How to Control Your Nerves During Public Speaking
The audience at a speech usually wants to see the speaker succeed. When you're the one onstage, however, it's difficult to remember the audience is on your side. Although you might want to put the speech out of your mind until the last moment, putting in adequate preparation time and developing techniques to make you comfortable can help keep your heart rate in check. Keep in mind a few key elements for a glitch-free speech.
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Instructions
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Write out key points that cover your introduction, middle and conclusion. Depending on your venue and comfort level, you might choose to speak from point-form notes or to write out the entire text of your speech and read it from the podium. In either case, start with an anecdote to get your audience interested and finish your speech with a re-statement of your key points. Use plain, accessible language that your audience can follow easily.
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Practice your speech. Say your speech in its entirety to a trusted friend, your bathroom mirror, your pet or to an empty room. This exercise will get you used to hearing your voice. Your words will flow more easily if you've rehearsed them a few times, so your worry about losing your place or being stuck for the next thing to say should be lifted. You'll also be able to time your speech and make adjustments if your text is too long.
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Identify steps you can take to raise your comfort level. Bring water and sip it during pauses throughout the speech if your throat has a tendency to become dry. If you have difficulty standing, work out a subtle method to shift your weight to relieve the discomfort. If you are intimidated by the prospect of meeting the gaze of members of the audience, work out a way to look up from your paper that puts you at ease. If close friends will be in the audience, choose to look at them for support while you talk.
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Get excited just before you make your speech. A burst of energy can give you the stamina you need to get through the speech. Susan Cain, author of "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking," recommends speaking to a good friend who makes you laugh. You can also do some quick low-impact exercises such as a few jumping jacks for a few minutes before heading onstage.
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References
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