Effective Communication - Emergency Management Institute ...
Effective Communication - Emergency Management Institute ...
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