If you would rather get a cavity drilled than talk in front of a crowd, you're not alone: Public speaking is the most common social phobia among adults, the National Mental Health Information Center states, and speech anxiety leaves countless people plagued by sweaty palms, a racing heart and pre-speech jitters. Several fear-slaying strategies can help you combat nervousness and keep your cool on stage.
Visualization
While it might be tempting to picture everything that could go wrong during your speech, negative thoughts and self-criticism only worsen speech anxiety and may make you more likely to blunder. Instead of dwelling on grim scenarios, the University of Southern Mississippi Speaking Center suggests visualizing yourself delivering a successful, articulate speech. Picture the confidence you'll feel on stage and the positive response you'll receive from your audience. Replace negative expectations of your speech with images of success.
Backup Plan
Creating a backup plan or "safety net" for your speech can reduce anxiety when you speak in front of an audience, the University of Hawaii Speech Department explains. Instead of stepping up to a podium empty handed, bring written notes, an outline, cue cards or even a verbatim copy of your speech to help jog your memory during your presentation. Even if you don't end up needing your backup notes, simply having them as a crutch can reduce anxiety about forgetting what you're going to say.
Skills Training
Because speech anxiety can stem from a lack of confidence and experience, developing your speaking skills can help you minimize speech-related nervousness. According to the University of Southern Mississippi Speaking Center, taking a public speaking class at a community center or local college can help boost your speaking confidence, and working with a speech tutor will help you receive personalized guidance for conquering your fears and enhancing your stage presence. In addition, studying books, articles and other resources discussing speech skills can increase your breadth of knowledge, which may help you feel more confident when you're in the spotlight.
Preparation
Feeling unprepared for a speech can exacerbate feelings of anxiety, even for well-seasoned speakers. Before giving your speech, the University of Hawaii Speech Center recommends rehearsing it aloud to small groups, friends, relatives, roommates, pets or even your mirror, practicing the energy and enthusiasm you want to deliver on your speech day. Feeling rushed can contribute to anxiety, so allow yourself ample time to research, write and rehearse your speech rather than waiting until the last minute to start.
