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This week I offer more tips to help you become a confident speaker.

You can’t please everyone. Most people who are afraid of public speaking believe that they need to please the entire audience. That is a daunting task! Your purpose is to deliver the message that you are meant to deliver. If someone falls asleep or leaves early, don’t fret. Remember you are not trying to please the entire audience. I have a routine that I do before every presentation. I borrowed this idea from Wayne Dyer (I think he borrowed it from Ram Dass). Before every presentation I make, I take a few minutes to relax and close my eyes. I repeat the following mantra several times – “How may I serve?” I set my intention to deliver a message that resonates with my audience. Over time I have come to trust this process so I am able to get my ego out of the way and allow the words to flow.

Keep it simple. You only need to have 2 or 3 main points. If you try to cover more than that you will lose your audience. Choose the most important aspects of your topic and then fill in with some detail to support your main points. Avoid cramming too much information and details into your talk or you will bore your audience. Don’t try to hide behind your facts and numbers. Share personal stories to illustrate your points when appropriate – this will help you connect with the audience.

Finally, visualize yourself giving your presentation confidently and successfully. In your mind’s eye run through the presentation and see yourself speaking clearly and effectively. Make this image as vivid as you can by bringing in all of your senses. Run through this imagery as many times as possible before your presentation. Your body and mind will respond and you will find yourself more relaxed and confident when it comes time to deliver your speech.

Try these simple ideas next time you have to deliver a speech or give a presentation. With consistent practice, these techniques will help you become a more confident and effective speaker. And, who knows, you may even learn to enjoy public speaking.