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Effective Communication - Emergency Management Institute ...

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UNIT 7: PREPARING ORAL PRESENTATIONS<br />

Speech Anxiety (Continued)<br />

Whatever the source of your speech anxiety, there are many steps that you can<br />

take to reduce nervousness and gain control of your presentation. The steps<br />

fall into three categories:<br />

Preparation<br />

• Know the audience.<br />

• Preview the venue, if possible.<br />

• Do the research and know the facts.<br />

• Consider the emotional issues of the message.<br />

• Anticipate the questions that may be asked and prepare answers.<br />

Practice<br />

• Present the speech aloud until it is completely familiar.<br />

• Read the speech in front of a mirror and ensure that body language aids<br />

the message.<br />

• Seize all opportunities to speak aloud to become more comfortable in<br />

front of groups (e.g., ask questions in meetings, join Toastmasters or<br />

another public-speaking group, speak to small friendly groups, present<br />

slides to family or friends, or teach a course).<br />

Acceptance<br />

• Accept nervousness as normal.<br />

• Accept that you may misspeak during the presentation and plan to<br />

correct yourself immediately and smoothly.<br />

• Use relaxation techniques, such as:<br />

Stretching<br />

Muscle tensing and relaxing<br />

Deep breathing<br />

Body alignment<br />

Consciously choosing to let go of tension<br />

Visualizing an effective presentation<br />

Review Job Aid 7.1, Tips to Reduce Fear of Public Speaking, on the following<br />

page.<br />

<strong>Effective</strong> <strong>Communication</strong> Page 7.4

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