As a presentation and public speaking trainer, clients often ask me how they can overcome their public speaking anxiety.
The truth is, there is no silver bullet for eliminating your pre-presentation stage fright entirely.
In fact, feeling nervous or apprehensive before speaking live to an audience is perfectly natural.
Especially in a corporate or professional environment when landing that new contract or engaging a client hinges on the success of your presentation.
But here is the cool thing – you do not need to eliminate nerves entirely.
As a broadcast journalist, presenter and MC for more than 25 years I have found that feeling a little uptight and edgy before going live on air or hosting an event actually improves my performance.
Public speaking nerves are natural and can be helpful
Why? Firstly, feeling nervous demonstrates that you care about the audience and the organisation you are representing.
Secondly, a little squirt of adrenaline helps your mind focus sharply on what you are saying, how you are saying it and exactly what you want the audience to hear.
So welcome those butterflies in your tummy and try to reframe those feelings of anxiety as excitement.
But I am totally paralysed by public speaking fear!
While feeling a little anxious is okay, being totally overwhelmed by nerves and stage fright can inhibit your presentation and communication.
You might mumble, rush through your talk or just come across uncomfortable. This then leaves the audience feeling uncomfortable and disengaged, rather than impressed and inspired.
But there are several ways to reduce overwhelming, paralysing nervousness.
Preparation prevents poor performance
The most important (and most boring) way to keep those public speaking nerves in check is to … drum roll please … prepare!
I know, “yawn” prepare. But if your presentation is finalised and you have rehearsed it over and over, any bad bits will have been ironed out. The human brain also loves to know what is coming, so if you have practised your brain is like ‘oh I’ve done this before, cool, we’ve got this!’.
Being well rehearsed ahead of your presentation means you direct your time and energy into breathing and grounding exercises. In turn, you are more likely to calmly and confidently deliver your presentation … because you know it inside out.
Don’t scoff yourself before going on stage
It is also important to hydrate before you go on stage or deliver a pitch. But don’t consume too much coffee or have a big meal in the hour before. Butterflies in your stomach plus too much caffeine and food is a bad combination.
Public speaking training WILL help you overcome nerves and anxiety
If you are still feeling overwhelmed by stage fright and nervousness the next step is to get professional presentation and public speaking training or coaching.
My corporate presentation training business, Emily Rice Communications, provides theoretical and practical coaching in a supportive environment.
I will help you improve the development of your presentation and the delivery, so you can keep those public speaking nerves in check.
For more information please get in touch.