|
Conquer
Stage Fright with This Strategy
Do you become nauseated or tremble at
the thought of public speaking? You can overcome your fear with a little help
from the editors of American
Speaker who offer these suggestions for easing your anxiety:
-
Speak more, not less.
Experience is the best cure for performance anxiety. Your confidence will grow
each time you speak publicly, so seek out opportunities that put you in front
of groups, large and small. Examples: Volunteer to lead a section of the agenda
at your next team meeting. Raise your hand and contribute to the discussion
when you find yourself in the audience. Putting yourself out there in these
kinds of situations will help prepare you for more formal speeches in the
future.
-
Give yourself a pep talk.
Instead of dreading a presentation as a public performance, view each
presentation as a conversation with friends. Remember: Your listeners want you
to succeed; they joined the audience because they want to hear your message.
Focus on sharing your knowledge and expertise - rather than putting on a show -
and your fear will melt away.
-
Take care of yourself. Allow
time for adequate sleep the night before, eat healthy meals, and schedule time
for a workout in the morning or evening before you present. Working out
relieves stress and produces endorphins, so you'll feel more relaxed and
confident.
-
Use your time wisely. In
addition to your earlier preparations, spend a few minutes right before you go
on stage practicing your speech aloud. This will help you warm up your speaking
voice and reboot your confidence.
Every
Person’s Guide to Public Speaking guides you through each step in
the process, from creating the perfect presentation to overcoming challenges
that might throw you off your game.
Sign up for the complimentary
American
Speaker Forum e-letter to receive monthly advice on how to polish your
presentations and speak effectively in any situation.
Read the
American Speaker Blog
to ease your public speaking anxiety and grow into the most effective,
compelling, and persuasive public speaker you can be.
Browse
Workplace Training Center
and view all of their
public
speaking training resources.
|
