How to Beat the Nerves of Public Speaking: 6 Ways To Calm Yourself Down
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It’s that moment when you feel like the world is crashing in on you. Your palms are sweaty, your heart is racing and your mind feels blank. What do you do now? Even if public speaking is a normal part of life and something many people have to deal with, it doesn’t mean that anyone finds it easy. It’s one of the most common fears out there and that’s because most of us aren't comfortable speaking in front of a large group of people. If you feel nervous about giving a speech or have been asked to give one at work or as part of another event, this article will help you beat those nerves and deliver a winning speech. -
Plan ahead
If possible, try to book the room where you'll be speaking a few weeks in advance, so that you can watch the room to see how many people can fit in it and what the lighting is like. There will be less pressure if you already know what the environment looks like, so that you can focus more on the content of the speech itself. If you will be standing the whole time, make sure the floor isn’t slippery. If there are chairs, know if they are wooden or plastic and how they are arranged. This way, you won’t be surprised by anything when the day of the speech arrives. If you can, also find out who else is in the room and if you can, ask them questions about their backgrounds or interests. Getting to know your audience will make you feel more comfortable when you get up on the stage.
Breathe and meditate
Take a deep breath and use it to slow your heart rate down. Focusing on your breath and counting as you breathe can help you calm down. If you’re new to the whole “calming yourself down” thing, a guided meditation could be exactly what you need. There are plenty of apps and YouTube channels that offer guided meditations. If you don’t have access to a guided meditation, try reading a calming passage of a book. This way, you’ll have something to hold on to as you get your nerves under control. If all else fails, you’ll want to do something that helps you relax before you have to go on stage.
Write your own script
There are many people out there who write their own speeches because that way, they know the exact message they want to share. If you have a message you want to get across, you can write your own script, so that you’re in control of the message you’re delivering and words you’re using. If you have time, practice your speech in front of friends or family members, so that you can get feedback on it and see if there are any things you need to change. If you don’t have time to write your own speech, you can still try to write a few key points down on a piece of paper so that even if you feel like you’re talking to yourself, you’ll know what you want to say.
Remember your value
Many people who are new to public speaking have the tendency to put themselves down before they get up on stage. That could mean talking about how many people you’re sure will disagree with what you have to say, or how you feel like you’re not good enough to be there. You’re in the spot where you are because you have something to share that’s valuable. Remember that you are perfectly qualified to speak and don’t let your negative self-talk get in the way.
Talk to your audience before you speak
Before you get up on stage, find a few people in the audience that you can look at and talk to. You can use their names if you can remember them, or simply say, “Hi” to the people in the first couple of rows if you don’t feel comfortable addressing everyone. This will help you become more comfortable with the people in the room, which will make it easier to get your nerves under control. If you find yourself getting nervous, take a break and walk around the room and look out at your audience. This will help you get more comfortable with your surroundings and will make it easier to get your nerves under control before you start speaking.
Take the stage by storm
If you have time before the speech, go up on the stage where you’re going to be speaking and stand where you will be standing once you start talking. Standing there for a few minutes will help you get more comfortable with the stage, your surroundings, and the feeling of being in the spotlight. If you don’t have time for that, try visualizing yourself up there talking. Imagine what the room looks like and what your audience looks like. Imagine yourself being confident and calm while you’re on stage.
Conclusion
The more you practice, the easier it will become. The best way to get used to public speaking is to get up on stage as often as you can. The more you do it, the less scary it will be, and you’ll be able to focus on the content rather than your nerves. If you’re still feeling nervous, try to be more compassionate with yourself. Everyone feels nervous before they speak in public, and that’s completely normal. If you’re feeling nervous, try to stay calm and remember that you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be you.
