Tips for dealing with nervousness from a famous speaker
The following speech was given by a famous American speaker. It is not only a good example of public speaking. It also shows us the insight into nervousness reduction in public speaking.
Ladies and gentlemen, today, I want to talk about some tips to help deal with nervousness.
Notice that I didn't say overcome nervousness, that is because I believe that there is nothing that will make you instantly calm while in public speaking except of course for horse tranquilizers.
.the secret of achieving true calm without drugs is in practice. So I'd like to share some tips that will make you appear calm while you are working and expanding you comfort zone. First of all, the very best way to deal with nervous is to practice, practice your speech so much that you can do it while on autopilot. that way your lips and body will know what to do even if your mind has checked out, while speaking, concentrate on breathing, slowly and deeply, not only will you not hyperventilate_this way, but you’ll also keep a nice steady supply of oxygen flowing to your blood stream. Nervous people have a tendency to take short, shallow breath. Hum a key before you begin to speak, and lower your voice just a tiny bit. The result of noise will sound less like a pitch of a nervous mouse, and more like a normal speaking voice. Avoid nervous hand gestures too. Don't pretend that you are Adam and give yourself a fig leaf. Don't wring your hands like a substitute teacher in the wildest home room. If you haven't got a good use for them at the time, keep those hands hanging freely of your side, and try to put the whole thing into perspective.
What's there to be afraid of anyway? Does the state of world peace hang on the result of this presentation? Are small children going to die as a result? Will it even be something you will remember in five years time?
Why are we afraid of public speaking anyway? There's no good reason. We've got something to day, why can't we say it? Some fears we have for good reason, for instance, I'm not planning to take up a sky diving anytime soon. I'm not quite ready to die yet, but fear of public speaking, it is completely irrational. Think of the fear in that way, and try to see it for what it really is, stupid.
And if all else fails, quote a little Shakespeare, I have a favorite line that gave me strength. And I used to repeat it like a mantra. Unfortunately the context from which it comes is a teensy bit grim, it happened to be a tool that Lady Macbeth used to talk the hubby into rubbing out the king, but it was a great line none the less. And it is the line I want to end this educational minute with. It goes like this: Screw your courage into the sticking place, and we shall not fail!
The truth of our public speaking, however, is, it does not have to be stressful, if you correctly understands the hidden courses of public speaking stress.
If you keep just a few principles in mind, speaking in public will soon become an invigorating and satisfying experience for you. |