This isn’t your typical “picture everyone in their underwear” pep talk.
It is said that public speaking is people’s number one fear… it’s even ranked higher than death. This means that your average person would rather be the one in the coffin than the one giving the eulogy. But you don’t have to be scared, everyone watching is rooting for you. Here are some tips to get your mind and nerves right before a speech or presentation.
1) Practice
In order to really be confident in what you’re saying, practicing is key. Almost everyone knows the feeling of presenting then suddenly forgetting what they wanted to say. If you’ve rehearsed, you’ll have a much easier time recalling what you forgot. You’ll also sound more natural, which will make you more enjoyable to listen to as a speaker. If your speech is less than 10 minutes, we at Her Campus recommend starting to practice 2-3 days before you need to present. The more time you give yourself, the better. Practice sessions don’t even need to be that long, just do your speech a few times with and without notes, but make sure to do it over and over until you’re confident!
2) Visualize Yourself Doing Well
In public speaking, visualization is everything! If you don’t think you’re going to do well, you won’t. If you go up there with a smile because you have confidence, you are way more likely to succeed.
3) Deep Breaths and Clenched Fists
Public speaking tends to create a nervous energy in everyone, but that adrenaline can actually be used to make your speech even better and more passionate. If you find you have a tough time getting rid of this energy and you’re shaky when you speak, take five deep breaths every time your heartbeat rate is elevated when you’re getting ready. Pausing for a second during your speech isn’t a bad idea either, but make sure it’s in an appropriate place. Also, clench then unclench your fists to release some energy. Some people also find that pushing their middle finger nail to their thumb and applying some pressure helps as well when dealing with their pre-speech anxiety.
4) Remind Yourself of Your Worth and Ability
Without getting too cheesy, this is the one that’s helped us the most. Consensus is, you present more effectively in a classroom where you feel you have an intellectual edge over your peers. Before your speech, remind yourself how smart you are. You may not think you’re the smartest in the class, but for the duration of your presentation it will help if you believe that you are.
5) Note Cards
It is acceptable to have index cards to reference in almost every presentation you will give. Write key points on the notes to prompt you, but don’t write out full sentences. No one wants to watch you read in front of the classroom, and your audience will be more engaged if you make eye contact. Having notes will keep you from freezing up, and glancing down every once in a while isn’t offensive to your audience either.
6) WATER!!!
Drink water before you present!! Shakiness can be caused by dehydration and nerves, so drinking water will be effective in fighting it. Also, presenting with dry mouth is the absolute worst.
Now go out there and knock ‘em dead, you’ve got this!