Public speaking can rattle the nerves of even the most seasoned professional. It’s such a common fear that it can prevent some business people from achieving career success, because giving speeches and presentations, especially as a business executive, is unavoidable. The nerves that come with public speaking may not be avoidable, but they are controllable. Rather than focusing on getting rid of nerves, your goal should be to manage them. These calming techniques will help you before and during your next public speaking event.
Before the Event
- Prepare – This is crucial for calming your nerves before a public speaking event. Know your material well in advance, and avoid the stress that comes with procrastination. A well-prepared presentation has a better chance of running smoothly.
- Rehearse – Practice, practice, practice (and then practice some more). Practice in front of a mock audience or with your communications coach, to get constructive feedback. Video record and review your presentation.
- Know your venue – Familiarize yourself with where you will be standing versus where the audience will be, and note if there will be distractions, such as cocktails or a meal being served.
- Know your audience – What do they want to gain, and what insights are they hoping to obtain? This will help guide your presentation, so you can be confident that you’re delivering information that resonates with your audience.
- Practice positive self-talk – Replace negative thinking with positive affirmations, and tell yourself that you are prepared and confident. Envision a successful outcome.
- Take a deep breath – Don’t worry about launching straight into your speech or presentation. Take a calming breath before you begin, and rest assured, it’s not as awkward as it feels.
During the Event
- Keep breathing – Breathe during the presentation, especially if you begin to feel overwhelmed. Anxiety frequently causes you to speed up and take fewer pauses, literally making it harder to get enough oxygen.
- Speak slowly – Speaking slowly will help you maintain calm during the presentation, and this will prevent your speech from feeling hurried.
- Avoid scanning – Scanning the audience too quickly can feel disconcerting and make you look nervous. Slow down the movement of your eyes by making eye contact with individuals. It will feel less like an impersonal public speaking event and more like a conversation.
- Focus on supporters – If you’re feeling nervous, learn to read the room so you can seek out those who are engaged to help calm you down.
Regardless of the way your nerves are making you feel inside, remember: You don’t look as nervous as you feel. By practicing these calming techniques, you can manage your nerves and command the stage. Whether you are a pro at public speaking or just getting started, these tips will help you feel confident and prepared every time. For more insight on how to win the nerve battle, read Suzanne’s article, “Overcoming Your Nerves: Make Public Speaking One of Your Strengths.”
Franchetti Communications delivers accelerated results by designing power-packed media interview and presentation training sessions around your unique goals, in person and via teleconference. Franchetti Communications works with corporations and business leaders to develop communication strategy, messaging, and PR strategy. Follow Franchetti Communications on LinkedIn, and be sure to download our special report: 6 Ways to Guarantee Your Message Cuts Through the Clutter.