How do you structure your preparation to alleviate anxiety before public speaking?

Public speaking is likely to always be nerve wracking. People are surprised when I tell them how nervous I get before speaking even when I have done it many times. I prepare by ensuring I am comfortable with the topics I will be speaking on. I think about what questions might come up and do a quick search of the news on the day of the presentation to make sure nothing new has come out. I do not try to memorize anything as it makes me more nervous. I speak from experience instead. My number one piece of advice is to be honest with your audience. If a question comes up that you can't the answer, do not try to make it up. They will be able to tell. Also, dress in something that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

For me it's all about prep - I like to get comfortable with the content and the flow, and to nail a few key statements. If it's a big one then I'll probably stick my Airpods in and record myself practicing. I know I'll memorise it more quickly when I can listen back. One of the biggest barriers I got over early in my career was the idea that people want you to fail. Sure, it's nerve-wracking when you stand up in front of a group of people but 99% of the time they want to hear what you have to say. Once you realise that everyone is on your side - content aside - then you can relax into it.

As many times as I have done it, when I speak in public it always feels like the first time. I had to tell myself that nerves are normal and that they are okay. To prepare, I review notes the night before and immediately prior if possible. I make sure I have read something on the topic that is recent so that if I forget my notes, I can fall back and reference the article or journal. I also make sure I have on comfy shoes. I don't know why, but that helps!

Have a joke as early as humanly possible within your speech. Not only will it instantly settle your nerves but it will also bring the room on side. It could be even "I'm so nervous right now, I might throw up... if I do, please just ignore than and we can move on" People will laugh, you'll relax and they'll see you as human.

In my experience what works is your preparation, the practice and your pre-game. Surround yourself with people who stay calm, arrive early, find a quiet spot and focus. Before you walk out do some breathwork and trust in you. You got this!

Believe it or not, what we do or don’t eat for breakfast on the day of the speaking event can make all the difference. Choosing cereal, bagels or orange juice will hit your body hard with sugar only to be hit even harder with a crash and low blood sugar a couple of hours later which creates anxiety. I choose good quality fat and protein for my meals after my intermittent fasting and I make sure I am properly hydrated by adding a little sea salt to my water. This eliminates sources of extra anxiety. The fat and protein makes my blood sugar stable and takes any extra pressure away from the process.

Once you have your research in place, organizing your content into a clear and logical structure is vital. Start by crafting an outline that includes an introduction, main points, and a conclusion. This not only helps you remember the flow of your presentation but also ensures that your audience can follow along easily. Use transitions to connect ideas smoothly, and consider using storytelling techniques to make your content more relatable and memorable. A well-organized speech is like a roadmap that guides you and your audience to the desired destination without getting lost along the way.

Hay conferencias que son un caos. En la cabeza del que sabe mucho del tema puede tener sentido explicarlo a su manera, saltando de un lado a otros, pero así tu audiencia no se enterará de nada y desconectará. Organización, por favor. Si lo necesitas pide ayuda a un buen storyteller y que te ayude a organizar tu discurso. Deberías tener: - Una entrada impactante - Un nudo, dividido en tres partes - Un final redondo, con una frase para enmarcar Si no llevas a tu audiencia de la mano del principio al final y los lías con 20 ideas diferentes, los perderás por el camino. Si tienes dudas...visita la Escuela de Conferenciantes

Here's 1 thing people forget to practice: the minute before you start talking. Here's a good mini-routine. before you get started: Record someone else introducing you on your phone. 1. stand towards the back or off the to the side of a mock stage area. 2. visualize a room full of people 3. Look out and smile while you hit play and listen to the recording, 4 at the end, wait for 3-5 secs imagining the sound of some clapping 5. as the clapping fades step forward smiling and looking at an imagined crowd 6. start with some sort of purposeful gesture that emerges naturally with your opening line. Do this a half dozen times or so to become familiar with how being introduced feels.

From my own experience, I've found that preparing for public speaking authentically involves truly knowing your voice, you should rely on an outline rather than a script and maintain key phrases, stories or words you want to empathize. You can practice by talking to yourself in a mirror , on the phone or in person with friends and family to have confidence.

The biggest tip that has aided me is: preparing with diligence to alleviate anxiety before public speaking. Of course, the first step is thoroughly researching the topic, ensuring a deep understanding. Next, we need to rehearse the speech multiple times, focusing on delivery and timing while ensuring we are intentional about making eye contact with the (future) audience. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and visualizing SUCCESS to calm nerves is so helpful. Finally, we must seek opportunities for mock presentations to simulate the speaking environment and build confidence. These tips have empowered me to deliver presentations more confidently each time.

Confidence in public speaking is one of my own personal challenges. It doesn’t come naturally to everyone but I DO believe you can work through it. A glass of wine helps! (Oops did I admit that out loud?!) ????

In my opinion practice practice practice is the best advice you can give to mastering public speaking. Familiarize yourself with the content and topics. Write things out - read what you have written and then practice vocalizing what you have written. Practice makes near perfect- never strive for perfection. That is way too much pressure! Practice for comfortability so that you stay calm and authentic. Practice unfamiliar words and learn what they mean - again for comfort and authenticity. If you feel comfortable- record yourself and play it back so you can make adjustments when needed. Practice makes near perfect!

If you’re making a public speaking appearance in a jurisdiction where Microdosing is legal, consider doing a few 45 minutes prior to taking the stage. This will surely help you visualize success. I did this once at a conference in Amsterdam and can confirm it was lit. Best to practice at home beforehand if you’re new to this practice.

Visualization is a powerful tool to combat public speaking anxiety. Imagine delivering your speech confidently and receiving a positive response from the audience. Visualize the setting, the faces of the audience, and even the applause at the end. This mental rehearsal can calm nerves by creating a positive expectation and reducing the fear of the unknown. By regularly practicing visualization, you can build a sense of familiarity with the experience of public speaking, making it feel less daunting when the time comes.

I do everything that I can to find out exactly what the room and the stage are going to look like. No curveballs for my visualization. I know exactly what to put into my mind's eye. If possible, I really would like to walk into the room (when it's empty) and give the speech three times. Then I know exactly where I am going to walk around the stage. I know exactly where I am going to look for each section. I plan out taking a break or letting a point set in as I move from location to location.

I really want to walk the room prior if possible. I want to be able to visualize it in a real-time scenario. The room can be empty, dark, whatever - I just want to get in there and see where it will happen. I also want to know about the technology - my laptop? the hosts? clicker to advance? Lavalier or hand-held mic? (I do better when I can walk around vs. standing at a podium). Don't be shy about asking for what works best for you.

Listen to your favourite music which uplifts you before your event, it helps a lot. I have seen many professional speakers do it. Suppose you are not able to do it. Try power postures it definitely helps a lot. The science behind this is , if our thoughts can influence our body language then the same is the truth other way around. Our body can change the way we feel.

I relieve anxiety by starting to prepare way in advance of the talk itself. I think about what message(s) I want my audience to walk away with. I consider who will make up the audience (levels, demographic make up, etc). I reflect on what stories or examples will support my main points. And then I practice! When I was in college, I would stop studying for the exam about an hour or two before walking into the classroom. I do the same thing with my speaking engagements. I like to spend the last hour or two before my talk relaxing, sipping on a cup of tea, or watching something funny on Netflix. It helps me to stay calm and fresh ahead of my talk or presentation.

Having the beginning down pat to start with a bang gets rid of the beginning jitters. After that, it’s simply following the path you already laid first the presentation and going with the flow, enjoying the audience engagement, and bringing the confidence to the forefront.

One of the biggest mistakes here is the idea that we should be managing stress instead of embracing stress. You’ll succeed more by recognizing that stress is normal and doesn't mean anything. It's your body’s reaction to an intense moment, and that's okay. Embracing it will do you much better than trying to control or fight it.

Managing stress before the event is crucial to maintaining composure. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or light physical exercise can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety. Ensure you get a good night's sleep before the day of your speech and avoid caffeine or other stimulants that may increase nervousness. Arrive at the venue early to acquaint yourself with the environment and perform a final run-through if possible. Feeling prepared and calm can significantly reduce anxiety levels.

In public speaking, the real magic happens when it's viewed as a generous exchange rather than just a delivery of information. Too much speeches are Lectures or old fashion Corporate Powerpoint, pitching a product or the speaker. As Simon Sinek, teaches, the heart of an impactful speech lies in treating your message as a gift to the audience. You need to shift the focus from what You can gain to what You can offer to those listening. This change in perspective transforms a simple presentation into an engaging and memorable interaction. By aiming to enrich the audience's experience, speakers can forge deeper connections and leave a lasting impression. The art of public speaking !

Finally, remember that public speaking is a two-way interaction. Engage with your audience by asking rhetorical questions, making eye contact, and inviting participation. This creates a more relaxed atmosphere and helps shift focus away from yourself and onto the message you are conveying. An engaged audience is more forgiving and supportive, which in turn can alleviate your anxiety and help you feel more connected during your presentation.

Engaging the audience transforms the dynamic, making it feel like a conversation. This not only draws them in but also keeps me focused. When the audience is actively involved, retention of information increases, and boredom diminishes. Engaging with the audience is a must for me when I’m speaking.

First be sure why you have been asked, and what the audience came to you to hear. Then usually you will realise you have been picked because you know this topic. I have a trick I use if I am nervous. I imagine someone I know (a friend or colleague) who I think would like to attend the presentation. I then visualise them cleaning the empty auditorium. They are moving around, so I follow them, and try and keep them interested while they are doing something else. By visualising the person I know, I know how to pitch the message. By trying to attract their attention, I project and keep the flow and interest. By watching them move about, I include all areas of the audience. Maybe it's a bit daft, but it works for me.

6. I definitely engage directly with the audience. When I make mention of a particular TRUE experience I dealt with, I always ask if anyone else experienced that. In order to activate engagement in the audience and determine if people are TRULY listening and engaged.

Some speaking anxiety is appropriate - make friends with it. My father told me that the anxiety was an acknowledgement of our responsibility to our audience. And that we needed to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I did not believe him then, but I 120% do now! Explore what preparation works for you. For some it's lots of practice in front of test audiences. For others it's a script to learn - even if they will ultimately go off script. Still others don't rehearse because they become stale. For some rehearsal is visualizing the event while driving or showering. There is no one right way. And as speakers we develop over time. Play with it and find out what creates a healthy level of performance enhancing anxiety for YOU.

Strategies to maintain an engaging relationship with an audience I’ve never met are psychological. In most cases, I’m not fully aware of who’s in the room, so I prepare visuals and spoken content for the top 4 personality types and learners. The result is that 80% of the audience believe that I spoke directly to them. It works every time!

In my experience butterflies before any event simply means that you care about the outcome. Embrace it ! Walk with confidence and if you trip, laugh…that makes you more relatable to your audience.

Mingle with the audience ahead of time. Introduce yourself, ask them where they are from or what they hope to get out of your talk. You’ll be amazed at how comforting it can be to look out into the audience while you’re speaking and see friendly faces smiling at you.

I have worked with a Hypnotherapist and listen to his Guided Meditation before I publicly speak and it has been transformational!!!