What are some ways to calm your nerves before speaking in public?
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Many people experience nervousness before speaking in public, whether it's a presentation, a speech, or a pitch. This can affect your performance, your confidence, and your message. However, there are some effective ways to calm your nerves and prepare yourself for the challenge. In this article, we'll share six tips to help you deal with public speaking nervousness and deliver your best speech.
Know your audience
One of the first steps to overcome your nervousness is to know who you are speaking to. Research your audience's background, interests and expectations. This will help you tailor your speech to their level, language, and goals. Knowing your audience will also help you anticipate their questions, reactions, and feedback. This way, you can prepare your answers and avoid being caught off guard.
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TOP Answer: " DRUGS " I recently spoke in front of 500 dignitaries at an exclusive event on the other side of the world and Formally I got nervous just speaking on a Zoom webinar. Obviously, there are many well-known methods of calming your nerves prior to speaking at an event like reciting your speech in front of a mirror, Deep Breathing, Avoiding Caffeine, using positive affirmations, and Visualizing yourself giving a successful speech. But the best tool I have found for giving a well-practiced speech is using BETA-BLOCKER Drugs. You will need to ask your doctor for a prescription but, if the speech is important for you to ace, then setting up an appointment with your doctor will be worth the effort.
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Hey, friends! 🎙️ Ever get that butterfly storm in your stomach before stepping on stage? I sure have! Let's tame those winged critters. Imagine if you could have a coffee chat ☕ with your audience before going live. A heart-to-heart. You'd ask about their day, their dreams, their favorite superhero (I'm a Spider-Man guy myself 🕷️). Well, guess what? You CAN! 1️⃣ Check out social profiles; what's making them smile? 2️⃣ Send a survey; find out their burning questions! 3️⃣ Practice with a buddy; they'll catch you if you fall! You're not speaking to a crowd; you're chatting with friends. Let's change the world together, one genuine connection at a time. Now, go rock that stage! 🚀🌟
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Practice your speech
Another key to reducing your nervousness is to practice your speech as much as possible. This will help you improve your delivery, your timing, and your transitions. Practice in front of a mirror, a recorder, or a friend. You should also ask for feedback and suggestions to improve your speech. Practicing your speech will also help you memorize your main points and avoid relying too much on notes or slides.
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Don't use notes during a talk. I've seen it done, and it always comes off as stifled, academic, and boring. I have never used notes in the over 1,000 speeches I've given. But I do use slides as touchstones of my remarks. Images and data give you something to speak to without overly hemming yourself into stale pre-prepared remarks.
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Practice is good. Memorization is not - at least for me. For some that works well, for others, like me, it doesn't. I use slides as visual cues, ensure I know my topic incredibly well, and leave space and room to adjust the presentation based on how the room receives it. I also try to frame it more as a conversation, less as a speech. That helps this introvert quite a lot!
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Visualize your success
A powerful technique to calm your nerves is to visualize yourself giving a successful speech. Imagine yourself speaking confidently, engaging your audience, and conveying your message clearly. Visualize the positive outcomes, such as applause, compliments, or new opportunities. This will help you boost your self-esteem, your motivation, and your optimism. Visualizing your success will also help you replace negative thoughts and emotions with positive ones.
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A tactic I use all the time is stepping into a 'character' version of myself who is a confident and engaging public speaker. Create this version of yourself in your mind — their voice, their mannerisms, their expressions and gesticulations — and then visualize them in the setting where you will speak. When it's time, step into character; when it's over, step out and enjoy the applause.
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For me, this exercise brings in the finest out of me. One may ask WHY? I am a firm believer of having not just Self Belief but also the right Self Concept! I take a moment to reflect the target audience in front of whom I would be speaking - thinking how confident and authentic I am while answering to them I am making things pretty simple for my audience and they are simply loving it - even if something goes wrong in terms of the sentence that am using, I have the capability to bring the situation back in control This is one process that can never leave you behind ;)
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Take deep breaths
One of the simplest and most effective ways to calm your nerves is to take deep breaths. Breathing deeply will help you relax your body, your mind, and your voice. It will also help you lower your heart rate, your blood pressure, and your stress levels. You can practice deep breathing before, during, and after your speech. You can also use breathing exercises, such as the 4-7-8 technique, to calm yourself down.
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I both agree and disagree with this statement. I feel like public speaking has become less cinematic and more robotic. Listen to your favorite song. Get pumped. Get excited! Then give them everything you’ve got.
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Nervous energy is a valuable resource. Don't quench it, embrace it! Sure, know your material cold, know your audience, etc. but don't over think it. Be real, tell stories, enjoy the moment.
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Use positive affirmations
Another way to calm your nerves is to use positive affirmations. Positive affirmations are statements that reinforce your strengths, abilities, and goals. You can repeat them to yourself or write them down. Some examples of positive affirmations are: "I am a confident speaker", "I have prepared well for this speech", or "I can do this".
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Before delving a workshop or giving a talk I still get nervous and despite always being well prepared and well on time, I still have to run for a very late toilet break which at least means I'm free of any overwhelming need for a toilet break during the presentation. I found cue cards very useful, but I also often fully script my talk and at times turn to it and read, audiences appreciate you are being careful and often pay a little more attention. Know who invited you to speak and what they and the event are about, and listen to those on stage before you. Make meaningful references to all of these in your own presentation
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I've always been a firm believer of using positive affirmations and they have been nothing less than magical for me. Sharing a few examples that I firmly believe in using prior to my public speaking: - I am brilliant - I am awesome - I have delivered one of the finest presentations This is not to say that I may not get goosebumps...but its a way to manage myself better ;)
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Focus on your message
The final tip to calm your nerves is to focus on your message. Remember why you are speaking in public, what you want to achieve, and what value you can offer to your audience. Focus on the content, the structure, and the delivery of your speech. Don't worry too much about your mistakes, your appearance, or your audience's judgment. Focus on your message and you will be more likely to connect with your audience and make an impact.
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When you, as a speaker, focus on adding value to your audience and really hone in on the core of your message, it's amazing how it helps shift your attention away from any nerves you might be feeling. Think of it this way: instead of worrying about yourself, you're concentrating on what your audience needs and wants to hear. It's not just about you up there on the stage, it's about them. When you get caught up in the importance of your message and how it can truly impact your listeners, your mind doesn't have space to dwell on anxiety or fear.
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Knowing your content down cold helps you remember to have a conversation.. however for me even more I view my time speaking to an audience as a privilege, an exchange . When I focus on the audience rather than on myself I am more attuned to their needs their cues, their body language and that helps me relax..
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Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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Choose a few audience members to make eye contact with. Once you know your message and have practiced what you will say, you need to land audience engagement. Create your connection through eye contact. Choosing only a few folks ensures that you will look around the room, perhaps even moving. In the exchange, it could even relax you further as you notice nodding or other positive reactions to your message.
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In my experience, it's important to understand your subject, know your audience, and survey the room for its energy. Don't compromise your personality; be authentic and true to yourself. Overcome fear by practicing and identifying your specific fears. Develop a signature start that engages the audience, such as music or a captivating reading. Consider incorporating prayer or meditation to find inner peace. By following these strategies, you can deliver an inspiring speech with confidence. Embrace the opportunity to share your message, remembering that practice and self-belief are key.
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