How do I get beyond nervousness, anxiety and the discomfort of speaking to audiences large or small?

Question

I have Public speaking jitters but I have to present in front of my peers or executives periodically. How do I get beyond nervousness, anxiety and the discomfort of speaking to audiences large or small?

Answer 1

To effectively overcome anxiety when speaking to an audience of five or more, the most crucial strategies include: thorough preparation and practice, understanding your audience, utilizing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, visualizing success, making eye contact, and engaging with the audience through interactive elements; essentially, focusing on knowing your material well, managing your nerves through physical practices, and connecting with your listeners to feel more at ease. 

Here are some strategic key questions and pointers to help you to combat public speaking anxiety: 

1) Know your material:

1. YOU are the subject matter expert so show up READY to show what you know.
2. Do you Deeply understand your topic? Have you practiced your speech multiple times to build confidence and reduce uncertainty about your content?

2) Audience awareness

1. How can you familiarize yourself with your audience to craft your message and tone to their specific interests and level of understanding? Once you figure this out, it will make you feel more connected to them. 

3) Practice, practice, practice:

1. Rehearse your speech in various settings. Practice it in front of a mirror or a small group of friends, family or peers to become comfortable with the delivery and flow. 

4) Visualization:

1. Mentally picture yourself delivering a successful presentation with positive audience feedback to boost your confidence. What responses from your audience would indicate to you that you've had a successful presentation?

5) Relaxation techniques:

1. Employ deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness practices to manage physical tension and anxiety before and during your speech. 
2. What brings YOU ultimate relaxation and calm? Is it getting a massage? Listening to calming music (If so, I recommend Dr. Jeffery Thompson)? Taking a walk, bike ride, or drive to relax your mind? Sipping on a relaxing herbal tea (try chamomile, valerian root, hemp, or lavender)? And/or taking a relaxing bath with a lavender diffusor?

6) Positive self-talk:

1. What does your inner critic say to you? What encouraging affirmations can you recite to silence that contrary voice in order to maintain a positive mindset?

7) Eye contact:

1. Who can you make your point of focus? Who will be the friendly, inviting face(s) with whom you can make eye contact in the audience to create a sense of personal connection and engagement?

8) Engage the audience:

1. Which interactive elements like questions, polls, or small group discussions can you incorporate into this particular presentation to involve the audience and alleviate pressure on yourself and give yourself a reprieve?

9) Body language:

1. Are you maintaining good posture, using appropriate hand gestures, and smiling to appear confident and approachable? Or are you in your head judging yourself and keeping an intense, rigid posture and a monotonous tone because you're afraid you don't sound "perfect"? Remember, perfection/flawlessness is NOT the goal...CONNECTION is! Let yourself off the hook and leave room for error; be human, be natural, be relatable so you can CONNECT!

10) Begin with an icebreaker

1. What activity of sorts can you start with that can instantly get your audience engaged and loosened up to receive the information you'll be sharing?

11) Start small:

1. If you have significant anxiety, gradually build up your comfort level by speaking to smaller groups first.