We’ve all heard of how number one people’s fear is public speaking. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld had this to say about the fear of public speaking:

“The number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Number two. That means most people would rather be in the coffin than do the eulogy.”

Although the line is funny, it just doesn’t feel right to me. People’s number one fear is still public speaking.

So I decided to come up with some tips that might help people overcome their fear of public speaking. Here are my top 7 tips I’ve put together to help bring down that first place ranking:

1) Know your topic. If you are speaking in public (whether it is a presentation or a talk) and it is at work, you already know the subject. That means you’ll know what to say. You are ahead of the game. Just make sure you know how long you’re expected to talk.

It may also help to clarify what the point or objective of your speech is. It is to gain new customers. To report back to your department on what your team has accomplished in the last quarter? This will really help you when it comes to…

2) Structuring. Just like a story, your speech needs a beginning, a middle, and an end.

Try not to stray too far from your speech. Only tell people the things that are relevant to the goal of your talk (as discussed in the tip above).

3) Practice. Make sure you know what you are going to say when you speak in public. You don’t have to worry about it being word for word, in fact, it’s probably better if it isn’t.

Write down the main points of your speech and explain them out loud. Practicing out loud is very important as you get used to saying the words and hearing yourself speak.

Go to your local Toastmasters club. They can offer friendly and invaluable feedback on what you’re doing. You never know you might end up enjoying the experience and becoming a member!

4) Breathe. You’re thinking, “Breathe? Huh? I breathe all the time.” True, but you must remember to breathe properly before giving your speech. Try taking a few slow, deep breaths down into your stomach. When we get nervous or anxious, we tend to take shallow chest breaths. Breathing slowly will help calm your public speaking nerves.

5) Reference cards. If you’re reading your speech off of cue cards or a presentation of some kind, then make sure you’re familiar enough to seek out and engage your audience. There is nothing worse than seeing a speaker with his head buried in the notes of him giving his speech to the ground. Look up and take in the whole room.

If your notes are printed on paper and you’re worried they might shake, put them somewhere you can easily access them. Like on a lectern. (Watch out for open windows!)

6) His listeners. Remember that everyone in the room is looking forward to your success. Nobody wants you to fail. This isn’t open mic night at The Comedy Store, this is public speaking.

People have come to hear what you have to say. If you get a chance to chat with some of them beforehand, you’ll realize they’re just people and not a howling crowd.

7) Humour. If you’re not naturally funny or good with jokes, leave this section alone. The last thing you need is a groan at a poorly delivered joke. It could hit your confidence. If you’re not very good with humor, don’t worry, you’re in good company. Speakers like Tony Robbins don’t use humor, but it’s no less engaging.

However, if humor is your forte then go ahead and sprinkle a couple of anecdotes into your speech. Don’t laugh every minute, you’re not a comedian, why push yourself? But having the odd laugh here and there can make people more interested in what you have to say. Humor can make parts of your speech easier to understand.