Question: “I’ve been told that picturing the audience naked will help alleviate my nerves when I have to speak in public. Does that technique really work for some people?” – Ryan, Burlington VT
Answer: I love this question! This is one of the great theories of public speaking, and is common advice given to new speakers as they are about to face their first public speaking challenge. You ask if this really works for some people, and I have to tell you…I don’t know. If any of my readers find it helpful to picture their audience naked, I’d love to hear from you!
In my opinion, this is a complete and total myth. Speakers have enough to worry about with the content and delivery of their presentation, engaging with their audience, making sure the technology works, and making sure that their trembling hands aren’t obvious. Now we have to make the extra effort to picture the audience naked too??
Of course, if we were speaking to a room of supermodels and Chippendale dancers, we would be excused for making the effort. Sadly, this is usually not the case. So regardless of how good [or bad] your audience might look naked, I would recommend that you turn your focus onto giving a great presentation.
Your presentation should be about informing, engaging, and persuading your audience. It’s about THEM. It’s not about the tricks you need to fool yourself to be less nervous. Remember, your audience is probably filled with people just like you – a nice, friendly person who hopes to get something valuable and worthwhile from the presentation. With practice and preparation, you’ll be able to face your [fully-clothed] audience with confidence!
