How to reduce anxiety before a speech
Does your heart start pounding with anxiety when you think of speaking in front of an audience? For many people, this anxiety can grow into pure panic.
If you feel nervous in any way: Welcome to the club! Studies show that over 98% of the people feel nervous about talking in public, no matter whether in a meeting with five or at a conference with a hundred participants.
What makes you feel less nervous?
I’m pretty sure you would feel more comfortable showing a video of your exciting holiday to your friends, compared to presenting a new product to fifty potential clients in a large conference room. What is different?
The level of nervousness you experience probably changed in the course of your life. It depends on your audience, on your level of preparation and on what you are talking about. And of course on your confidence.
But primarily, it depends on your perception of the audience.
3 Steps to make friends with your audience
There are three essential steps to help you feel more comfortable with your audience:
- Clarity
- Preparation
- Trust
Let’s take a closer look at each of them.
1. Clarity
Make sure the following is clear to you:
The “Why”
Why will you hold the presentation? What would you like YOUR AUDIENCE to get from it? What would YOU like to get from it? Decide whether you want to Inform, Inspire, or Persuade your audience to action.
The “What”
Do you know exactly what you will talk about? What else do you need in order to be effective? How much do you like the topic, and how much do you believe in it?
The “Who”
Who will be your audience? What problems are they facing and what are their special needs?
The “When”
What time of the day are you going to hold your speech or presentation? Are people going to feel tired or hungry? Will your be an opening speech, or the last one?
The “How”
How are you going to present it? How long will it be? Will it sound very formal? What level of interaction would you like to offer? Will you allow questions during the presentation, or only afterwards?
2. Preparation
Your audience is not focussed on you, but on what you will give them. Once you are clear on the points above, it will be much easier for you to prepare your presentation or speech.
Collect information
Put together all the information you need, both for the presentation and for possible questions. What is the most dreaded question you hope not to be asked? Formulate an answer for it. You will never know everything. What will you answer in case you don’t have an answer? Formulate your statement.
Set up a clear structure
Organize your speech in writing. It should include an introduction, a main body and the closing statement that reinforces your reasoning and serves your purpose.
Practice & Mind your time
How much time will you have at your disposal? Practice the speech as often as needed, also to ensure that you stay within the time-frame. This will help you feel more confident and in control.
Create anchors
If you fear that you may forget some parts, either write the entire speech on a large sheet, highlighting the keywords, or use several small, numbered cards and write a keyword on each one of them.
Add passion and humour
People will feel your passion and energy. Passion may come natural if you love the topic. If not, what could you include to help you connect with it better? Also, include a little bit of humour, for example a short funny anecdote: it’s an excellent ice-breaker!
Take time off
If possible, make sure you are ready at least one day before the event. Plan something enjoyable for the evening before. Anything that will take your thoughts off your presentation or speech.
Dress for success
Choose clothes that are appropriate for the event and that feel natural and comfortable to you. Are you happy with your overall look, your hair, etc?
Get familiar with the environment
Get to the presentation venue at least 20 minutes earlier or more, so you have some time to get familiar with it and feel more at ease. It will also help you check that everything is working (computer, overhead projector, lights, etc.)
Relax
Take 5 – 10 minutes for some quiet time in the restroom, close your eyes, inhale deeply, exhale and mentally count from 1001 to 1006. Repeat as needed until you feel more relaxed. Contract and release your buttocks for at least 5 times, that’s where a lot of tension gets stuck. Rise your shoulders and let them fall again for at least 5 times. Look at the mirror and give yourself a big smile!
3. Trust
If you are well prepared, then 99% of it is settled. Accept that you cannot control everything, and this is great: That’s how opportunities arise!
Only good can come from it
No matter how nervous you are, this is your opportunity to learn something new and get better. Every time you talk in front of people, you have the opportunity to create a connection with them. What is the worst thing that could happen? And what is the best thing that could happen?
Grow with your audience
Your audience is there to receive something from you. Are you ready to share what you have with them? Are you ready to receive what they will give you? Where there is an exchange, there is mutual growth.
Thank your nervousness
Thanks to it, you will stay more present, and look and sound full of energy! So make sure you keep your adrenaline level high enough. Or would you rather prefer to be sooo calm that you and your audience almost doze off?
Conclusion
There are several things you can do to feel more comfortable about speaking in public. The more you practice, the better you will get. Look for opportunities: where could you hold a speech? In a school? During some events in your community? Consider attending a course or joining a Toastmasters Club, where you can practice at your pace in a friendly and supporting environment. You can find Toastmasters Clubs all over the world, maybe there’s one near you.
Here are a few links:
Toastmasters International – find a location near you
Toastmasters EasyClub Milan, Italy
Toastmasters Varese, Italy
Who knows, you may become truly passionate about sharing your thoughts and ideas with an audience!
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Comments
Great article about preparation. God did give us a mind to think things through. Now we know how those that give great presentations without being nervous do it. I am also glad our college required a class on public speaking. We had to do 3 speeches in the quarter and this gave us all valuable experience.
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