What do you do if you struggle with stage fright during a public speaking internship?

If you suffer from stage fright, take solace in the fact that even the most eloquent orators have battled similar fears. The key lies in preparation and perspective. Master your material so thoroughly that it becomes second nature confidence follows competence. Visualize success, not failure. Breathe deeply, allowing calm to replace anxiety. Remember, the audience is not your adversary; they are your partners in communication. Focus not on yourself, but on the message you're delivering. In this, you transcend nervousness and find that your words matter more than your worries.

If you feel nervous during your speech, remind yourself that it's a normal reaction and don't fight it. Instead, look to transform it into positive energy. Breathe to calm your heartbeat, smile to create positivity, and remember why this speech is so important to you.

Feeling stage fright is totally normal—everyone goes through it! If you don’t, then maybe you should be a bit concerned because that could mean you’re not invested enough. So, embrace that nervous energy! To handle it, prepare and know your stuff inside and out. Try some breathing exercises or get rid of that excess energy with a few push-ups or a quick walk up some stairs before you hit the stage. And remember, you’re there to share your message, and your audience wants to learn from you—they’re not there to judge you!

Practice Deep Breathing: Deep, slow breaths can help calm your nervous system and reduce anxiety Visualize Success: Imagine yourself performing successfully to build confidence and reduce fear Exercise: Physical activity can release endorphins, which help reduce stress and improve mood Positive Self-Talk: Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations to boost your confidence Preparation: The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Rehearse in front of friends or family Focus on the Message: Concentrate on what you want to communicate rather than on yourself Engage with the Audience: Make eye contact and connect with your audience to feel more at ease

If you struggle with stage fright during a public speaking internship, ask yourself what is stressing you out- is it fear of failure or being judged or are you nervous about the number of people in the audience. Know that anxiety before a speech is normal and the best way to tackle it is through internalizing your material and understanding it from every angle without learning by rote. Also proper practice in front of a mirror or in front of peers is important. Take feedback. Implement it. Record yourself. Observe. Practice deep breathing, remind yourself of your strengths, and focus on the message you want to share. Remember anxiety is normal but by understanding yourself and practicing, you can turn that fear into confidence.

If you struggle a lot with stage fright before your speaking engagement, prepare thoroughly. Practice your written speech in front of a mirror, your peers, mentor and novice. Ask for feedback and visit the room before the meeting and practice. Have your notes in hand and you will find that if you practice enough you won’t need to refer to the notes on the day of your meeting. When I spoke for the first time, I visited the room, practiced and went early for the event I interacted with my audience in a non formal way. This allowed me to become familiar with the audience and calmed my nerves. I watched a great speaker who analyzed why we get nerves. His suggestion was to do some jumping jacks or exercise just before you speak.