What do you do to calm yourself while speaking in public?

Question

I occasionally facilitate meetings for small groups of people (about 20) about 3 times a month. I show slides that they view while I narrate. Fortunately, I don't have to face them as I do it. I'm terrified in front of large crowds, and I don't know how I'd cope if I had to give such a meeting. I do pretty fair with these small groups; I stumble occasionally, but only because I used to stutter as a child, which I've almost completely overcome myself. But I still get very nervous.

How do you cope with your nervousness and tension when speaking before a group of any size? What do you have to fight against? Hands shaking? Blushing? Sweating? Stuttering?

How do you get around all that? Do your techniques help? Tell us your stories.

Wow, I'm getting some good answers, and great advice. I've heard a couple before, but you never really put much stock in them until you keep hearing about them.

I've tried many things, but nothing consistently works. I'm sure it has something to do with being teased so badly as a kid. It's very deeply rooted.

Answer 1

Your fears are quite natural. Almost everyone suffers from stage fright. There are exceptions, of course, and I often marvel at how some can keep their poise and their focus in speaking in public. I've heard that even seasoned performers experience that butterflies in the stomach feeling at times.

I think it helps to know your subject well, and to prepare your speech way ahead of time and rehearse it. If you experience mind blocks, then make some notes you can refer to when this occurs. One thing I've found helpful is to get the audience to participate, either by getting them to ask questions or by your asking them questions. It takes the attention away from you, temporarily, anyway. Another trick is to get them to laugh by telling a joke or anecdote. It gets everyone at ease and breaks the ice, so to speak. A time-honored solution is to imagine your audience with no clothes on -- makes them seem far less formidable. Perhaps you can distract them by showing videos, graphs or charts that pertain to your speech. Finally, just take a deep breath, greet your audience and smile. Shout, "Hello!", and if they don't respond, cup your hand behind your ear, and motion forward with your other hand, and soon you'll hear a chorus of "hellos." If not, then that means your audience is as shy as you are, and you know what they say -- Misery loves company, so that makes you equal. Do your best and try not to fidget or make your knees knock so loud that everyone can hear. You'll actually do a lot better than you think, despite the butterflies. Good luck!

Answer 2

The are classes that teach you about public speaking and how to cope with stage fright. Your employer may even offer them too. If not, I suggest that you do some research on public speaking or attend some speeches. Sometimes watching other people afflicted with stage fright and having to face it helps immensely. To some it comes naturally, however for most of us, it does not. I try listening to music before speaking, or sitting in a room alone, or practice on a family member or trusted friend. Ask yourself, what is it that makes you feel the most comfortable? Then think about it and keep it mind every time you're about to take the stage. It helps. Face your fear and it will become easier... it works, but takes time. There also natural, OTC remedies available to help settle your nerves.

Answer 3

The first time I had to get up and speak in front of a crowd I was a wreck for the entire week before, just dreading it. I would lie awake nights and totally stress over it. In my anxiety I saw an auditorium with bleachers filled with people, with the bleachers going up so high the people turned into little blobs of color. When I actually stood up in front of the crowd of people and saw how FEW there were compared to my "imagined" crowd, I felt like phew, this is nothing, and it was really easy.

I think you have to talk yourself down. Why are you nervous? These are just people, just like you and me. Also, they are not there to see you - they are there to see the slides and hear the information that you have to share with them. Focus on your slides and the information you are sharing, and you will totally forget about the people. Good luck - it WILL get easier!

Answer 4

You will have to practice a good deal alone or in front of your family. First of all you should be well- versed with your subject which in itself will boost your self-confidence. Then auto suggestion can help you. Tell yourself that you are the best and the public in front of you idolise you. They are your friends. Then you have to learn a few breathing exercises as in Yoga. Or simply taking a deep breath to calm your tense nerves before stepping centre stage. You don't have to win the crowd first time itself. You are allowed to make few faux pas in the beginning but the key is not to get so nervous that you can't carry on.
Slowly but surely, you will overcome your shyness and can be an orator of some standing...

Answer 5

You have to know your material really well so that you do not have to rely on notes..in case you would lose your place. There is confidence in being as prepared as you can be. You do not look at the audience, but over their heads. They see your "eye-contact" but you do not see their faces so that they could distract you. Plant your body evenly and tall behind the podium and place your hands comfortably on the sides so they do not see you shake nor your knees quaking. Talk in a clear, loud voice, but let yourself think you speaking to a crowd of friends who are hanging on every word. They are a captive audience at that point so captivate them with your expertise and confident manner. Walk slowly and calmly off the stage when you are done and run straight to the closest restroom in case you have to throw-up..if not in that bad of a state..just have a chair waiting in the wings and sit down and put your head between your knees.

Answer 6

I used to get tongue tied every time I had to speak in front of a group of people of any size. Endless blushes and hand sweating... dear God.. This is what works for me: I select a friendly face in a group, and speak directly to that person. The rest of the room disappears in time, and I feel able to deliver my speech without any problems. I hope that helps in some way.

Answer 7

for the time of my college years I had one type that would require countless reflects. I enrolled in a public speaking course (non-credit) in basic terms before making any reflects. It became a stable course yet in basic terms approximately 12 human beings interior the class. It helped somewhat i think yet what i chanced on labored superb became while my subject rely became something i actually knew properly and had a great interest in. In later years, i became ok approximately giving short reflects yet i chanced on I consistently all began rapid and human beings did no longer particularly seize the 1st couple of minutes of what i became asserting. So if achievable, i might recommend commencing out on a easy word (perhaps a reasonably elementary humorous tale or something humorous that in basic terms handed off to you). this might help ease you into your situation rely. you ought to breath and not communicate too rapid. The extra you get into your speach, the calmer you ought to enhance into. No ammount of any technique is going to calm all your nervousness. you in basic terms ought to learn from adventure that public speaking isn't so undesirable. stable success.

Answer 8

I have very bad eyesight and I wear glasses. So I take my glasses off if I have to say something publicly. Then everything is blurry and I can't see the expressions on the audience faces. And I feel more comfortable.

Answer 9

what helps me is something i seen on t.v. picture the crowd in nothing but their skivvies,then also picture yourself as the clothes holder,able to dispense the clothes at youre discretion.it helped me when i had to speak in front of 3543 people......and if i can make it through that,anybody can

Answer 10

first option have a drink[little] to get confidence.second stand in front of a mirror and speak what ever you have to in front of people .then you will come to know how beautifully you speak....practice it u will have good results.