How do I control my nerves during public speaking?

Answer 1

Controlling your nerves during public speaking really comes down to understanding what’s happening in your body and giving yourself a few simple tools to stay grounded. Most people think they’re afraid of speaking, but they’re really just afraid of being judged. Once you recognize that, the whole thing becomes easier to manage.

One trick that helps a lot is warming up with someone in the room before you start — even a quick “Hey, how’s it going?” to one friendly face makes the environment feel less intimidating. And if you memorize just your opening lines, you take the pressure off the most stressful part of the talk, which is the first 30 seconds.

Breathing helps too, but not the dramatic “big breath” kind. A couple rounds of box breathing—inhale four seconds, hold four, exhale four—can lower your heart rate quickly. Standing in a solid, relaxed posture also tells your brain you’re safe, which calms things down more than people realize.

Another big shift is focusing less on how you look and more on why you’re speaking. When you think about the message you’re trying to deliver and how it helps your audience, your anxiety tends to fade into the background. And honestly, a little adrenaline is totally normal—most great speakers still feel it. They’ve just learned how to work with it instead of fighting it.

The last thing to remember is that the audience is actually rooting for you. No one wants you to fail; most people are relieved they don’t have to be the one talking. That mindset alone can take a lot of pressure off.

Answer 2

Answer 3

These are some tips I have used in the past to control my nerves when speaking publicly:

1. Prepare Thoroughly

Too many people try to wing it, which often makes nervousness worse. The best way to calm your nerves is preparation. Know your material deeply, not just memorized, but understood. Rehearse out loud multiple times, ideally while standing and looking up as if you're addressing a real audience. If possible, practice in the actual setting or a similar space. Preparation gives you control, and control gives you confidence.

1. Reframe Anxiety as Excitement

You can’t eliminate all nerves, but you can reframe them. Studies show that telling yourself “I’m excited” instead of “I’m nervous” actually changes how your brain and body respond. Use that surge of adrenaline to energize your delivery rather than fearing it.

1. Focus on Your Message, Not Yourself

Nerves often come from self-consciousness. Instead, shift your focus outward: What do I want the audience to walk away with? When you concentrate on helping the audience understand something, you naturally become more confident and less anxious.

1. Accept That Nerves Are Normal

Even the greatest speakers feel nervous. The difference is they expect it and don’t let it rattle them. Feeling a little jittery before speaking isn’t a problem; it’s a sign that you care.

Answer 4

I always find an object at various spots of the room to focus on instead of looking directly at someone.