Talk with your body and mind at ease.
The biggest fear is of speaking in public. Death is fourth. So most people would rather get a root canal and pay their taxes than speak in front of a group.
1. You definitely have catecholamine; every speaker does (including Sir Winston Churchill and Presidents Kennedy, Carter, and Reagan). These are the chemicals that make you sweat, make your heart beat quickly, and make your hands shake. Get rid of these chemical and mental reactions by putting the message and the audience first instead of yourself.
2. Get rid of fear and negative noise by telling yourself good things. Make up new beliefs that will help you grow and change the way you think. You, as an adult!
For instance, I'm well-prepared, and the people in the room want me to do well.
3. Do a quiet exercise, meditation, or visualization before you talk. Take a deep breath. Deep breathing tells your brain that there's nothing to be afraid of. It helps you relax.
4. It doesn't matter if you're nervous. Researchers have found that most people say they can't tell if a speaker is nervous or not. If you are well-prepared, your nervousness usually doesn't show. Prepare 150 percent.
5. The coach says, "Practice in front of a mirror."
Work on it in the car. If you can pay attention while driving, you will be able to pull what you need from your mind when you are in front of a group. Make your points sound natural and like they came up in a conversation.
6. Practice, practice, and practice some more. While you practice, talk out loud and move around. Use the same amount of physical energy you plan to use on the day of your presentation.
7. Working out is a way to get rid of stress. Get there early and take a five-minute walk quickly. You can still stretch your body even if it is raining or snowing outside.
8. Don't drink coffee or alcohol right before you talk. You don't need any more nervousness. Wear your favorite clothes and colors all the time. Women, keep your jewelry simple. Stay away from too much black and white.
9. The coach says, "Most of all, have fun and enjoy yourself." SMILE. After all, aren't you glad to be there? When you are an adult, you don't take yourself too seriously.
10. If your hands are shaking, put your hand on the side of your chair and count to 10 as you try to lift the seat. This is an effective isometric exercise that no one will see you doing.
11. Don't try to be ideal. You should let yourself make mistakes. In real life, no one is perfect. Get your stomach's butterflies to fly in a straight line. That's how you turn your stress into the ability to speak well.
12. Take a few deep breaths right before you're introduced to help calm your nerves. And if you like chocolate, eat some to help your vocal cords relax.
13. Chew your tongue if you have a dry mouth to make more saliva flow. What do singers do. Close your mouth and bite down on the whole top. Keep a glass of warm (not cold) water close by at all times.
14. Pay attention to a friendly face in the crowd. Instead of giving a speech, act like you are having a conversation. Just be who you are.
15. Here is a vocal warm-up that students at London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts do. Say, PaPaPaPa, BaBaBaBa, TaTaTaTa, DaDaDaDa, KaKaKaKa, GaGaGaGa. Then do it in reverse. (Thanks to Rande and Robert Gedaliah)
