Are you nervous about giving a speech? Most people are. Here are some ways to cope with the anxiety:
Be well prepared but don't try to memorise your speech. Whether you read it (ten double-spaced type written pages equal about 20 minutes of speech) or make notes and speak off the cuff, rehearse your speech once or twice.
Grab the audience's attention by opening with a joke, a moving personal story or a relevant anecdote. Don't make it too controversial; if you antagonise your audience right away, you may never win them back.
Organise your speech by asking yourself, 'if I could leave my audience with one main idea, what would it be?' Then focus on that idea, supporting it with no more than four secondary points. All your facts and anecdotes should relate to at least one of these points.
When you arrive at the place, make sure that the sound system is working properly.
Take advantage of your pumping adrenalin. Use the energy and excitement to help project your ideas forcefully. But calm yourself with a few deep breaths before you start speaking.
Oddly enough, if you acknowledge your nervousness to the audience, there's a good chance that you will defuse it.
Don't worry about being boring. Focus instead on the importance of what you're saying. You're there to communicate ideas - not to be judged on your performance.
Watch your posture. If you stand straight, you'll automatically feel and look more self-assured.
A comforting fact - most audiences report that they notice little anxiety in speakers. So don't compound your anxiety by thinking everyone can see your trembling legs.
