Controlling Nerves when speaking in public

So you are nervous when you have to give a speech?  How can you deal with your nerves?

Let's assume that you know your subject; you have worked hard on your presentation and hopefully you know your audience.

Nevertheless, the moment you are called upon, it all comes unstuck.

Here are some strategies to get those butterflies in formation (a term coined by my great Rostrum friend Ron Johnson).

Pick the ones that are useful to you.  Think about how you can adapt them to your speaking.

I will give you the ideas in some sort of order… you can rank them according to what makes a difference for you.

1. Preparation – Sorry but there is no alternative here.  Your speech will go much better if you spend time to prepare the speech.  Talk to people, read, think and ponder.
2. Practice – rehearse your speech with just a few palm cards,  Highlight the major points.  Don't get too stuck on your prepared wording - it's the ideas and the stories that matter.
3. Rehearse - Have a dress rehearsal with a family member or even your pet.
4. Investigate – Make sure you visit the venue early on the day to get familiar with the room and the layout.  If you can get there a week or so before that will also help avoid issues such as the microphone you have to use, where you have to stand, size of the room.
5. Assimilate – if possible, chat to the audience members and listen to previous speakers.
6. Change – Try to fit your speech into the program - if you follow a boring speech try to make your speech interesting.
7. Flexibility – Be prepared to tweak your presentation up or down to suit the mood of the evening.
8. Language – don't use slang or improper humour – be dignified; demonstrate integrity.
9. Success – imagine yourself triumphant as you wait to be called to speak.
10. Air in lungs – breathe deeply before you speak and use controlled breathing to motivate yourself.
11. Take your time – go slowly to the podium, looking at the audience and smile before you start.
12. Pauses – give your audience time to take in your important points and any humour.  Pauses are powerful, especially that pause before you commence.
13. One chance – that first important impression – make a grand opening start to the presentation.
14. A little relevant humour – try to related to something that you observe in the group – something personal and pleasant.
15. Create the mood – you can use a quote or a question or invite your audience to “come with me on a journey …”.

Remember that your audience wants you to succeed and if don’t believe that, then decline their offer to speak.  Once you have acknowledged the Chair, you are off.  Enjoy your time in the spotlight and believe that you are a journey of improvement.

Peter Martindale