 Know the room. Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive
early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and
any visual aids.- Know the audience. Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It’s
easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.
- Know your material. If you’re not familiar with your material or are
uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech
and revise it if necessary.
- Relax. Ease tension by doing exercises.
- Visualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your
voice loud, clear and assured. When you visualize yourself as successful,
you will be successful.
- Realize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be
interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They don’t want
you to fail.
- Don ’t apologize. If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any
problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the
audience’s attention to something they hadn’t noticed. Keep silent.
- Concentrate on the message – not the medium. Focus your attention away
from your own anxieties and outwardly toward your message and your audience.
Your nervousness will dissipate.
- Turn nervousness into positive energy. Harness your nervous energy and
transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.
- Gain experience. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to
effective speaking. A Toastmasters Club can provide the experience you need.
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