‘Finding’ composure when speaking in public – Part 1

How many times have you seen presenters walk up to the lectern and immediately begin their speech or presentation, eyes glued to their notes or script without even looking at their audience?

Establishing composure is something that is rarely, if ever, discussed because most people are so overwhelmed by nervousness and fear that their main goal is to get over it as quickly as possible.

Instead of dwelling on your fear, why not think positive and allow your nervousness to work for you? The nervousness is excellent. That extra rush of adrenaline can do wonders for your presentation. It can make your talk stimulating, it can give you a head start. Eliminating nervousness is not the answer. The answer is to learn to control nervousness because once you win it, you will discover composure even before you open your mouth to speak.

I worry about those who tell me that they don’t get nervous or that they don’t experience that adrenaline rush. Public speaking is a live venue and being overconfident is a mistake – something can go wrong. However, if you can establish your composure before starting your speech or presentation, you will find that you will have more control over your presentation than you ever thought possible. If something goes wrong, you will be in a better position to rectify the situation.

Many of my clients tell me that they ‘chill out’ after the first five minutes of their presentation. Guess what? Your audience won’t give you those five minutes to “warm up.” You are being judged the moment you open your mouth to speak; therefore, it is crucial to establish trust for yourself and your audience with your opening statement, not five minutes later.

When you approach that lectern, stand up straight, hold your head up, and walk with determination. Upon reaching the lectern, place your notes or script and look at your audience, scanning the room from side to side while smiling at the attendees. This is known as recognition from your audience.

Smiling is very important in your recognition; If you take my advice and look at the faces of your audience, you will find that many will smile back at you. Then you will be in a wonderful position to be able to speak. for your audience and not in them. On the other hand, if your face is frozen with fear, how safe will your audience feel?

Remember also that once at that lectern, you are the “top dog”; you are the boss; You are the boss. And, since you’re the boss, you start when you’re ready. They will wait.

If you have ever attended a classical music concert, the conductor will not start until his orchestra is ready and the room is quiet. It may stay there for a whole minute, waiting. He is the teacher. It will start when you are ready; and you have the same option or right. You will be surprised at how much better you will feel if you take a few seconds to scan the room before you begin to speak. [Please note that there are limitations. Standing there for 2 minutes is not an option.]

So in your quest to regain your composure:

1. Approach the lectern with confidence; and,

2. Acknowledge your audience with a smile before opening your mouth to speak.

In Part 2 of “Finding” composure when speaking in public, I will discuss the most important things to do before beginning the walk to the lectern.