How do you turn public speaking anxiety into a powerful drive?

To turn public speaking anxiety into a powerful drive: Acknowledge anxiety as a natural response. Reframe anxiety positively as excitement. Channel anxiety into energy and confidence for dynamic delivery.

Public speaking anxiety is common, but it doesn't have to hold you back. Here's a mindset shift: Reframe that nervous energy as charged excitement. It's your body's way of preparing you to deliver a powerful message. Channel that energy into preparation. Practice your speech, rehearse with a friendly audience, and visualize yourself delivering a captivating presentation. The more prepared you are, the less anxiety will hold you back. Focus on your passion. Why are you speaking? What message are you excited to share? Connecting with your purpose replaces fear with a drive to connect with your audience.

Acknowledge that public speaking anxiety is normal – it's our body's way of keeping us alert. Reframe it as nervous energy, a wellspring of passion waiting to be channeled into a captivating performance that will truly connect with your audience

Speaking from personal experience, and I know it varies for others, if I don't get a good night's sleep before an event, I tend to feel more anxious than usual, regardless of how prepared I am. It's important not to ignore or delay addressing an issue, as it won't resolve itself magically. Rather than reacting excessively to fear, the key is to identify its root causes. Once you understand these causes, you can start addressing them until they are no longer a concern.

While thorough preparation calms nerves, it can also become a springboard for passion. The more you delve into your topic, the more you'll uncover fascinating details and insights you're eager to share with your audience. This genuine enthusiasm will shine through, captivating your listeners and turning your anxious energy into a powerful drive to connect.

> Invest time in researching your topic and understanding your audience. > Rehearse your speech multiple times to build confidence in your delivery.

The first step to understanding your anxiety (and do understand that it's very particular to you personally) is to journal your experiences. Be alert and mindful about the things that are triggering not only your anxiety but your positive feelings as well. Rooms without windows? Sitting vs standing? A table? Bright room vs dark? Sitting on the side vs the middle? Document the good and the bad. Then you can use those items to guide you into the future. You'll also find that often anxiety is really just a fear of losing control. So find out what you can control and concentrate on those items. Again, journaling is key.

If you have practiced your presentation, know the content well and can improvise outside of your script there is no reason to be afraid. What I usually do when I feel fear is to practice breathing exercises or to do some jumping jacks to get your blood going. You want to get into your body, connect your mind-heart and body and slow down your nervous system.

Thorough preparation is key to transforming anxiety into a powerful drive. Practice your speech or presentation diligently. Familiarize yourself with the content, rehearse in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend, and anticipate potential questions or challenges. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel, and this confidence will help channel your anxiety into a positive energy that drives your performance.

Sharing your anxieties with the audience upfront can disarm them and foster a connection. It shows authenticity and reminds them you're there to share, not perform, making your message even more impactful.

> Accept that being vulnerable is part of being human and can actually connect you more deeply with your audience. > Share personal stories or challenges as they relate to your topic to create authenticity.

- Understand you're not the first person to do this - Recognize you were chosen to speak for a reason! This should give you some confidence going in.

If the topic you are speaking on is important to you, your fear will automatically become fuel for your presentation. I find that if I am sharing something personal that could be a story, or something you care about it will help you get out of your head and into your body.

Embracing vulnerability is a powerful way to turn public speaking anxiety into a driving force. Remember that your audience is human too, and they appreciate authenticity. Embrace your vulnerability and connect with your audience on a personal level. Share personal anecdotes or stories that make your message relatable. By being vulnerable, you create a genuine connection and inspire others to engage with your speech. This shift in perspective can transform your anxiety into a catalyst for delivering a powerful and impactful presentation.

Moving around and maintaining eye contact is crucial for me because it helps me feel more connected and in control. It also makes the audience feel involved in the experience, rather than just spectators. This technique is especially helpful when I'm feeling overly anxious or nervous. It's essential to remember that your body language must align with the tone and emotions you're conveying, as it can be just as impactful as the words you speak.

> Adopt a power stance to feel more confident and in control... > Use gestures to emphasize points and engage the audience...

- Adopt open gestures and maintain eye contact. - Move around the stage to dissipate nervous energy. - Body language communicates confidence before speaking. At a packed educator conference, I used open gestures and moved around the stage. Maintaining eye contact and moving with purpose helped turn my nervous energy into confidence. This approach engaged the audience, inspiring them to embrace change and strengthening my professional development success.

> Engage in deep breathing exercises or meditation before your speech to center yourself. > Stay present during your speech, focusing on your message rather than the audience’s reaction.

> After your speech, take time to reflect on what went well and what could be improved. > Use this reflection to set goals for your next public speaking opportunity.

I have the same issue...the Holy Spirit told me no matter how great your talent or ability your nervousness is proof that you know that you still need my help. Worry when you DO NOT feel nervous that may mean that you have become CONFIDENT in your abilities..that looks a lot like PRIDE! Humility always needs the grace/Mercy of God (Jesus Christ)! #MyTwoCents

Find your passion in what you’re speaking about. Even if someone else wrote the material, figure out how to make it your and put your spin on it. Focus on telling the story and less on memorizing your notes word for word. Find 1-3 stories or personal examples that can be your go to stories. You can share it from different perspectives based on the topic. I use the same stories almost every time I present, I just may tell different parts of the same story. Remember you’re the expert on what you’re presenting. No one will know if you forgot a word or two. It’s also okay to not know all the answers if someone asks a question. You can ask the audience if they have any thoughts or say you don’t know but you’ll look into it.

Remember that not every presentation will go according to plan. Computers will freeze, sound systems will break down, desks will collapse while you're sitting on them (only me there?) It's all survivable. Flex into it, breathe through it, charm your way around it, and keep going.

Remember what you are saying is a story worth being heard. Speaking from experience and to provide empowerment, remember who you are and why you were chosen to give the presentation. Be honest with yourself and realize the need of YOU. Your words. Your experience. Your abilities. You were chosen to be YOU, not to be perfect. Take a deep breath, often. Don’t be hard on yourself.