing your love for the topic

Deep dive research: go beyond surface-level information. The more you know, the more confident you'll feel.
Personal connection: identify why this topic matters to you personally. Share anecdotes or experiences that highlight your connection to the subject.
Anticipate questions: think about what your audience might want to know. Preparing for potential questions can boost your confidence.
Practise storytelling: find compelling stories or examples related to your topic. Stories are easier to remember and more engaging for your audience.
For ideas on how to tell stories, see:
Show don’t tell: 4 powerful strategies for telling better business stories
Want me to buy your product? Ditch the tech specs and tell me a story
How to bring your vision and strategy to life through storytelling
Story first, strategy second: how to get people to buy into your big idea.

Delivering with influence and impact

Once you've harnessed your love for the topic, the next step is to focus on delivering your message with influence and impact. Here's how:

Know your audience: understanding who you're speaking to allows you to tailor your message for maximum impact. Consider their interests, knowledge level, and what they hope to gain from your presentation.
Craft a strong opening: start with a powerful hook that grabs attention and sets the tone for your talk. This could be a surprising statistic, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant anecdote.
Use body language effectively: your non-verbal communication is just as important as your words. Stand tall, make eye contact, and use gestures to emphasise key points.
Modulate your voice: vary your tone, pace, and volume to keep your audience engaged. Pauses can be particularly powerful for emphasis and allowing key points to sink in.
Incorporate visual aids: well-designed slides or props can enhance your message and provide visual interest. Just remember, they should support your talk, not dominate it.
Engage your audience: ask questions, encourage participation, or use interactive elements to keep your audience involved and attentive.
Master the art of storytelling: weave stories throughout your presentation to illustrate key points. Stories make your content more memorable and relatable.
End with a bang: conclude with a strong call to action or a memorable summary that reinforces your main message.

Practical tips for managing nerves

While focusing on your love for the topic and delivering with influence and impact are powerful strategies, here are some additional practical tips to help manage nerves:

Breathe deeply: practise deep breathing exercises before and during your presentation to calm your nerves.
Visualise success: imagine yourself delivering a successful presentation. Visualisation can boost confidence and reduce anxiety.
Arrive early: give yourself plenty of time to set up and familiarise yourself with the space.
Start strong: memorise your opening lines to help you start confidently.
Connect with your audience: smile and make eye contact with friendly faces in the crowd.
Stay hydrated: keep water nearby to prevent a dry mouth, a common side effect of nervousness.
Practise, practise, practise: the more you rehearse, the more comfortable you'll feel with your material.

Embracing the journey

Remember, becoming a confident public speaker is a journey. Each presentation is an opportunity to improve and refine your skills. Embrace the nerves as a sign that you care about delivering value to your audience.

By focusing on your love for your topic and committing to delivering with influence and impact, you can transform your nervous energy into a powerful tool for engaging and inspiring your audience.

Your passion, combined with thoughtful delivery, will not only help manage your nerves but also create a memorable and impactful experience for your listeners.

Public speaking is more than just conveying information; it's about connecting with your audience, sharing your passion, and making a lasting impact.

So, take a deep breath, remember why you love your topic, and step onto the stage with confidence. Your influence and impact are there for your loving audience!

Ricky Lien is an executive communication coach based in Sydney, Australia.

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