A good preparation is half the work.
Public speaking can have a paralyzing effect if you are a first-time speaker. You have the jitters, your mouth is dry, your heart is beating faster and you fear making mistakes. Whether you are the best man speaking at a wedding or a student facing a public speaking assignment, there are ways you can overcome your public-speaking nerves.
Practice Your Speech
Rehearsing your speech several times before family or friends will help ease your nerves and reduce stress. Not only will you get more familiar with the topic you are speaking about, you can also have them ask questions to test your knowledge on the subject. The more you know about the subject, the more confidence you will have. Repeating your speech several times will also make you less dependent on your notes.
Breathing Exercises
Tension and anxiety makes your breathing shallow and restricts oxygen to your brain. To perform at your best, relax yourself by practicing breathing exercises before your public engagement. Sit or stand up straight and take a deep breath in through your nose. Hold the breath for up to five seconds before releasing it through your mouth. Breathing deeply and slowly will promote mental and physical wellness and clear your mind.
Connecting With Your Audience
You can reduce your stress and nerves by realizing your audience are people also. They want you to give a good speech and are not rooting against you. Public speaking can be intimidating, and connecting with your audience is essential. Sharing a personal experience can create a connection with your audience. Stand up straight and smile as you speak. You will come across as confident, and you'll feel more confident as well.
Hydrate Yourself
Nerves can make your mouth dry, making it harder to speak. Keeping a drink of water on hand will help keep your throat and mouth hydrated. Just knowing the water is available to you can help ease your nerves. Don't drink caffeinated beverages, because these only make your jitters worse.
Believe In Yourself
Keeping a positive outlook can help ease your mind. Believing you can give a good speech will help you overcome any concerns and worries. Eliminate fear by realizing you cannot get harmed physically from public speaking and this moment will pass also. If you believe in yourself, people will notice and they will believe in you as well.
Tags: ease your, help ease, help ease your, will help, your audience, your mouth, ease your nerves