How do you fake it?

What do you do if you need to say a few words in front of an audience? You are likely very nervous about speaking in front of others if you don't have much experience in public speaking. So what? We all are either afraid of public speaking, or were afraid of speaking in front of others at some time. It is not a sin to be afraid of saying a few words in public.

So how can you say a few words in front of others without totally embarrassing yourself? By faking some confidence with these easy tips:

1. Write out the key points you want to cover on note cards. (Don't staple them together)

2. Practise by reading the cards out loud five times, to learn the flow and improve your confidence in your ability.

3. Read the cards if you need to, especially the important points that you need to convey word-for-word, such as your company's mission statement.

4. Tell your personal stories while looking at the audience and not reading your cards. You know the stories because you lived them. Your audience understands your fear of public speaking (that is what is keeping many of them in the audience and not on the stage!), and warm up to a speaker sharing a short personal story while looking at the audience. Don't worry if your story comes out a little different to the way you wrote it out.

Many professionals are called on to say a few words at a company event. Sure, you are not as energetic and polished as Tony Robbins. But you are also not getting paid the same amount of money for the event. Don't be too hard on yourself. Follow the three simple tips above, and you will fake confidence so that you do your company proud as an ordinary professional doing extraordinary things.