Speech Anxiety - The Conquer Checklist

If you ask most people what they would rather do, they would likely tell you that they would rather do anything then have to give a speech. Unfortunately there are a lot of people who have to give speeches...

Speech anxiety is very common. People who would otherwise have no problem speaking to two or three people start having problems when asked to speak to a large group.

Part of the problem is just the fear of standing up in front of all those people. Another part of the problem is the worry that you'll have to deal with difficult people, during and after your speaking presentation in for example a Q&A feedback session.

Here are several techniques to help you deal with your speech anxiety. A checklist. Some of them you can do right before your speech while preparing minutes before you enter the stage, others you can practice in the days prior to your performance.

You'll sound more confident, in control and more powerful.

2. Slow down. The breathing exercise leads into the next tip. When you get nervous people start talking faster and in a higher pitch.

When you notice this happening force yourself to slow down and take a breath. Taking a pause to breath will also let you emphasize points better.

Your authority will grow, because it looks like you've anything in control.

3. Practice. The biggest fear that people have when it comes to speech anxiety is that they are going to make a fool of themselves. But: making a mistake happens.

If you do make a mistake just take it in stride or turn it into a joke. To help keep yourself from making mistakes practice your speech several times in the days leading up to your speech.

But don't over-practice it. Don't go over it more than 3 times a day, otherwise you might trip yourself up too.

4. Find out the worst thing that could happen. If you mess up driven by speech anxiety what could happen? Are they immediately going to fire you? Will they run you out of town on a rail?

No. Of course not! Silly thoughts.

Come up with the most absurd ideas you can. The more absurd they are the funnier they are, and they will help you relax. What can really happen is much less worse than what you can imagine!

5. Don't pressure yourself. No one has ever given a perfect speech. Everyone has messed up sometimes.

They will forgive you if you make a mistake on your speech topics.

These techniques can help you deal with your speech anxiety and help you give a much better address. Another part of anxiety over public speaking is what are you going to do with someone who gives you a hard time. Dealing with difficult people is especially important if you are give a presentation and will have people participating.



 Home to Best Speech Topics Help From Speech Anxiety