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.
Jan 14, 2009
Can I add get to the venue early and visualise yourself speaking with confidence…or is that too airy fairy!!!
Works for me anyway
Jan 14, 2009
Dave – indeed you can. Airy Fairy indeed – it is a great suggestion. And for other readers – you need to see Dave in action to see that he knows what he is talking about!
Jan 15, 2009
You are so right…Breathe!
Actually I find that a few minutes before I “go on” breathing through one nostril at a time works really quickly to calm my nerves. Learned that from a coach several years ago and it really works for me. I have taught my daughter and I have seen her do it as well.
Just cover one nostril with index finger, inhale and exhale a few times and repeat with the other nostril.
Marcia
Jan 15, 2009
Thanks for that tip Marcia. I have not heard of that before but will give it a try!
Jan 15, 2009
One thing I should add about the breathing (cos kids do this all the time) is to make sure that you dont practise your breathing while you are at the mic. The amount of deep breaths I see youth do when I tell them to breathe!!!
Jan 16, 2009
Good point Dave. It is easy to forget what the mic picks up!