How to Get Over Speaking in Front of People

Public speaking is an irrational fear that many people have.

One of the most intense and widespread fears among people is the fear of public speaking. Sometimes the anxiety is so intense that the speaker cannot control the tone of his voice, keep his hands and legs from shaking or stop excessive sweating. If this sounds familiar to you, you can get over your fear and anxiety when speaking in front of people, with some effort and support.

Instructions

1. Write a speech that your audience will find interesting. Know your audience and what's important to them. Provide them with an action to take, which will give you a goal to accomplish and will give them something to take away from your speech. For example, instead of lecturing about environmental problems, tell the audience specific ways that they can help the environment.

2. Picture yourself delivering the speech successfully in front of an audience before you speak. Visualize yourself overcoming common mistakes, such as verbal tics, by pausing for a second or even taking a deep breath. Continue to take deep, calm breaths as your run through the scenario in your head.

3. Go through your speech as many times as possible. Practice until you not only know exactly what you plan to say, but you know how your body language will express what you are saying. For example, if you need to point to a visual aid, actually point when you are practicing.

4. Exercise a few hours before giving your speech. According to speaking coach Doug Stevenson, just exercising aerobically for about fifteen minutes can increase your oxygen supply and assist with focusing during the speech.

5. Slow down as you deliver your speech. Divide your speech into topic segments so that you know exactly when you can take a second to pause before beginning new information. Incorporate visual aids into pauses; after referring to a chart for example, take a deep breath while the audience looks at the chart.

6. Address your major symptoms while speaking. For example, have water at the podium if you suffer from dry mouth. If your hands shake, clasp them together on the podium, or use them to signal to visual aids. Shift your weight to combat shaking legs, and take a deep breath or sip of water if your voice starts to falter.

References

• CBS News: Help For Public-Speaking Anxiety
• Harvard University: Easy Public Speaking Tips
• The University of Texas at Austin: How to Shake the Fear of Public Speaking
• WebMD: Conquering Fear of Public Speaking