Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows you care about doing well. But, too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here’s how you can control your nervousness and make effective, memorable presentations: 1.\tKnow the room. Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.<\/p>\n
2.\tKnow the audience. Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.<\/p>\n
3.\tKnow your material. If you’re not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.<\/p>\n
4.\tRelax. Ease tension by doing exercises.<\/p>\n
5.\tVisualize yourself giving your speech. Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear, and assured. When you visualize yourself as successful, you will be successful.<\/p>\n
6.\tRealize that people want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative, and entertaining. They don’t want you to fail.<\/p>\n
7.\tDon’t apologize. If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any problems you think you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience’s attention to something they hadn’t noticed. Keep silent.<\/p>\n
8.\tConcentrate on the message — not the medium. Focus your attention away from your own anxieties, and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness will dissipate.<\/p>\n
9.\tTurn nervousness into positive energy. Harness your nervous energy and transform it into vitality and enthusiasm.<\/p>\n
10.\tGain experience. Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need.<\/p>\n
VISIT A TOASTMASTERS CLUB! Toastmasters clubs meet in the morning, at noon, and in the evening in approximately 70 countries worldwide. No matter where you live, work, or travel you are more than likely to find a club nearby. If you’d like to learn more about joining Toastmasters, follow the How to Become a Member link.<\/p>\n