How do I address nerves and anxiety when I have to speech in front of people?

Question

How to become confident and expressive when speaking in front of an audience.

Answer 1

Overcoming nerves and becoming confident when speaking in front of an audience is a skill that can be developed with practice and the right mindset. Here are some strategies to help:

Addressing Nerves and Anxiety

1. Prepare Thoroughly – The more you know your material, the more confident you will feel. Rehearse multiple times until you are comfortable with your speech.
2. Practice Controlled Breathing – Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nervous system. Try inhaling for four seconds, holding for four, and exhaling for four before you speak.
3. Reframe Your Anxiety – Instead of seeing nervousness as a weakness, view it as excitement and energy that will fuel your performance.
4. Visualize Success – Picture yourself delivering your speech confidently and receiving positive reactions from the audience. This mental rehearsal can ease anxiety.
5. Start with Small Audiences – If large crowds intimidate you, begin practicing in front of a mirror, then with a friend or small group before gradually increasing the audience size.
6. Use Grounding Techniques – Focus on a steady posture, feel your feet on the ground, and engage in positive self-talk to stay present and avoid spiraling into fear.

Becoming Confident and Expressive

1. Develop Strong Body Language – Stand tall, maintain eye contact, and use natural hand gestures to reinforce your message. Avoid fidgeting or closed-off postures.
2. Project Your Voice – Speak clearly and with enough volume. Practice varying your pitch, tone, and pacing to make your speech engaging.
3. Connect with the Audience – Make eye contact, smile, and interact with listeners when appropriate. Engaging with your audience makes you appear more confident.
4. Use Stories and Emotion – People connect with emotions and personal experiences. Adding stories, humor, or passion to your speech makes you more compelling.
5. Pause for Impact – Strategic pauses allow your audience to absorb information and give you a moment to collect your thoughts.
6. Practice, Practice, Practice – Confidence grows with repetition. Rehearse in front of a camera, watch the playback, and adjust accordingly.
7. Adopt a Performer’s Mindset – Approach public speaking like an actor preparing for a role—step into the persona of a confident speaker, even if you don’t feel like one at first.

Answer 2

There is a lot to say about how to address nerves and anxiety, but I will say in short that the two most helpful tips are:

1) Prepare what you are going to say ahead of time. Make sure you are clear with your message, and it gets at the heart of what you are trying to convey.

2) Rehearse! Practice the speech in front of a few people, and then perhaps a safe audience, etc.

These two principles are the cornerstone of overcoming nerves in public speaking. And they are the basis for Toastmasters, by the way.