***Does Just the Thought of Public Speaking Make You Nauseous?

2. Know Your Material. Often those who are the most nervous are the ones who prepare the least for their speaking engagement because they think it is pointless or useless. Nothing could be further from the truth. Without practice – and that means lots and lots of practice – you stand a greater chance of realizing your fear. If athletes, performers, musicians, and singers must practice, how can the public speaker not practice?

3. Make eye contact with your audience and acknowledge all who are in the room, not just those directly in front of you. Avoiding your audience by staring at something on the wall is not the answer. In fact, not acknowledging your audience will actually increase your nervousness. Target your smilers because they will bolster your confidence.

4. Try breathing before you speak and while you are delivering your speech or presentation. You will be amazed at how much better you feel if you allow yourself to get oxygen. Truly amazing and truly so simple. Remember, without air, there is no voice.

5. Believe in yourself. Approaching a lecte or stage, while at the same time telling yourself you cannot do it, is your first step to accomplishing that prediction. If you are seeking perfection, you will lose the battle. Instead, why not seek to do the best job that you can?