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SIX TIPS FOR TAMING STAGE FRIGHT
By David LaManna

Being nervous or having a bit of the jitters is a normal response to any new, different or unpleasant situation. When called on to give a speech or presentation, nervousness can actually be of some help to us. The trick is to make sure that our fear does not completely take over our mind and body. Below are six tips that can help us to control our nervousness when we’re in a speaking situation.

1. Always Know Your Opening Lines Our first remarks in any speaking situation will set the tone for the rest of our speech. By having your initial comments well in hand, you will create a positive first impression on your audience. Knowing your opening lines as you begin to speak helps minimize your nervousness by focusing your thoughts.

2. Never Apologize Whenever or wherever you speak or present, always remember that your audience came to hear you and what you have to say. Maintain a positive attitude and give yourself some credit. Most people are sensitive to a speaker because they realize how difficult it is to speak in front a group. Never begin or end your talk by saying you’re sorry or apologizing for being there. Not only does this behavior diminish the impact of your message, it also points out deficiencies that the audience would otherwise have overlooked.

3. Think About Your Message…Not Yourself Keep your concentration focused on your topic and your fear will diminish as you progress in your speech. Forget thinking about yourself and what the audience is thinking about you. They are present to hear what you have to say about a topic or subject of interest to them.

4. Use Physical & Mental Exercises Just prior to your speech engage in some type of physical movement to expel some of that nervous energy. Walk, do some knee bends, squeeze a rubber ball…whatever serves as a release. Try to visualize yourself in a relaxing atmosphere, do some deep breathing and allow the tenseness of your body to release. Also, picture (in your mind) being a dynamic speaker. See yourself in front of a huge audience, captivating them with your words. Mental attitude plays a big part in reducing our fears and nervousness.

5. Get Familiar with the Surroundings One of the best ways to get a handle on nervousness is to know the room or surroundings in which you will be speaking. Familiarizing ourselves with a strange place has a calming effect on our minds.

6. Be Prepared If there’s a silver bullet to eliminate our nervousness it’s adequate preparation. Never try to “wing it” or to talk about a topic on which you have little or no knowledge. Get ready by knowing your topic and knowing what you’re going to say about that topic. Be prepared so you can deliver your talk in a dynamic fashion that will captivate your audience. In short, master your subject and be the authority. Preparation and planning will do more to lessen your nervousness and fear than any other single thing.

These are just a few ways to help stage fright. Try them as you get ready for your next presentation. Think of your own ways to control your nervousness as you progress in your speaking. You’ll soon find that you’re on your way to becoming a polished and dynamic speaker.

© Copyright 2004, David LaManna. All Rights Reserved.