Preparation is one of the keys to overcoming fear of public speaking.  You work on preparing your material.  There are exercises to prepare your body and your mind.  But the final stage of your Preparation is creating a pre-presentation routine – a warm-up, if you like.  This is a set of behaviours that will work best for you so that when you begin your presentation you feel confident.  Read through this article and choose what you think will work for you.  It may take trial and error, but eventually you will find those things that you can do before your speech or presentation that will make you feel confident when you begin. 

 

The first involves what I call “scouting the territory.” If at all possible, arrive at the venue early and make it your own.  Walk the walk you will make to the stage or lectern.  Walk around the room and make yourself comfortable with your surroundings.  Feel comfortable with those surroundings ... feel confident walking, standing, looking.

 

Now is also the time to make sure any equipment is prepared.

 

Then you can walk away to warm up.  You may want to do your brisk walking now – around the car park, or the corridors – get the blood flowing and oxygen to the brain. 

 

Find a place where you can warm up your voice.  Practice important parts of your presentation with full volume, gesture and expression – in your room or

maybe in a distant bathroom or toilet.  Warm up your voice and practise confident presentation - reassure yourself that you know those bits of your speech that you need to remember.  Sip water to lubricate your vocal cords.  You are ready.

 

Return to the room and mingle with the audience, if you can.  This will make them less impersonal and imposing and allow you to make yourself more familiar to them. 

You might also be able to gather something you can use in your speech ...  and it is a chance to speak comfortably and to keep your voice warm.

 

When finally you sit down to wait to give your presentation, you can implement strategies to deal with specific physical symptoms.  (Read my article  Preparing Yourself physically to overcome the fear of public speaking for some ideas)   Sit upright and lean forward, keeping mind and body alert and confident. 

 

You can rotate through three focus areas

 

1. taking an interest in other speakers
2. your physical strategies
3. visualizations you have practised, of seeing yourself and your presentation progressing confidently and successfully

 

When it is your turn to speak, nod.  This is a positive movement.  Smile.  This sends endorphins through your body… and a feeling of confidence - to the audience who

can see you - and to your body.  As you stand and walk, put your head up and your chest out.  Bluff this if you have to.  Pretend you are confident.  It really works

and has been one of my most successful tools in overcoming nerves.  When you arrive at your speaking position, take time to settle yourself and your notes and anything else you have with you.  Make sure your feet are planted comfortably and our hands are where they need to be. Taking this time not only prepares you.  It makes you look confident and it gives you a feeling of power over the situation and a chance to calm yourself.

 

Smile again if it is appropriate.  Again, you appear confident, your body will feel confidence in response to your facial muscles … and a smile wins audience support.

 

You have set yourself up to begin with confidence.

---

© 2006 Bronwyn Ritchie  All Rights Reserves

If you would like to use this article in a newsletter, ezine or on your website, you may, but only if it is accompanied by this resource box:

Bronwyn Ritchie is a librarian, writer, speaker and trainer and manages Pivotal Public Speaking - resources to help you overcome your fear of public speaking and to write and present great speeches and presentations. Visit these resources at http://www.consultpivotal.com/public_speaking.htm , or subscribe to the fortnightly free tips in her ezine, Pivotal Public Speaking http://www.consultpivotal.com/ps_ezine.htm Just send an email to subscribe