How do you make public speaking less stressful?

1 Know your audience

Before you start crafting your speech, you need to understand who you are speaking to, what they expect from you, and what you want them to do or feel. Knowing your audience will help you tailor your message, tone, and style to suit their needs and interests. It will also help you avoid topics or jokes that might offend or bore them. Research your audience's background, preferences, and goals, and use surveys, interviews, or polls to gather feedback.

2 Plan and practice

One of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety is to plan and practice your speech well in advance. Planning will help you organize your ideas, structure your arguments, and create a clear and coherent flow. Practice will help you refine your delivery, improve your timing, and overcome any technical issues. You can use an outline, a script, or a mind map to plan your speech, and rehearse it aloud, in front of a mirror, or with a friend. You can also record yourself and watch for areas of improvement.

4 Engage your audience

One of the most effective ways to make public speaking less stressful is to engage your audience and create a rapport with them. Engaging your audience will help you capture their attention, interest, and trust, and make them more receptive to your message. You can engage your audience by using stories, anecdotes, or examples that relate to them, by asking questions or inviting feedback, or by using humor, gestures, or eye contact. You can also use visual aids, such as slides, charts, or videos, to enhance your presentation.

5 Handle questions and feedback

Another source of stress for many speakers is how to handle questions and feedback from the audience. Questions and feedback can be challenging, especially if they are unexpected, critical, or hostile. However, you can handle them with confidence and grace by following some simple guidelines. First, listen carefully and respectfully to the question or comment, and repeat or rephrase it if necessary. Second, thank the person for their input, and acknowledge their point of view. Third, answer honestly and concisely, and provide evidence or examples if possible. Fourth, if you don't know the answer, admit it, and offer to follow up later.

6 Learn and improve

Finally, one of the best ways to make public speaking less stressful is to learn from your experience and improve your skills. Public speaking is not a one-time event, but a continuous process of learning and growth. You can learn from your experience by evaluating your performance, asking for feedback, and identifying your strengths and weaknesses. You can improve your skills by seeking opportunities to practice, taking courses or workshops, or joining a club or group. You can also learn from other speakers, by watching their videos, reading their books, or attending their events.