Unaccustomed as you may be . . .
There are techniques that help with public speaking no matter who you are.
Public speaking is an anxiety inducing task for most us, yet it’s also a necessary one, whether you’re a corporate CEO, a high school teacher or a presidential candidate. And like the rest of us, candidates stumble when speaking in public.
Donald Trump’s tendency to speak off the cuff has long rattled his campaign aides, even as it’s also a source of his popularity. His numerous gaffes are infamous — from insulting women, war heroes and most minority groups to taunting Hillary Clinton’s bodyguards.
Clinton’s biggest problem is of a different nature. She has struggled to overcome the persistent impression that she’s cold and distant and not authentic.
This is something she and her team have worked on a great deal recently.
The candidates had the first of three important public speaking events last week, the first presidential debate, which
The New York Times called “the most anticipated in a generation”.
Whereas presidential candidates face the same obstacles speaking in public as the rest of us, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Fortunately for Clinton and Trump, research-based strategies can help them become more effective orators — techniques that we can use, too.
Debate Prep 101
The most important thing for both candidates is staying on top of their mental game. Both are trying to figure out ways to rattle their opponent and make them appear unworthy of the presidency.
Being mentally fit means dealing with the very common fear of public speaking, known as glossophobia. Fortunately, a little work can go a long way in building confidence and addressing these fears. Research shows those with some training in public speaking not only improve their own communication but can successfully teach others to give better speeches.
Dealing with fear
In the first-ever televised presidential debate, between Richard Nixon and John F. Kennedy in 1960, the former appeared sweaty and nervous, while the latter consistently looked calm and wellprepared.
On election day, JFK won the popular vote by a meagre 0.2 per cent.
Six per cent of voters claimed the debates that year were the deciding factor. Sure, some anxiety is useful. It gets the adrenaline pumping and can give you energy and enthusiasm. But if you don’t deal with the fear, you’re unlikely to do well no matter how hard you try.
It’s helpful to remember that your fear is not unique.
Knowing that it is a common phenomenon should relieve some of the fear, as it shows you are not alone.
Positive thinking wins the day
Give yourself a pep talk and psych yourself up. Some people meditate, others pray, others listen to music and others jog. You can even curse to relieve the stress, as does President Barack Obama. There are many ways to elevate your mood.
Similarly, try positive thinking. Study after study has revealed positive thinking helps address stress and anxiety and leads to better mental and physical health. In the context of speech-making, remind yourself that you know more about the topic than the audience does.
You may not be a global expert, but, chances are if you’ve done your research, you’ll know more than most listeners.
Take care of your body
Even if you use these strategies, you may get a little nervous right before you get up to speak. You may also experience some excess energy. Don’t try to get rid of it all, but you do want to eliminate some. Try “tense and relax” techniques.
Clench your fists hard and then release them. If you notice tension in your neck, try shoulder shrugs. Push your shoulders up to your ears, hold them there for 10 seconds, and release. Former Republican presidential candidate Scott Walker, for instance, goes for a run before debates.
Finally, make sure you’ve had enough sleep, water and a good meal before giving your speech, and go to the toilet.
Visual prep and practice
Studies show that gradual exposure to fear-inducing stimuli — known as exposure therapy — is a safe and effective means of decreasing anxiety and building confidence. Try practicing in the location you will be giving your speech and imagine what it will be like for real.
If doing that is impractical , try visualising yourself delivering a perfect speech in front of a rapt audience. This research-based strategy is widely employed in a similar way by top athletes and actors, such as Will Smith, Tiger Woods and Venus and Serena Williams.
Visualisation doesn’t replace actual practice, of course. For instance, if you’re planning to give a presentation to potential investors, ask friends or colleagues to role play and ask tough questions.
If your goal in public speaking is to outdo a competitor, as in a presidential debate or contract bid, you must study your opponent and make sure that you take advantage of her or his weaknesses, while defending against her or his strengths.
From first speech to inaugural address
The sooner you get up in front of a group, realise you have something important to say and say it, the sooner you’ll get rid of your fear.
Speaking is a skill that grows stronger with practice and weaker with disuse.
Remember, your first speech may be your worst but you will keep getting better and less anxious going forward.
After all, not even presidential candidates become excellent public speakers overnight.
Study your opponent and make sure to take advantage of weaknesses, while defending against her or his strengths.