What self-care practices can you use to reduce public speaking anxiety and maintain self-confidence?

Don't just prepare the talk - prepare your mind. The biggest issue for me is to get into the mindset of going into the effort to give something needed to the listener. If you are only thinking about what you can get - money, applause, affirmation, etc. it will not go nearly as well. Have something to give, and go there to give it. Always the key.

It's important to spend time really thinking about how you can add value to your audience. What are they interested, why will they be listening, what problems are they likely struggling with that you might help them address with your presentation. This will depend someone on the nature of your presentation, but when you are able to align your message with the needs and challenges faced by your audience you're more likely to connect, your presentation is more likely to resonate, and your entire performance will be more memorable.

Un seul mot : la préparation... ou plut?t "les" préparations. - Préparation verbale (contenu...) - Préparation non-verbale (posture, gestuelle...) - Préparation para-verbale (intonation...) Et la préparation mentale !

One thing that I found helpful is that the mirror is a speaker’s best friend. There is magic in embracing what you see fully in the mirror and rehearsing in front of the mirror can significantly reduce anxiety and unpredictability. When you’re prepared it reduces your pressure and improves your performance. However, it’s important not to over prepare, as this can create a perfectionist syndrome, which can further lead to more nervousness, creating more pressure. When you are prepared, you are less likely to make mistakes , your energy is more aligned, and you are in control. Great presentations require great preparation.

Tell me, why would you focus on the multitude of people down there, all ears to you, when you just know how important is the subject you're delivering?

My favorite breathing exercises to teach are the Box Breath and 4-7-8. Look them up online — they both calm your nerves and release tension. I also recommend doing some vocal warm-ups to release tension in your vocal toolkit. Also, to release some more pressure on yourself and adopt a mindset that helps you feel more confident, remember that a little nervousness is a good thing. It means you care. About your audience, about your topics, and about how you show up. That's good stuff. Finally, sometimes reframing the situation in your mind may also help. When I used to get extremely nervous, reframing the "speech" as an opportunity to "teach" made me instantly more comfortable.

In IT and project management, managing stress is key. Before presentations, I practice yoga and breathing exercises to center myself. This routine transforms my mindset, shifting focus from performance anxiety to the message I intend to deliver. Incorporating these practices has not only helped me in reducing public speaking anxiety but also in maintaining a clear, focused mind, essential for conveying complex information effectively. The calmness achieved through this approach is invaluable in boosting self-confidence and ensuring a successful, engaging presentation. ??♀????

Just focus on the content and the way you deliver. Once i shifted my focus from 'me' to 'we' (audience & content delivery) it helped enormously. Once i'm up to present, i forget how i look, my appearance - which made it easy to 'look' at the audience instead of the wall / floor. i shifted from that 'self-conscious mode', to the 'content delivery mode'. So, short pauses / checking the slides inbetween / interupting questions from audience, all didn't seem awkward at all. I realized it was all about the mind & audience here to learn or listen. Eyecontact with audience glancing from right to left / front row to the last, instead of staring at a random few faces (unintentionally of course) comes naturally. And you become a pro!!

Plusieurs choses : cohérence cardiaque . Tac ( techniques d’activation de conscience , hypnose classique , sophrologie , sports !!!

When I'm using a microphone that enables me to move around, I take advantage and move around with intention (i.e., not randomly or aimlessly). You'll release some of the physical tension you're feeling and eyes will track you as you move. I'll walk amid the attendees, if I can. You can speak directly to a few of them, and that definitely pulls people in. If you stumble on a few words, remember we all do! When Robert DeNiro fumbled as he accepted his Oscar on live TV, he said, "I'm sorry, I'm nervous, please excuse me." Not only did people chuckle knowingly, DeNiro also calmed down having acknowledged his nervousness. Be human! The more relatable you are, the better.

For those who feel like giving a speech is more than enough engagement as it is, realise that the audience is not the enemy. They are not out to get you or hoping to see you fail. In fact it's the complete opposite: they want you to succeed. They hope you do well beyond your wildest dreams. Because your success is their success. Your victory is their gain. When you do well, they are on the receiving end of added value. Know in your heart that they may be sitting across from you, but they are with and behind you on that stage. They wish you the best because they have everything to gain from you being at your best. The audience is your friend. So engage with them as you would with good friends. They will love it, and so will you.

Engaging your audience as part of the storytelling process can enhance emotional connection. Tailoring your stories to the audience's experiences and values fosters a sense of empathy and emotional resonance. For instance, asking the audience questions to learn more about their experiences and tailoring your stories to their shared values can create a stronger emotional connection.

Part of preparing well is truly knowing about your subject. Imagine you are at a dinner party, and tell a new acquaintance about the subject of your presentation. To do so, you won't be referring to notes or a PowerPoint slide. You'll simply be sharing the information you know by heart. The order doesn't matter. You might skip a detail here, but add a detail there. It's something you could talk about for hours. Now, approach your presentation that way. Don't use your notes or slides as a crutch. Know your subject well enough that you can speak freely.

Authenticity and a positive mindset are crucial for managing public speaking anxiety. Embrace your unique style, share personal anecdotes, and approach the presentation as an opportunity to share knowledge and connect with others. Viewing public speaking as an enjoyable experience rather than a daunting task can reduce anxiety.

Engaging with event attendees thru post-event Q&A session or feedback form is a fantastic way to not only improve as a speaker but also build a stronger relationship with your audience It shows a genuine interest in their understanding and satisfaction fostering a sense of connection & trust 2ndly, engaging with attendees in this manner creates a sense of community & involvement It shows that you value their opinions and are committed to delivering value This fosters a positive relationship, potentially leading to increased loyalty, referral, and continued engagement in future event or service By seeking feedback & engage in post-event discussions, you not only improve as a speaker but also establish a deeper connection with yur audience.

The best tool and resource for becoming a better and more confident public speaker is PRACTICE! The more opportunities that you take — or create — to hone your public speaking chops, the more comfortable you will be. To practice, I signed up for Toastmasters and I would literally practice my real life speeches during our biweekly meetings. If you aren't near a Toastmasters club, consider recording yourself speaking on a video conferencing platform like Zoom so that you can watch, evaluate, and improve your speeches. This has provided me the most comfort and has helped me address stage fright and anxiety around speaking.

In addition to the mentioned self-care practices, it's important to consider desensitization techniques, such as seeking out public speaking opportunities to gradually reduce fear and anxiety. Additionally, incorporating physical exercise, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being and resilience in managing public speaking anxiety.