Ppeople fear public speaking more than any other workplace stress, and they worry about stuttering, forgetting what they planned to say or otherwise making a fool of themselves in front of a judgmental audience. Dr. Morton C. Orman of Stresscure website suggests that, despite these common fears, public speaking is not inherently stressful, meaning people can work to conquer their fear of it. Writing for the Businessknowhow website, Judith E. Pearson, Ph.D, focuses on changing the emotional attitudes of nervous public speakers. Focus on a few stress-reducing strategies as you prepare to make your speech.
Focused Preparation
Preparation will help you feel confident in your ability to give a good speech. Practice your speech in front of the mirror, for a group of friends or into a tape recorder. Study the subject of your speech until you feel you can talk about it without consulting your notes. Prepare to answer specific questions from the audience about the subject itself as well as related topics.
Dr. Orman suggests focusing on your speech's two or three main points during your preparation. Obsessive over-preparation, he argues, will more often lead to mistakes and anxiety than success. If you try to memorize each word you want to say, you might panic if you make a small mistake.
Accept Imperfection
Dr. Pearson suggests that people abandon the belief that they must be perfect. Dr. Orman also suggests that public speakers redefine their notion of success. You should not worry about making small mistakes; instead, focus on communicating the key points in your speech for the benefit of the audience.
Don't hold yourself to impossible standards as you prepare for your speech. Expect a few mistakes and don't assume that these mistakes will ruin your performance. Stuttering or dropping a page of your notes will not ruin your entire speech. If you expect a few mistakes like these, you will be better prepared to recover from them.
Guided Imagery
Dr. Pearson suggests that public speakers "visualize the outcome they want." Exercise thought control during the days and hours leading up to the speech. Avoid thinking that you will fail, embarrass yourself or forget your speech's content. Visualize a successful and well-delivered speech and an appreciative audience.
Direct your thoughts about the audience as well. Dr. Pearson suggests that public speakers should "love their listeners." Assume your audiences are friendly, she insists. Instead of thinking of audience members as silent judges who will look on you with contempt and scorn, think of them as interested listeners who want you to succeed. Dr. Orman suggests that audiences will forgive small mistakes and root for speakers to recover.
24 Hours Before the Speech
Get plenty of sleep the night before your speech. Go to bed early and try to get at least eight hours of sleep. Wake up early enough the next morning so that you won't feel rushed before the speech. Dr. Pearson suggests avoiding mood-altering substances such as caffeine. These substances might increase your anxiety levels. Pearson also suggests dressing well so that you feel confident in your appearance.
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