What's the best way to relieve stage fright?

Question

I have to give a speech and am very nervous. What's the best way to loose the nerves?

Answer 1

Don't focus on the act of presenting; focus on the MATERIAL that you're presenting. There's no reason to be nervous if you're confident and passionate about what you're presenting. It's actually fun. I had to give a couple embarrassing and awkward presentations before I realized this.

Answer 2

Lizzy, you have some good tips thus far. I add the following:

1. Know your topic or material
2. Have an outline of the subject material on the podium.
3. Breathe deeply and then smile at the audience.
4. Focus on the back row, then the sides, then in the immediate front. As you do this, your nervousness will subside.
5. Depending on the seriousness of the topic, consider beginning with a humorous anecdote or polite joke.

I've long heard to imagine the audience before you sitting naked. That ought to liven it up and soothe your jangled nerves. The audience, as someone else mentioned, are happy they are there and you are the speaker. Bolster your confidence, watch your mannerisms, and speak slowly.

When a body is nervous, their speech is accelerated. Purposely slow down and enunciate carefully.

You will do fine.

Answer 3

its all about breathing!! before you go in, take several deep breaths, but do it the best way possible!!

take a deep breath and keep the air inside of you for a few seconds and then make it go out slowly, pretend theres a candle in front of your mouth and you don't want the flame to extinct. after this you'll see you are more calm and the heart rate more normal. then just keep it calm and go in...!

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

Answer 4

As one Lizzy to another lol............

just say F*** it, and go for it, and don't worry what they think, just as many are as scared as you are, and alot will admire you for it when you do even if you fail miserably, but I'm sure you won't.
just think about the speech and not them, plus they're not paying you much attention to you as you think,looking for every mess up, some of them have things on their mind like back at home or the free coffee and doughnuts afterwards lol,
just like when you sit for speaches lol
be strong

Answer 5

What ever you do to get a buzz. Energy drinks, cigs, marijuanna should do the trick. You could also rehears. remember that your in control.

Answer 6

I pretend no one is there but me or I am speaking to a few people in my living room.

Answer 7

practice, and know what you're talking about