How to Avoid Being Jittery When Making a Speech
Giving a speech can be a challenge; even experienced public speakers can have anxiety and nervousness. Preparing for the speech as much as possible beforehand will aid you in giving a speech that is calm and engaging and prevent you from appearing apprehensive or jittery. The more you practice the speech, the more comfortable with the flow of the words you will become, enhancing the final presentation. Memorizing the speech will also make you more confident and less jittery.
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Instructions
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Write down the speech several days or even weeks before you are due to present it to give yourself ample time to rehearse and become comfortable with the wording.
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Copy the speech in large letters onto note cards for rehearsing. The large letters allow you to easily and quickly read the words on the cards. You can also hold them discreetly during the presentation to qualm fears about blanking on your speech.
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Practice the speech, memorizing as much as possible, in front of a mirror.
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Rehearse in front of one or a few friends or family members you are comfortable with.
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Visit the podium or stage you will be speaking at beforehand to become accustomed to the surroundings and environment.
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Select a spot on the wall directly ahead of you over the heads of those you are speaking to when you are presenting the speech. Continuously look up at this spot during your delivery. Making contact with audience members while speaking can add to speech jitters, but looking down at the ground will make you appear nervous. Looking at a spot on a wall directly above the heads of the audience will make you appear confident and collected.
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Keep a trinket in your pocket, such as a coin or paper clip, during the speech. Twist it between your fingers as you speak if you become nervous. This can help distract you from some of your anxieties and keep your hands engaged during the presentation so you do not become flustered as to what to do with them.
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Work pauses into the speech to give you time to collect your breath and composure throughout the presentation.
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References
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