Are There Techniques to Reduce Anxiety When Speaking in Public?

Public speaking doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether you're prepping for a big presentation at work or a special event, feeling anxious is common—but it’s also something you can overcome. You can turn that anxiety into confidence and deliver a powerful performance with the right strategies. Public Speaking Advantage is here to guide you through every step.

Ready to take control of your fear and speak with confidence? Call 646-893-4414 today to get started! To learn more about our tailored workshops and coaching sessions, click here. We offer in-person programs at our Upper West Side office, the NYC studio near Bryant Park, or convenient online options!

1. Practice Deep Breathing

One of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce anxiety before speaking is to practice deep breathing exercises. When you're anxious, your body takes short, shallow breaths, making you feel even more nervous. Focusing on slow, deep breaths will calm your nervous system and make you feel more grounded.

2. Prepare and Practice

Preparation is key. The more familiar you are with your material, the less you’ll worry about forgetting what to say. Take time to rehearse your speech or presentation multiple times. You don’t need to memorize every word, but being comfortable with the flow of your message will boost your confidence.

3. Visualize Success

Before speaking, spend a few minutes visualizing yourself giving a successful speech. Imagine the audience responding positively and seeing yourself delivering your message with ease. This technique helps to reduce anxiety by focusing on positive outcomes rather than the fear of what might go wrong.

4. Start with Small Audiences

If speaking in front of a large group makes you anxious, try starting with smaller audiences. It could be friends, family, or colleagues. Gradually working your way up to larger audiences helps build confidence over time.

5. Embrace Your Nerves

It’s normal to feel nervous before speaking in public. Rather than fighting those feelings, try embracing them. Acknowledge that nerves are a part of the process for most people. With the right mindset, you can channel that nervous energy into excitement, which will help you connect with your audience.

6. Join a Public Speaking Workshop

Sometimes, professional guidance is the best way to manage public speaking anxiety. Public Speaking Advantage offers workshops to help people like you improve their skills in a supportive environment. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to sharpen your abilities, these workshops provide practical tools to manage anxiety, improve delivery, and boost confidence.

7. Focus on Your Audience, Not Yourself

One of the main causes of public speaking anxiety is worrying about what people think of you. Instead, try shifting your focus to the audience. What can you give them through your speech? By concentrating on the value of your message and how it will benefit your listeners, you’ll take the pressure off yourself and feel more relaxed.

8. Practice Positive Self-Talk

How you talk to yourself before a speech can make a big difference in how you feel. If you're constantly telling yourself that you'll mess up or that people won’t like what you have to say, you’re feeding into your anxiety. Try replacing those negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Remind yourself that you’re prepared, knowledgeable, and capable.

9. Take Advantage of Feedback

Feedback is an important part of growth in public speaking. Whether from a friend, mentor, or coach at Public Speaking Advantage, constructive feedback helps you improve without feeling overwhelmed. It also lets you recognize what you’re doing well, giving you confidence for future speaking engagements.

10. Take Care of Yourself Before the Event

Anxiety can sometimes be a result of neglecting your basic needs. Before speaking, ensure you’re well-rested, hydrated, and have eaten a balanced meal. Avoid caffeine if it makes you jittery, and consider light exercise to release any built-up nervous energy.

At Public Speaking Advantage, we understand that public speaking anxiety is common, but we also know that it’s manageable. By learning these techniques and practicing them regularly, you’ll feel more comfortable and in control when you stand in front of an audience. And remember, public speaking is a skill you can develop over time—with patience and the right support, you’ll become more confident with every speech.

If you're looking for guidance and tailored support, Public Speaking Advantage offers workshops that cater to all levels. Whether you want to reduce your anxiety or refine your speaking style, we're here to help you succeed. Ready to take the next step? Contact Public Speaking Advantage today and start your journey toward becoming a confident speaker.