How to overcome stage fright and captivate your audience

What made you decide to become a public speaking trainer?

At school, I was more of a «leader»; I liked to build relationships and form groups around a project. I already loved debates and enjoyed speaking in public. I was already passionate about theatre. So I became an actor and director in Geneva and, as a result, a public speaking trainer. I took several courses in communication, obtained my coaching diploma and a Master's degree in NLP from the International Coaching Institute. It was a wonderful adventure. So I set up my own training and coaching firm: Face à Vous. Because «face à vous» (in front of you) there is always someone to whom you must deliver a message.

Can you share with us a personal experience that has significantly influenced your approach to communication?

I entered politics, becoming party president and then city councillor in Geneva. And there, faced with high-level politicians and journalists, I realised that I still had room for improvement. I was in a different world, one of constant debate and contradictions. I had to acquire new skills. And then I became president of the municipal parliament. I was rising to the top!

What is the most overlooked aspect of oral communication that we would all benefit from developing?

Undeniably, FEEDBACK! We think we know what the other person is going to say, we only half-listen and are already thinking about our response, we cannot imagine that the other person has a different world view from our own and, inevitably, we do not understand each other. FEEDBACK remains one of the best communication solutions for strengthening dialogue within the company, social and interpersonal bonds, and reducing the risk of latent conflicts (often arising from misunderstandings), absenteeism and burnout.

How to use pauses during a speech or presentation?

Like Barack Obama, who I consider to be the master in this field. Taking the time to get your message across means pausing, accepting silence, taking the opportunity to look out over the audience, and gaining non-verbal feedback in return. Controlled silence is meaningful silence, maintaining your connection with your audience.

Can you give us some tips on how to manage stage fright before speaking in public?

Stage fright can be managed through proper abdominal and diaphragmatic breathing. This can be practised, like sophrology, like any muscle training at the gym. You don't lift 100 kg overnight, you have to do it gradually, but daily. And, little by little, you learn to control your stage fright in a matter of minutes. I coach many people who have this «fear» of public speaking. My goal is not only for them to feel comfortable, but also to enjoy it. And it works!

What role do you think adaptability plays in oral communication?

It is essential in interpersonal communication and relatively easy to put into practice once you have learned to actively listen and synchronise with the other person. This is more difficult when facing an audience. But participants have come looking for something specific, so it is up to you to adapt to this need and respond to it.

In 2009, I hosted the Telethon evening at Victoria Hall in Geneva. There were 1,600 spectators. What a powerful experience! I was on cloud nine, it was so exciting. But they had all come for a charity event, so it was easy to talk to them and then introduce the artists.

How has technology changed expectations and practices in oral communication?

Technology has made it possible to stay at home and communicate with anyone anywhere. This has been particularly true during the Covid years. We have partly returned to normal because nothing beats face-to-face interaction, or training for that matter. However, it is clear that video conferencing can have its benefits and save on travel, as long as we need to clarify a specific point. I do not believe that we can offer a product or develop a strategy without meeting in person. Contact based on non-verbal communication is essential in interpersonal communication, and this non-verbal communication is almost non-existent in digital communication.

How can one assess and improve one's own effectiveness in oral communication?

I wrote two books on oral communication with two colleagues: «Les Techniques de Communication orale» (Oral Communication Techniques) and «Peut-on évaluer l'oral ?» (Can Oral Communication Be Assessed?). Yes, we can assess ourselves, but this requires being able to be completely natural in front of others while also watching ourselves through a small virtual camera that observes and corrects us. It's not easy. Actors need their directors, that outside eye that watches us and gives us guidance on how to behave. A coach is still necessary when preparing a speech. Recording yourself can allow speakers to watch themselves and correct their mistakes.