Q: What are some techniques to engage your audience?
A: Eye contact is so important. Your audience is listening for what you have in common, and eye contact invites them into a much more intimate relationship. If you’re doing a podcast, you want to speak clearly and with emotion so your audience can feel you through their earbuds.

Nikól Peterman is a certified empowerment coach who works with professional artists, speakers, entrepreneurs and presenters. A professional performer for 20 years, her work spans across film, commercials, musical theater and modeling. Peterman teaches public speaking and performing techniques in workshops across the United States.

Q: What physical things can people do to feel confident in speaking publicly?
A: Before you speak, take a moment to feel your body. Close your eyes and place your hand on your belly and just do deep belly breathing. Take three breaths before speaking. Another thing that can be really helpful is to feel your feet and make sure your knees are soft. It’s helpful to feel grounded. Conversely, when doing a podcast, you can bring that same attention to your feet. Uncross your legs to avoid cutting off blood flow. Grounding and support calms the body.

Q: How can shy entrepreneurs and business leaders break out of their shell?
A: I dealt a lot with nerves. I was worried the audience wouldn’t like me. As a performer, I went through that regardless of loving the spotlight. It’s common whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. One of the most important things that can help is to remember what you have in common with your audience. Start small – we both have eyes, ears, hair. It can begin that simply, and you build from there – we both care about our employees, our message, etc.

Q: What if you forget what you’re supposed to say?
A: I’m a huge believer in preparation. Whether you have an outline or cards, practice first. There are so many variables you won’t have control over. You need to prepare so you know at least your part is taken care of. If you forget what you’re going to talk about, you’re taking the audience out of the equation.

Q: What should you do when you think you’ve lost the audience?
A: Take a moment and check in with yourself first. Am I talking a mile a minute, speaking loud enough, speaking too slow? The audience is your direct mirror. If they’re disengaged, it’s an opportunity to figure out what you’re doing wrong.