Feeling some nervousness
before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well …
but too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here's how you can control your nervousness
and make effective memorable presentations:
- Know the room. 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.
- Know your material. If you're not familiar with your material, or are
uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech (mentor!) and
revise it if necessary.
- Relax. Ease tension by doing exercises.
- Visualise yourself giving
your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your
voice loud, clear and assured.
- Realise 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 apologise. If you mention your nervousness or apologise for any
problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling their attention to
something they hadn't noticed.
- Concentrate on the message -
not the medium. Focus your attention away from
your own anxieties and outwardly toward your message and your audience.
- 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.
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