Public speaking can be a nerve-wracking experience. Feeling a little nervous speaking in front of a group is normal. If you are feeling totally terrified and petrified with fear, there are a number of things you can do. The following public speaking suggestions will help you nix the nervousness as you entertain, inform, and motivate your listeners.
Be Prepared - Memorize your speech. If you must have notes with you when public speaking to be confident, just have small note cards. Arrange the cards in the order of your speech and only include bullet points, not paragraphs of text. The cards will keep your speech "on track". Do not read straight from your note cards, just glance at them quickly.
Picture Giving a Great Speech - Practice seeing in your mind your speech going brilliantly. Picture delivering your speech perfectly to a group hanging on for every word you say.
Get Familiar With the Stage - Visit the location you will be giving a speech beforehand or arrive early the day of your speech. Take the time to get familiarize yourself with the stage, sound equipment, backstage areas, and any stairs leading to the stage. Pay particular attention to the amount of public speaking space on the stage so you know how much room you have.
Do an Equipment Check - Make the effort to check your audio-visual equipment. This includes doing a sound check, learning to use the microphones, music, projectors, and other public speaking equipment. Also, make sure spare parts are available, such as replacements for burnt out projector bulbs and extra cables. Do not allow faulty or broken equipment to ruin your speech. Ensure that your audio-visual crew is competent with what they are doing.
Greet Your Audience - If it is possible, take the time to speak with your audience as they arrive. Knowing the nature of your audience will allow you to feel more comfortable when speaking to them. You may even obtain some ideas, stories, or jokes to include in your public speaking speech.
Take a Few Minutes to Relax - Take some time before your speech to prepare yourself. Take some deep breaths and focus yourself. Do not consume alcohol to relax before speaking. Allow your nervous energy to become positive public speaking enthusiasm for your audience and your content.
If Things Go Wrong, Do Not Apologize - Most of the time your audience will not realize something in your speech did not go according to plan. That is, they will not know unless you apologize.
Remember That Your Audience Wants You To Do Well - Your audience is excited to hear you speak and they want you to succeed. They want to learn from you and anticipate an entertaining and informative speech.
