Public speaking – tips for dealing with nerves

For the first time in a very long time I was really nervous before making my presentation last night. As I was driving to the venue – about 20  miles away I was running through the tips I give others when I am training. At Speakersbank we don’t say that we have the guaranteed way to eliminate nerves. We recognise where they come from , how they feel and what can be done to cope with them. For example

1 Speak about what you know . If you don’t know a lot make a point of finding out more

2 Be prepared. I had ages to do this and got some good back up information for the points I was making

3 Practice – and then practice some more.  I spent most of yesterday afternoon doing that. The more you practice the easier to store more in your head ( and do away with referring to notes)

4 Take your notes as a backup ( just in case). I am often asked what to do if your mind goes completely blank in front of the audience. The chances of that are small. Really. If you have done 1, 2 and 3  then a quick look at your notes should be enough to send you off and running.

5 Focus on positive talk to yourself – I will make a good speech, the audience will be very interested in what I have to say etc. Negative self- talk is never helpful ( in any situation) . Turn what you are saying round to positives.

6 Breathe! – It’s a must.  Slow steady breathing.

When it was time for me to stand up and speak my heart was pounding but I remembered to breathe. I had eliminated the negative self talk and reminded myself that the content was interesting, that I had practiced enough and that – crucially – the audience would want me to succeed.

And I allowed myself a wee smile when someone said that it was good to see that I had real control of my breathing. Little did they know.