How to Relax When Speaking in Public

Even the most skilled public speakers need to calm their nerves before a big speech.

Speaking in public is something most people get nervous about. The fear of making a fool of yourself publicly by flubbing your lines or forgetting your words is commonplace. But, standing in front of a crowd and appearing confident takes work, and knowing how to relax before and during the speech is something that can be learned. The art of public speaking gets easier the more you do it, so take a deep breath, relax and show the audience that you're a master of your subject.

Instructions

1. Relax your muscles before the speech. Wriggle your fingers and toes. Bend your wrists and elbows. Do shoulder and neck rolls.

2. Take a sip of water before giving your speech. Being nervous can make your throat feel dry, making it hard to speak clearly. Use the glass of water technique if you feel like you need a moment to gather your thoughts.Taking a sip of water in the middle of the speech is a great way to compose yourself.

3. Know your material. Being an expert on the material you're about to present will make you a better speaker and will give you the confidence to stand in front of crowd. Prepare and practice your speech every day before the event so that you're ready and comfortable with the material.

4. Take your time while giving your speech and speak clearly. If you try and speak to quickly it will show how nervous you are and you may not make your points clear.

5. Put yourself in a relaxed mindset by using visualization techniques. Go to a quiet place before the speech, take deep breaths and imagine a place where you feel comfortable and safe.

6. Breathe during the speech. When people are filled with stress and anxiety, they tense up and forget to breathe. Take a second to catch your breath. Finish a sentence and wait a beat before speaking again.

7. Put yourself in a calm mindset before the speech. Listen to soothing music or meditate so that you're focusing on your breathing and not thoughts of fear or failure.

References

• SpeechClub: Relaxation Techniques