Dealing With The Fear Of Public Speaking

How To Manage Nerves During A Presentation

© Heather Harris

Aug 9, 2009
public speaker, www.morguefile.com
The thought of giving a speech automatically sets many people's adrenalin pumping like they have drank 10 double espressos. How best can they quell these fears?

Many people, when preparing for or attempting a public speech, automatically get sweaty palms, a dry mouth, shaky hands and butterflies in the stomach. This task that may promote and amplify a career seem to be more trouble and stress than it's worse to many because of their fear of the situation.

Public speaking is daunting to nearly everyone, especially first timers. Even the most professional speakers have learned to calm their nerves and motivate themselves before the big presentation-that’s why they are professionals. Here are some tips that may help prepare those for a presentation, speech or oratory.

Prepare Makes Perfect

First of all, one of the best things one can do is be prepared. Flying by the seat of one's pants nearly guarantees a fumble and flustering mess. Memorization, even if it means going to the extent of learning the words by heart, can be a much more effective tool. Another method, which may help the speech from being so stilted and prevent the stilted performance of a talking mannequin, is to simply memorize the most important aspects.

Before presenting a speech use note cards in many different ways. The speech can be written verbatim or on note cards with the main points highlighted. Some people find it easier to give a rote explanation of what they know, while others just want to keep their place as they ramble (hopefully intelligently) about the subject they are familiar with.

The next step is practice. Practice pulbic-speakers aren't afraid to look like a fool walking around their home delivering the speech to ythemselves. Often times by actually speaking the words out-loud they will get a good idea of what works and what doesn’t. If something sounds “off” to them, then most likely it needs to be re-written. Practice in front of a mirror to adjust the mind to the stress of knowing they are going to be watched often also helps, as does practicing in front of friends and family for more experience in front of others.

Tips To Eliminate Nervousness

On the day of the speech try to refrain from caffeinated beverages. Speakers may think this will make them more alert, but they are more likely to raise adrenalin levels even higher than they already are. Stick to water or juice. If possible eat a small meal heavy on protein for energy and stamina.

If the speaker can they should arrive at the hall, meeting room or auditorium early, in order to familiarize themselves with where the guests will be seated, where they will stand, etc. By getting there early they avoid the unnecessary stress of placing themselves in a new environment and “being on” immediately.

Before beginning the speech, deep breaths can relax the body and lowers the blood pressure. Often times, the mere thought of giving a speech gives speakers the shakes, going first can keep them from dwelling on the upcoming event.

In Case Of Emergency

If a speaker gets flustered and loose their place what do they do? Often times they can take a deep breath and simply smile. The audience will be less likely to notice this than if they begin to stammer and shuffle cards around. A speaker can try ad-libbing, but they can judge that spin of the roulette wheel by how comfortable they feel with the crowd. Above all they should get back they should attempt to get back to the the main subject and continue on.


The copyright of the article Dealing With The Fear Of Public Speaking in Personal Work Habits is owned by Heather Harris. Permission to republish Dealing With The Fear Of Public Speaking in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.


public speaker, www.morguefile.com
       


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Comments
Sep 15, 2009 3:54 AM
Guest :
Practice and preparing makes perfect presentation..that overcomes fear..


http://fearofspeakinginpublic.net
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