Ways to Reduce Those Speaking Nerves
Have you ever been faced with a presentation to colleagues or maybe a speaking slot at a conference or seminar and found that your nerves take over your body. Your palms get sweaty, the throat goes dry and ‘Speaker Splutter’ sets in.
If you, like many others have experienced this, then here are some useful tips and techniques to turn you into an effective speaker.
1. Know the room
Become familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early and walk around the room including the speaking area. Speak into the microphone to get familiar with the sound. Walk around where the audience will be seated. Walk from where you will be seated to your speaking area, as you will be when you are introduced.
2. Know your audience
Greet some of the delegates as they arrive and chat with them. It is easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.
3. Know your material
If you are not familiar with your material or you are uncomfortable with it, the nerves will increase. Practice your speech and revise it until you can present it with ease.
4. Learn to relax
You can ease your nerves and any tension by doing exercises. Sit comfortably with your back straight. Breathe in slowly, hold your breath for four to five seconds, and then slowly exhale. To relax facial muscles, open your mouth and eyes wide, and then close them tightly. Maybe do this out of sight!
5. Visualise yourself talking to the audience
Imagine yourself walking confidently to your speaking area as the audience applauds. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confident. When you visualise yourself as successful, you will be successful.
6. Understand that people want you to succeed
All audiences want the speakers to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They want you to succeed, not fail.
7. Don't apologise
Most of the time your nerves will not show at all. If you don't highlight it, nobody will notice. If you mention your nerves or apologise for any problems you think you have with your speech, you'll only be drawing attention to it. If you remain silent, your listeners may not even notice anything.
8. Concentrate on the message, not the medium
Your nerves will disappear if you focus your attention away from your anxieties and concentrate on your message and your audience, and not on yourself.
9. Turn your nerves into positive energy
The same nervous energy that causes ‘Speaker Splutter’ can be an asset to a speaker. Harness it, and turn it into confidence and enthusiasm.
10. Get some experience
Experience and knowledge builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. Most speakers find their nerves decrease after each speech they give.
