Presentation Studio CEO Emma Bannister shares her top public speaking hacks

IT’S one of the world’s most common phobias — but according to one expert, there are a few very simple ways to get over it.

COMEDIAN Jerry Seinfeld once summed up our paralysing fear of public speaking when he quipped: “If you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.”

All jokes aside, studies have consistently estimated that up to 75 per cent of the population suffers from glossophobia — or a fear of public speaking — making it possibly the world’s greatest fear.

Emma Bannister understands that fear all too well.

Today, Ms Bannister is completely comfortable speaking in front of thousands of people — but it wasn’t always the case for the proud introvert, who founded her multimillion-dollar corporate public speaking company Presentation Studio in 2006.

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The UK-born CEO told news.com.au she overcame her own fear of public speaking four years ago when she set herself the “scary” goal of speaking in front of 100 presentation experts in the US.

She said people were so afraid of public speaking because it wasn’t something most of us do often, and because it usually involves a high-pressure career or social occasion where we are desperate to impress our peers.

“You’re probably trying to win a pitch, look good in front of your peers or help you career, so there are so many reasons why we feel the pressure, and when it’s something you don’t do often, you don’t have enough practice and skills,” she said.

But luckily, there are a few easy hacks to nail your next speech — and the best part is, being afraid is actually a good thing.

“Being nervous is good because it means you care, so embrace that,” Ms Bannister said.

“Less confident people put more effort in and it can actually be a strength, because planning is the most crucial part.

“When we’re nervous about something we want to do well, so we allow enough time to plan and prepare.

“Overconfident people are a bigger challenge than underconfident people because often they will not stop talking, they stand there and ramble and it’s hard to understand a clear message.”

One of the easiest ways to conquer your fear is to change the way you think about your nerves.

Emma Bannister founded her multimillion-dollar company, Presentation Studio, to help others master the art of public speaking.

“That intense, stomach-twisting fear we all get is a fight or flight reflex, and it’s a chemical reaction that is exactly the same as excitement,” Ms Bannister said.

“So you can twist around that adrenaline that builds in your stomach and tell yourself ‘I’m actually just really excited by this opportunity’.

“Try to twist it around in your mind to show how you are helping people — think, ‘My point of view and ideas are helping people and if I was too scared to share it with people, they would really miss out because I know I can make a difference.’”

The Sydney mum said possibly her best tip was to imagine you’re having a relaxed conversation with family — that way, you’ll naturally cut out jargon and appear more “human”.

“The most powerful way to connect with people is to cut technical jargon and speak like you’re having a conversation with your family on a Sunday afternoon,” she said.

“Use emotion, have personality and be authentic — I’d rather people made mistakes and bad gestures rather than standing prim and proper behind a lectern.”

Don't hit the booze before speaking — or you might have your own ‘Bridget Jones’ moment.

Ms Bannister said it was important to remember public speaking skills were built up over time and with practice.

She also shared her top dos and don’ts to help you nail your next wedding speech or corporate presentation.

DO:

• Cut the jargon: Pretend you’re speaking with family and not strangers

• Smile: Smiling forces your throat to open up which will prevent a “choking” feeling, and will also create a connection with your audience

• Breathe: A lack of oxygen to your brain will make you more forgetful and more likely to flub your lines

• Pause: Give the audience time to digest what you’ve just said by reaching for a glass of water or simply pausing for a few seconds

• Be authentic: Use emotion and personality, and avoid being too polished

• Know your audience and occasion: A wedding speech will be very different to a corporate presentation

DON’T:

• Waffle: Avoid talking too much and too fast for too long

• Apologise: You might be nervous, but the audience won’t necessarily know — unless you apologise and tell them

• Drink: Skip the booze and avoid a potential “Bridget Jones” moment

• Forget your purpose: Always be clear on your ultimate message

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