It's possible to overcome your fear of public speaking.
There are other people who are afraid of public speaking.Performance anxiety is normal when you give a speech.It is possible to overcome your fear so you can give effective public speeches.Know your topic well and prepare for your speech to build your confidence.Try relaxation techniques to get over performance anxiety.If you confront your worries, they will go.Take a class or reach out to someone who can help you with your public speaking.
Step 1: Know what you're talking about.
It is normal to be afraid that you will forget something.Being prepared is the best way to deal with this fear.If you understand your topic, read about it.If you have time, look for online videos to deepen your understanding.Try to pick a topic that you already know about.If you don't have time to do an internet search, read the first few sources that come up.Make sure these sources are reliable.
Step 2: Do you want to write a speech?
It is helpful to write out what you want to say.You should include a brief introduction to your topic.You can support your main points by writing out paragraphs.The conclusion of your speech should tell audience members what to take from it.It doesn't have to be perfect.Revisions can be made while you practice.
Step 3: An outline or note card is a good way to go through your speech.
It is helpful to have notes when you give a speech to help you remember what you said.It is easy to get tripped up if your notes are too long.The basic elements of your speech can be included on an outline or note card.You can see a key term when you look down.Keeps trash out of landfills is an outline for a speech about recycling.Less trash A.Landfills save resources.It was used for new products.Consumers have a voice when the use of raw materials is cut.Can choose recycled B.Consumer wants brands to meet them.
Step 4: You should practice your speech before you give it.
It is true that practice makes perfect.When you step in front of the audience, practicing will help you feel confident.You can start by reading your speech to yourself.You can perform your speech in front of a mirror if you feel ready.Time yourself when you're practicing if you have a time limit.If you need to increase or decrease the length, make adjustments.At first, listen to your voice.Make adjustments if you don't like the sound of your speech.Make gestures or facial expressions when you are in front of the mirror.Look at what feels right to you.
Step 5: Improve your performance by filming yourself.
You can film yourself doing your speech with a video camera or phone.Use gestures and facial expressions to act like your phone is the audience.Look for areas where you can improve after watching the speech.You should do this many times to build your confidence.Don't worry about the quality of the video or anyone else watching it.This video is for you.
Step 6: Before you speak in public, give your speech to family and friends.
Pick people who are supportive of you even though they need to improve.You should perform your speech for an audience.If you could improve on anything, ask them what they liked about the speech.Start with just one person.Gradually increase the number of people in your audience.
Step 7: To quickly release feeling good, smile.
Even if it is fake, smiling is the easiest way to calm down.Your body makes you feel better when you smile.Think of a funny thing to make you feel better.Think of a scene from a comedy.You can recite a joke you enjoy.If you can, look at your favorite meme on your phone.
Step 8: Relax deeply.
As you count to 5, slowly inhale through your nose.Hold your breath for a count.As you count to 5, exhale slowly.Slow breaths will help you calm down.If you are about to go on stage, breathe deeply and put the air in your stomach.Release your mouth.Breathing deeply can help you calm down.
Step 9: Put your hand on your forehead and relax.
Performance anxiety can cause your fight-or-flight response, which causes your blood to go to your arms and legs.If you put your hand on your forehead, you can bring the blood back to your head.Your body will send your blood upward if you signal it with your hand.You can use this to center your thoughts for your speech.During a fight or flight response, your blood goes to your limbs because you are anticipating getting physical.You should feel better after a few minutes.
Step 10: Look at it from a different perspective.
It is possible to make you feel like you have experienced the thing you are imagining.Take a picture of yourself giving a speech.Imagine that everyone is excited to hear that you are doing an excellent job.Then, imagine yourself walking to the applause after your speech.It makes you feel like you can succeed.
Negative thoughts about yourself are normal before a speech.Stop and acknowledge a negative thought if you notice it.Challenge its credibility after that.It's time to replace it with a positive thought.If you catch yourself thinking, "I'm going to look stupid up there," challenge this by asking yourself "Why do I think this?" and "What could go right?"
Step 12: In low-stress situations, look for opportunities to practice public speaking.
Getting more practice is the best way to relieve anxiety, but it is hard to do when you are afraid.Start small by speaking in front of your friends, volunteering to speak to local clubs, or speaking to small groups in class or at work.You can find public speaking groups on Meetup.com.Give a presentation to a local troop of Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts or Cub Scouts.
Step 13: List the worries that are making you afraid.
Speak it aloud to help you process your worries, or write it down.You might be afraid of looking silly if you say the wrong thing.Be specific about what makes you nervous.Being judged, not measuring up, or making a bad impression are some of the common worries.
Step 14: You can list the probable outcomes to make your worries go away.
How likely is your fear to come true?Imagine how your speech will go.There are positive things that could happen.This will help you realize that your fears are not likely to come true.Let's say you're worried that you won't remember what you said.If you need to refresh your memory, you can remind yourself that you know your topic and have your note card with you.Take a picture of yourself using the note card.If the thing you're afraid of actually happened to you, think about what you have done to prevent it from happening again.You should remind yourself that you've practiced and prepared for the speech.
Step 15: Be aware that the audience wants you to succeed.
The audience is not there to judge you.Your audience is there to hear what you have to say.They want you to do a good job.Think of them as supporters.When you go to see someone speak, think about how you feel.Do you think they will do a bad job?Is it better to look for mistakes or to judge how nervous they are?Probably not.
Step 16: You can reduce your fear by mingling with your audience.
Introduce yourself to the people in the room.You should try to meet as many people as possible.It will make you feel less worried because you will feel like one of the group.As people come in to greet you, you might stand by the door.If you do not meet everyone, don't worry.If you make eye contact with the people you met before your speech, you may feel more confident.This isn't necessary.
Step 17: If you want to give a good speech, take a class.
Most people have to learn how to speak in public.You can take a class at your local library, community center, or community college.You will learn how to prepare for a speech, give a good delivery, and engage your audience.If you want to improve your skills for work, look for a class that is designed for business or professional public speaking.You may be able to get your employer to send you to a workshop.
Step 18: If you want to overcome public speaking anxiety, you have to work with a therapist.
Performance anxiety can be treated with additional help.Your therapist can teach you strategies for dealing with anxiety.You can learn to identify thought and behavior patterns that cause performance anxiety.You will learn how to overcome your fear.They will teach you new ways to relax before a speech.You can ask for a referral from your doctor.Do you know if your insurance company will pay for your treatment?
Step 19: If there is nothing else that helps you, ask your doctor about a calming medication.
It's useful for helping you cope with performance anxiety if you don't need medication.If medication is a good choice for you, talk to your doctor.You should take it before you give a speech.When you don't have any plans, the first time you take the medication should be at home.This will show you how it affects you.If you're struggling to do public speaking for your job, you might consider using calming medication.
Step 20: In a supportive setting you can practice public speaking.
There are many branches of the organization.They will help you improve your public speaking skills and give you a safe place to practice.You can look for a chapter in your area.If you want to take advantage of their services, you may have to join a local chapter.