Feeling
some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and
healthy.
It shows you care about doing well.
But too much nervousness can be detrimental.
Here's how you can control your nervousness and make effective,
memorable presentations |
| 1 |
Know
the room. Be familiar with the place
in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the
speaking area and practice using the microphone and any
visual aids. |
| 2 |
Know
the audience. Greet some of the audience as
they arrive. Its easier to speak to a group of friends
that to a group of strangers. |
| 3 |
Know
your material. If you are not familiar with
your material or you are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness
will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.
|
| 4 |
Relax.
Ease tension by doing exercises. |
| 5 |
Visualize
yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself
speaking, your voice loud, clear and assured. When you
visualise yourself as successful, you will be successful |
| 6 |
Realize
that people want you to succeed. Audiences
want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and
entertaining. They do not want you to fail. |
| 7 |
Don't
apologize. If you mention your nervousness
or apologise for any problems you think you have with
your speech, you may be calling the audiences attention
to something they had not noticed. Keep silent. |
| 8 |
Concentrate
on the message - not the medium. Focus your
attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly
towards your message and your audience. Your nervousness
will dissipate. |
| 9 |
Turn
nervousness into positive energy. Harness your
nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm. |
|
|
Gain
experience. Experience builds confidence, which
is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club
can provide the experience you need. |
