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With the possible exception of professional speakers, tour guides or politicians, most people struggle with some level of stage fright before a public speech or presentation. But it would be a shame if nerves were to affect your speech so badly that you are completely incapable of conveying the ideas you wanted to your audience. Fortunately, there are some sure-fire tips to help get rid of stage fright prior to a public speech.
These tips were brought by Brian Tracy's blog.
Enthusiasm for a particular topic is a reliable aid in overcoming stage fright. If you talk about things you really care about and live for, it will definitely show in your speech and your positive energy will help neutralise your nervousness. You should therefore choose topics that you are genuinely interested in and feel passionate about.
Do not rely on improvisation to substitute for a lack of preparation. In fact, most people find it quite difficult to improvise in front of an audience that is listening intently. Therefore, it is a good idea to know the presentation by heart. However, you do not necessarily need to memorise it word for word: allow yourself a certain space to speak spontaneously, not verbatim.
This is a slightly awkward but very effective tactic. Once you have learned your presentation, deliver it a few times on camera or on your mobile phone and then analyse the video. Where do you make mistakes? What do your gestures look like? Do you keep shifting from one foot to the other? Or do you stand unnaturally still? Try to eliminate the mistakes you see in the video with each attempt.
If you are short of sleep and not properly rested, it will only make your nervousness worse. Try to get the best sleep you can the night before. Relax or do some sport in the evening so that you are not thinking too much about the presentation. Follow routines that you know help calm you down and always put you in a positive mood.
Despite all the above advice, it is unlikely you will not feel a hint of nervousness when the time for your speech comes. You will probably feel a certain amount of stage fright. The important thing to remember is that this is perfectly normal and the audience will not be offended if they recognise a trace of stage fright in you. They are well aware they themselves would also feel nervous in your place, possibly even more so! So just accept the fact the stage fright will be visible and don't worry too much about it.
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