If you could speak to multiple business owners and managers and demonstrate your expertise in a subject or business specialty, would you do it? Making a presentation at a local service organization could provide such an opportunity. Beware though, knowing a lot about something and being able to communicate that with confidence are not necessarily related.

Studies have shown that most people fear public speaking over death. The comedian Jerry Seinfeld uses the example of giving a eulogy at a funeral. Seinfeld says “when you give a eulogy, of those in attendance, more would rather be in the casket than giving the eulogy”.

The fear of public speaking can be overcome and the benefits extend beyond just application in the public arena. Improving public speaking skills will result in increased confidence which will manifest itself in all areas of life, personally and professionally.

Here are five things I have learned after 15 years of making group and public presentations that can help anyone overcome their fear of public speaking.

1. Practice – Before giving your presentation practice in front of your harshest critic, you. If you can video yourself that is optimum but a least audio record yourself. Listen for “um’s” and “ah’s” as many times we insert these without even realizing they are there. I personally practice in front of a mirror and watch my facial expressions; I want to make sure I look happy. It is true, smiles are contagious.

2. Write your presentation – I coach clients to type out their entire presentation. This gives them time to develop an outline and important points they want to cover during the presentation. It also gives them the opportunity to eliminate unneeded material. A wise man said it is better to speak 5 words that are understood than 500 that are not remembered.

3. Be real – The first presentation should be something you have some experience or knowledge with. Do not use big technical words that are not needed unless required by the subject. Dress well there is a certain confidence in dressing well. Do not be afraid to use some appropriate humor, keep it light, keep it related, and keep it brief.

4. Memorize the beginning and the ending – Much like following a map if we know where we start and where we want to end we can follow the path. In public speaking if we can start on the right path then our confidence will increase and we will know where we are going.

5. Carry an outline to the podium – I coach speakers to prepare an outline to follow. We can easily complete this when we write out the presentation. The outline also acts as your “road map” from the beginning to the end. This also prevents “reading the presentation” and gives a more natural and confident appearance.

As with most skills the more presentations you make the better you will become. Will you ever completely overcome the “butterflies” before speaking? No. But this energy is what allows you to get in front of a group with excitement and confidence because you have overcome your fear of public speaking.