Hurray! I’m here. That was easy. Now I just need to …

Oh my gosh. How many people are in the audience?

A hundred,

a thousand? Don’t count.

OK I can do this. I'mma focus on my notes. What did I have written down again?

Ehh........ hello........ My … *vomit*

OK, if this sounds like your worst nightmare, you’re not alone.

Actually you’re one of the estimated 70% of the population that has an intense fear of public speaking.

And that’s OK because on today’s Wellcast, we’ve got our triple P method

that will get you through and get you calm during that next oral report

and keep your breakfast where it belongs.

You’re ready?

Many polls list public speaking as the most commonly reported phobia among Americans.

It’s called Glossophobia, meaning literally “fear of the tongue”.

A study by Texas Christian University tested 48 women and 48 men

enrolled in a public speaking class

and found that those who exhibited high-trait anxiety

had the most physical symptoms of distress when speaking publicly.

So what if you’re the kind of person

to whom any bit of social acrobatics is tantamount to entering a lion’s den?

Hey, calm down!

OK I’m just kidding but seriously calm down alright? We’ve got our triple P method

that will get you through that next public speaking gig.

Pause and print this Wellcast worksheet.

Step one: prepare prepare prepare.

We said it three times because it’s that important.

There are two things that go into being prepared.

Number 1, knowing your subject backwards and forwards.

Two, knowing exactly how you are going to present it, step by step.

In you Wellcast worksheet,

write down the major points that you want to get across to the audience.

Get the ideas, and your heading onto the paper.

In the next column to the right,

start ordering these points in a logical manner,

arguing your point to the audience

and winning them over as like a boxing match.

First, start with some fancy footwork

A fact or an anecdote that will hook the audience in

and get them to pay attention to you.

Then throw a couple of swings

supporting evidence for your arguments. Stats, personal stories,

something that will start to convince the audience that you’re taking control.

And finally, the knock-out:

a landing blow or statement that’s memorable, convincing

and sums up your speech’s position.

Alright, step 2: posture and physicality are key.

Part of keeping your anxiety at bay while giving your speech

is knowing what to do with your body.

Before your speech, avoid large meals or dairy products

which will make you feel like you need to clear your throat incessantly.

Bring a bottle of water on stage if you’re allowed.

Don’t be afraid to take sips throughout your speech.

It will keep your voice natural

and it gives you a moment to pause and regain your composure if needed.

Stand naturally, not too stiff or slumped.

Good posture will help you breathe and speak easier

and it will let your audience know that you’re calm and in control.

Step 3: pander to your audience.

The best public speakers know how to work around.

Don’t be completely serious unless the occasion calls for it.

Don’t read entirely off a card. Keep it natural, cadence and pace.

Throw a joke or a cite in, it will draw in a laugh.

If there’s a silence, then turn that into a joke.

Stay natural, self-effacing and the audience will be on your side.

Let’s recap.

You’d rather face a poisonous reptile than public speaker?

Well, follow the Wellcast triple P checklist.

Prepare extensively for your speech, know your content backwards and forwards

and figure out the absolute best way to present it and to win over your audience.

Watch your posture and physicality.

This includes everything from standing naturally to breathing from your diaphragm.

And pander to your audience.

Keep them in the palm of your hand,

and with an easy demeanor, natural cadence and of course, jokes.

Twitt us at watchWellcast.

Email us at watchWellcast@gmail.com

or leave a comment down below.

We’ll see you next time.