You’re about to give a speech in front of a large audience. How can you calm your nerves?

One powerful way to calm my nerves before a speech is through deep breathing exercises. I find a quiet spot backstage and focus on inhaling and exhaling slowly, allowing my body to relax and my mind to clear. Reminding myself that I'm well-prepared and passionate about my topic also boosts my confidence. Visualizing success and embracing the excitement of connecting with my audience turns nervous energy into positive anticipation.

Preparation is always required. I am known as public speaker who is always ready on various topics. For that reading is very important and absorbing key points and relate those points with audience level of understanding. Keep impactful punch lines sothat they can retain the key message.

I ground myself by breathing and moving my body to music. It not only allows me to calm my mind and my nervous system it allows me to release any anxious thoughts in my head and be present in the moment. I can then visualize how I want to show up with confidence

Practice, practice, practice. You should know your content so well that it is like having a comfortable conversation with friends. If this speech is for a specific occasion, then bullet point notes is all you should have to keep you on track. Finding familiar faces in the audience to look at also helps but be sure to make eye contact with as many people as practical while you speak. Their natural reaction to locking eyes is usually a smile which should keep you comfortable.

Visualization Breathwork Body Movement These might not help if they are done ONLY before the speech i.e. make them habits so that its easier to calm your body.

I agree! It's beneficial to focus on your breathing before stepping onto the stage, as it can help you relax and enjoy the moment. Allowing your body to breathe deeply can reduce nervousness and help you take a backseat to your ego. Remember that this is your journey, and it's an opportunity to inspire others and revel in the experience! In addition, warming up your voice can be a helpful step in alleviating nervousness before speaking. Many speakers underestimate the benefits of this step, but it can effectively prepare your body and reduce tension. When your voice is warm, your body automatically relaxes, making it easier to connect with your audience and deliver a confident presentation. #soulfood

This technique is effective for me, and I have practised deep breathing exercises before taking the stage. Deep, slow breaths can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calmness. Physical activities such as stretching or light exercise can also help release tension and nervous energy.

One thing I have found helpful is to give myself a brief pep talk. Phrases I might tell myself are: you've got this; this is your time; you will be successful because you have prepared; you are here because you are supposed to be here. I also say this is a stepping stone to the next opportunity. I also practice breathing exercises. I don't allow negative thoughts to creep in either.

My personal approach is to meditate. I close my eyes, begin deep breathing and let my focus be on the joy I feel in sharing. I see accepting faces, I hear encouraging voices whispering “you know you’ve got this”, and then I realize it’s my voice. I’m ready.

In my experience, I remind myself that I talk to God daily and with that in mind there is no one in the audience that I should be nervous in front of. Also, being prepared, making sure to have pause moments and remember I am the reason, at that moment, that they are there to be informed, entertained, etc.

I raise my arms above my head and tell myself that I will do amazing. I picture myself crushing it and the audience engaged and loving listening to the speech.

Visualizing a successful outcome can also be beneficial in calming nerves. I imagine myself delivering my speech confidently and poised and visualize the audience responding positively to my message

ONCE YOU HAVE 100 % KNOWLEDGE OF THE INFORMATION YOU ARE ABOUT TO DELIVER, IT BREEDS SELF CONFIDENCE AND ELIMINATES THE BUTTERFLIES !

Very simply-remind yourself that you are human. Take a breath and assure yourself that you know what you’re talking about. Then keep going.

I keep it short and on point. Questions afterwards are always welcome. Some people love to hear themselves speak for a variety of reasons ..... I have seen people napping, playing on their phones, etc when long winded people speak.....

I usually have a song that gets my hype and energized while I do a little dance. Music and dancing help to relax me. I then go over my speech one final time.

Let me share a quote from lead singer of Duran Duran Simon Le Bon on nerves. "You are nervous because you are about to do something great and you will be great." It is the body's way of reminding you to check everything is ready to go. They key to remember is believe in the content and let it do the talking. Speakers often assume everyone is looking at them when in fact they are consuming the whole package. Your audience wants you to be successful, nobody wants to witness a train wreck so if they are on your side and you have good content and are prepared go on and enjoy the moment.

In my experience : 1) Starting with a level of anxiety is normal and as you progress , you automatically calm down and get your flow. It is a fun experiencing this 2) Look for some people who are appreciative of what you are saying. Maintaining eye contact with them will give you confidence to put across your points. 3) Use humour to defuse tension. Joking on yourself is best way , never ridicule another person / thought.

Know your audience well. Grab the attention and start with a story. If you start well, you will definitely end well. And it's okay to have butterflies in your tummy, glance thru the audience and you will do well.

Let’s assume you find yourself in this position because you have prepared, you know your material, and you (mostly) want to be here :) Spend some time visualizing the crowd clapping for you. Visualize people smiling, nodding, taking notes, thoughtfully listening. Imagine the feeling of just delivering an outstanding talk. The joy, the emotion. Focus ONLY on those emotions associated with your successful endeavor. Replay that over and over as you breathe deep. Now, lift your chin, square your shoulders, step out there with the confidence of knowing that you have already crushed it! Show them your brilliance!

One thing that helps when I get nervous is to remember that this fear is so common. Public speaking is one of the most common fears for people. Most people understand that and can forgive the nerves. Don't believe the lie that the nerves are your problem alone or have anything to do with your competence. Sharing who we are in public is hard. It's always hard no matter how much you do it. But the reason it is hard is why it is also great. It gives us a chance to connect with an audience but to build that connection we have to allow some room for vulnerability. So, I think you can reframe the fear as an alert that you are opening to connection and it may help you trust yourself and the audience a little bit more.