Leaving Your Comfort Zone

By Suzanna Laurent, Oklahoma Chapter, Senior Member

Quite often I hear people make the comment "I just can't get up in front of a group to speak; it bothers me too much!" Of course, the problem is more intense for some than for others, but remember that our attitudes, mannerisms, body language, and the voice that we use in private all go with us into public settings. Unless we speak up, persuade and convince, unless we have the power of speech, and unless we have a say in what goes on, we are not in control of our lives. That's an awesome thought, isn't it? Yet, the fear of public speaking is still the number one phobia in America today!

I'd like to tell you about my friend Mary B. She joined another organization to which I belong, and she quickly accepted a committee management position. She took on one of the hardest committees, but that didn't bother her at all-it was the fear of giving a report at our meeting that almost made her quit! It took a lot of courage, but Mary worked hard and was determined to succeed. Since then she has led the chapter as president, served as president of a related citywide organization, and the other night she even performed as "Dolly Parton" in front of a large group of businesswomen! Because of her willingness to leave her comfort zone, she achieved more than she ever thought possible.

Actually, except for when you mutter to yourself, all speaking is public speaking. When you think of it in that context, we are all public speakers-it's just that some of us have learned how to speak more effectively than others. Because this is such a widespread problem, I'd like to share some tips about how to reduce anxiety when faced with this task that "gives you butterflies."

Be prepared.
I've found that the lack of preparation is a major cause of anxiety. Knowing exactly what you are going to say and how to say it will give you more confidence, which allows you to focus on your presentation. Don't be afraid to use your notes, I do it all the time!

Picture success.
Imagine walking into a room, being introduced, delivering your presentation with enthusiasm, fielding questions with confidence, and leaving the room knowing you did a great job. Visualization is very powerful, and it will help you focus on what you need to do to be successful.

Rehearse.
Practice standing up, with an audience if possible, using any props needed, and wearing the clothes you will wear when you speak. If possible, have someone videotape your presentation to play later. Watch the tape and incorporate any changes you think necessary before your final practice session. This is the best possible preparation!

Relax.
Focus on relaxing instead of thinking about how much you dread speaking. This part is easy once you learn the technique of how to breathe correctly. When your muscles tighten and you feel nervous, you may not breathe deeply enough. So sit up straight-erect but relaxed-and inhale deeply at least three times. As you breathe, tell yourself when you inhale, "I am" and on the exhale, "relaxed." Don't think of anything else except "I am relaxed," and repeat this exercise several times.

Make eye contact.
Eye contact helps you to connect with your audience. Don't focus on just one person though, move your eyes slowly around the room. You can relate better to your audience as individuals if you look into their eyes as you speak. This also helps you react to their interest in you.

Let me encourage you to take advantage of STC to help you improve your speaking skills. Use our chapter meetings and conferences to give reports, presentations, and to practice, practice, practice. Remember, too, that Aristotle once said, "We are what we repeatedly do, excellence then is not an act, but a habit."

Contributing author, Suzanna Laurent, is a senior member from the STC Oklahoma Chapter. Suzanna can be reached at slaurent@prodigy.net.