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.Know 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.
2.Know the audience.
Greet some of the audience as they
arrive. It's easier to speak to asgroupsof
friends than to asgroupsof strangers.
3.Know 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.
4.Relax. Ease tension
by doing exercises.
5.Visualize yourself
giving your speech. Imagine yourself
speaking, your voice loud, clear,
and assured. When you visualize yourself
as successful, you will be successful.
6.Realize that people
want you to succeed. Audiences want
you to be interesting, stimulating,
informative, and entertaining. They
don't want you to fail.
7.Don'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.
8.Concentrate 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.
9.Turn nervousness
//into// positive energy. Harness
your nervous energy and transform
it //into// vitality and enthusiasm.
10. Gain experience.
Experience builds confidence, which
is the key to effective speaking.
A Toastmasters club can provide the
experience you need.
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