How can I get over stage fright and nervousness before I give a speech?
The following comes from TJ Walker’s upcoming book “The Wisdom of Your Audience”. Consistently, the worst advice speakers and presenters get, comes from everyone who is NOT your audience. The following gives examples of some of the WORST advice people are often given. It is followed by the advice of your audience. Listen to them. They are your true judge and jury.
How can I get over stage fright and nervousness before I give a speech?
Your Motivational Guru: “Think positive thoughts and you will have a positive impact.”
Your Speech Coach: “Picture your audience naked and they won’t seem intimidating.”
Your Mother: “Just visualize all of your audience giving you a standing ovation, and it will happen!”
You: “Maybe if I open with a good joke then everyone will laugh and I will feel relaxed.”
***
Your Audience: “You SHOULD be nervous before giving a speech. Chances are, you are going to bore the hell out of us like most speakers do. Why don’t you try something radical, like actually delivering an interesting, relevant speech full of compelling case studies, stories and examples that will help us improve our businesses or lives.”
March 31st, 2008 at 6:52 pm
I agree, people should really give effort to get over stage fright but after all its all worth it you will have that confidence to in front of many people. Here are also some other tip to overcome this fear:
Master your time management to manage your fear
Time management helps in reducing unnecessary pressure and anxiety. Not only in the preparation of the subject but also other preparations, like your appearance, required presentation material, etc. managing your time will help you manage your time well and help you relax before the presentation. Another aspect of time management is to reach the venue well in advance. At least be in the appointed place half an hour before the program starts. Familiarize yourself with the place, the equipment, and the people. Knowing about the hall, the podium, the microphone, the staff members and organizers will help you become accustomed with the place and knowing whom to reach in the event that something unexpected happens.