How to Stay Calm When Giving a Speech

The more thoroughly you know your material, the easier it is to speak through nerves.

Stage fright can strike any speaker, whether you are a seasoned presenter or giving a speech for the first time. The sweaty palms, dry mouth, trembling and forgetfulness can take over, making the time on stage terrifying. No matter how bad your nerves, though, you can reduce your anxiety and make it through the speech successfully. By taking steps to cut your stress before and during the speech, you can eliminate stage fright and turn in a confident performance.

Instructions

1. Know your material. Read about the topic, talk to people who are directly related to it and interview subject matter experts. Go out of your way to find out what other people are saying about it by finding newspaper, magazine and online articles. The more thoroughly you know the subject, the easier it will be to talk about it when you are under pressure.

2. Rehearse with a video camera or audio recorder during the early stages of speech writing. Record yourself giving the speech and listen for things that will be amplified during the actual event, like vocal tics or a tendency to speak too quickly. When you have practiced the speech a few times, give it in front of a small audience that represents the people who will be at your speech. Ask your boss, co-workers, family members or friends to listen and give you hints about how you can improve.

3. Bring water on stage with you to combat the anxiety caused by a dry throat. Carry out a bottle of water or ask the organizers to put out a pitcher and a glass. Choose a bottle or glass with a narrow mouth so the water will not spill if you are shaking. During the speech, take a drink when your mouth gets dry or if your nerves throw you off track; use the brief pause to collect your thoughts and take a deep breath before continuing on.

4. Relax by taking a deep breath just before you begin and then exhale through your nose. Refill slowly after taking a pause. This will expel carbon dioxide, let you start with afresh air in your system, and trigger relaxation.

References

• Toastmasters International; A Quick Guide to Public Speaking; Bo Bennett
• Stressipedia; Fear-Less Public Speaking; Peter G. Hanson, MD; 2011