Public Speaking Tip: Conquer Stage Fright
Perhaps, there is no effective way to deal with nervousness but
to deal with it squarely. Everyone who's in the business of
public speaking understands the feeling of standing in front of
the crowd and delivering your speech.
There has been no more dreadful experience as compared to
speaking in front of a huge crowd. In fact, in more than 1,000
people surveyed in a certain study, they would rather jokingly
prefer to die instead of participating in a public speaking
engagement.
This provides evidence that more than 86% of people object to
the idea of delivering speeches and conducting talks, which in
turn exposes themselves to possible ridicule should mistakes
arise.
Symptoms of Stage Fright
Let's face it; nobody is perfect. Famous orators, statesmen,
leaders of nations, and even the most well-read scholars become
fidgety before and during speeches. This very same fact puts you
on an equal level with them and confirms its normality.
Despite these facts, people sometimes find it difficult to
handle such situations and end up ruining such an important
event. Among the symptoms of the above conditions are the
following:
Excessive perspiration (sweat) Unexplained nervousness Sudden
drop in body temperature Abrupt onset of sore throat Dry lips
and mouth Skin starts to look pale Trembling knees, lips and
voice Increased palpitations Nauseating feeling Irregular
breathing pattern
Overpowering Stage Fright
Before devising plans to minimize the effects of social phobia,
it is best to identify the source of nervousness, why it occurs
and how you could possibly lessen, if not ultimately abate such
physical anxiety.
Just as experts in the field suffer from such feelings, ordinary
people need not be overly concerned that they are alone. The
truth is, such physical trepidity is a fact of life.
Swart, Margolis, and Den Boer, three authorities in public
speaking, articulated on their views about speech and oration
and the reason for the characterized physiological responses of
people undergoing such processes.
They commented on the truth that people expecting humiliation
and fear of public inspection and examination become overly
saturating to the point where one is no longer able to deliver a
quality talk.
Perchance, as long as you are alive and you are able to respond
to the many things happening in your environment, the feeling of
anxiety, nervousness, and fear arising from such a situation
prevails.
Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright
Below are tips on how to get better with the dangers of public
speaking. They are not meant to take away the feeling of panic
during your speech but will, in a way, help you manage the
stress associated with the situation.
You don't have to follow all the recommendations listed below
but choosing one or two or a combination of any of the ones
which you think will work best for you is one roadmap to making
your speech as perfect as you want it to be.
Don't let the situation control you. Use that nerve to your
advantage and walk with confidence with your speech as your
effective tool in controlling others with your convincing
remarks.
Take a Deep Breath - relax and focus on your breathing. This
will ease up your stressed muscles and will help you concentrate
on your speech.
Resist Intimidation - Forget speaking in front of people who are
smarter than you. A university study shows that more often than
not, more than 80% of your audience at a time does not have a
complete background on your topic. This gives you a leading edge
and puts you on a higher level of intellectual advantage.
Be Prepared - Nothing beats a well-prepared speech plan. Get
enough practice and repeat it as many times as you can.
Ward Off Physical Distractions - Eliminate details which can
cause confusion and distract you from your main business.
Uncomfortable clothing and accessories that are irritating to
the skin causes skin rashes. Wear light clothing or something
which you are comfortable with.
Establish Eye Contact - Making eye to eye contact with your
audience is the best way to deliver sincere and convincing oral
discourse. It allows your audience to keep their attention on
you and concentrate on what you have to say.
Choose the Right Food at the Right Time - Eat at least 3 hours
before your actual speech. Food taken long enough before you do
your talk perks your body up and provides you with the necessary
energy to carry on the task of speaking.