Any tips on how to decrease anxiety before and during a speech?

Question

Serious answers only please!

Answer 1

everyone gets nervous whenever they have to make a speech/presentation. don't worry about it. just take a deep breath before the speech n try to calm down. during the speech, stay focused on what you're gonna say n don't think about anything else. oh yeah, n keep telling yourself "you'll do great" or some other positive thoughts... hope this helps :)

Answer 2

1. Think and explain yourself that you can DO IT.
2. Practise in front of the mirror.
3. Explain yourself that there is no reason to fear.
4. Try to relax with deep breaths before the speech.
5. Stagefright is something that everyone goes through. And also something that everyone overcomes. So you too can do it.
6. Try talking to strangers. Engage in casual conversations while commuting, or joing chat shows on radio/tv. This removed my stagefright completely.

Last of all, if Policiticians and Diplomats can do it, why can't you. After all the size of the brain is same. Stop worrying.
-Best wishes, you can DO IT>

-SG

Answer 3

Take some deep breaths before you start, try not to look at the sea of faces either focus on a point just above the audience or someone in the audience who is a friend. Slow yourself down by taking a breath every now and then.

Answer 4

To maintain the "eye contact" part was always hard for me. My 8th grade teacher made us give a speech each grading period. After the 1st grading period and my awful speech, he taught me that you can SEEM to give eye contact if you look at the tops of the audience's heads. It worked and some of the anxiety was gone because I didn't feel like I was being stared at. Good Luck!

Answer 5

I usually go for a small walk even round the block, i read my speech through two or three times then i go in pick a spot on the back wall and relax. Everyone does speeches, you all feel the same. I usually have a paper clip in my hand to play with while i speak it gives me something to concentrate on while talking.

Answer 6

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 7

Avoid caffeine - it will add to your natural anxiety
Be rested - if you're tired, you'll be more nervous
Rehearse - knowing your material will help
Be confident - remember, everyone is nervous and you will be doing better than you think

Answer 8

Sure. Just think about the stupid things government officials and politicians have said in front of crowds and millions of people on TV , in the papers, etc. Do you really think you could say anything more stupid or make a bigger fool of yourself than they do? Go for it and you'll be just fine.

Answer 9

i try to focus on one particular person. preferably one that seems respnsive to what i'm saying. i'll just make eye contact with that person as if i'm just talking to him. it takes the pressure off looking at all those faces. but it might make that person a little uncomfortable, receiving all of your attention, lol.

Answer 10

Ya, expatmt's pretty much got it.