Public Speaking: 5 Ways a Speech Therapist Can Help

Does the thought of speaking in front of an audience make you feel jittery? Whether you're talking in front of a small group like a work meeting, or you need to give a speech in front of a large audience like a wedding or a banquet, there is a wide range of feelings that may lead to fear. There’s an actual term for stage fright: glossophobia - the fear of public speaking. Stage fright can cause intense anxiety resulting in rapid breathing and heart rate, sweating, nausea, and avoidance. Stage fright may also cause reduced speech clarity, rapid rate of speech, decreased thought organization, stuttering, and significant memory blocks, making it nearly impossible to deliver an effective speech. 

Fortunately, you can find help from speech therapists who are experts in communication. Speech therapists are well trained in several specific techniques to help you deliver an exceptional public speech.

Here are 5 ways a speech therapist can help you with public speaking: 

1. Nonverbal Communication

   Nonverbal communication carries most of the message. There are many nonverbal communication habits that can signal confidence to our listeners, including our facial expression, eye contact, and gestures. Speech therapists can increase your awareness of nonverbal cues and your ability to use them while speaking publicly. This can make a big difference in how your speech or presentation is perceived by others. 

2. Speech Clarity

   Public speaking fears may cause people to speak too fast and distort sounds. Many people struggle to clearly and coherently form their words. This can easily interrupt the flow of your speech and affect a listener's ability to understand you. Speech therapists use a number of strategies to improve articulation and speech clarity while under stress.

3. Diaphragmatic Breathing

   Nervousness can cause rapid breathing and difficulty maintaining a normal inhale/exhale pattern of airflow. A speech therapist can teach diaphragmatic breathing to help with this. The diaphragm, which is located at the base of our lungs, is one of the main muscles we use to breathe. Learning to breathe more deeply can help keep the body relaxed and prevent the fight-or-flight instinct.

4. Voice Quality

   Vocal quality, intensity, pitch, and intonation are all areas to think about in effective delivery of a public speech. Speech therapists are trained to help people use appropriate volume, can provide feedback in pitch and intonation, and teach techniques to promote optimal vocal quality. Each of these areas will improve your overall message and help maintain interest throughout your speech. 

5. Organize your Material

   Speech therapists are well versed in expressive language and organization of thoughts. They can help assure you have a solid framework for your speech and assist you in developing a “hook” to grab the attention of your audience. They will help assure your thoughts are well organized and easily followed so the attention of the audience is not lost. 
   

Nervousness with public speaking is normal. You can learn to manage these feelings and keep your nerves in check by using these strategies, preparing, and practicing. Contact us to help deliver your best speech!