Speaking gracefully and without suffering from anxiety while in front of a crowd not always a simple task, especially if you have struggled with speaking or presenting in front of others throughout most of your life. When you are working towards overcoming your fear of public speaking, there are a few tips and tricks to help alleviate the anxiety and worry associated with speaking in front of others that may come in handy in a crunch.
Prepare Ahead of Time
When you are expected to speak at an event, take time to prepare ahead of time using a mirror and practicing in front of family members, friends, and even co-workers you are most comfortable around. The more you prepare ahead of time, the less likely you are to feel overwhelmed with nerves and anxiety once you begin speaking in front of any size crowd.
What’s Causing Your Fear?
Consider the root cause of your public speaking fear and whether it is that you feel judgment, embarrassment, or even dismissed when speaking in front of others. The better you understand your fear, the easier it is to overcome it by taking the proper steps.
Relax and Unwind Before Speaking in Public
Spend an evening with friends and loved ones prior to your public speaking event. Schedule a body massage while you relax and unwind. When you are in a relaxed state of mind, you are much less likely to find yourself incapable of speaking in front of others.
Use Humor
Injecting a bit of humor with a bit of light joking or witty remarks that are relevant to your audience is a way to help “break the ice” while feeling more at ease any time you are speaking in public. Using humor is not only helpful with alleviating stress and anxiety whenever you are speaking in front of others, but it is also helpful with creating a bond and connection with your audience, easing the ability to communicate with them directly.
Pause and Breathe
Remain alert, self-aware, and in total control of your breath whenever you are speaking in public. Consciously remind yourself to pause intermittently and to give yourself a breath. Remind yourself you are in a conversation with your audience, and allow yourself time to catch your breath and thoughts to truly make the most out of a public speaking event.