Public speaking is a very common fear, but can be critical for some jobs. You may not have to give a lecture to a thousand seat theater, but what happens when you have to give a sales update in a board meeting? Or map out the results of a brainstorm with your team to higher-ups? Adding in the stresses of working after a cancer diagnosis, the thought of getting up to speak in front of people can be crimpling. But according to a recent article in Fast Company, the best way you can prepare is to overprepare. And here are some tips on how to do that:

1. Record Yourself
   While it can often be uncomfortable to hear your own voice played back, you can learn a lot by watching or listening to yourself rehearsing a presentation. You can pick up on nervous habits you might not know about, or identify places where you can slow down, or speed up. Reviewing a recording of yourself helps to take you out of your head and get a better picture of what it is you are saying, and more importantly how you are saying it
2. Identify Your Negative Quirks
   Another benefit of recording yourself is you can identify negative quirks. Do you use unnecessary filler words like "um" or "you know"? Do you trail off at the end of sentences that might make it hard to understand? Are your hands unnaturally gripping a podium or fidgeting? All of these are common and easier to control once you are aware you do them. The more clear and direct your speaking is, the more clear your messaging is going to be. This will, in turn, make you more successful overall in getting whatever information you're trying to convey to the group.
3. Rehearse with a Test Audience
   Even if you record yourself, doing a presentation to an empty room is much different than doing it in front of people. Find someone you trust (It can be a friend, a partner, a trusted co-worker, your whole family, etc) and ask if they would watch you rehearse and give feedback. Starting off with an audience who is completely on your side will help you be more comfortable. The worst thing that can happen is you ask them if it's ok for you to start over, or go to the top of the slide you're on. The best way to get better at public speaking is to keep finding ways to speak in front of people. Just like the recording, a friend/family member/coworker can help give constructive feedback to shape your talking points and delivery.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
   Repetition can help put your mind at ease. When you have rehearsed something a lot, you will eventually develop a comfort with material. When it's time to go up to do it for real, knowing that you have made it through X numbers of times successfully can help your brain relax and let muscle memory take over.

Over-preparing can also help someone with a cancer diagnosis answer questions from coworkers. Especially if you've chosen not to disclose at work, having answers ready to potential uncomfortable or probing questions can help you stay focused and on track. For more tips and techniques, check out our Communicating Effectively webinars.