- Over-practice. Practice your speech as many times as humanly possible. I do this so if I ever freak out while I’m presenting I continue on almost muscle memory. The more times you say your speech, the less likely you are to be visibly nervous.
- Don’t make specific eye contact with anyone. It is the number one way I always lose my place or freak out, because I feel like they’re judging me. The trick is to keep your eyes towards the back of the room, or sweep your eyes over the room, so it looks like you’re making eye contact. Speaking to the back of the room also ensures you speak loud enough for everyone to hear. (However, if you have a friend in the audience, making eye contact with them might be reassuring.)
- If you need to pause, pause. I know every second you’re not talking feels like an eternity, but I promise the audience won’t even notice. If you lose your place, don’t say “um” or use filler words like that as you find it. Just pause. This also helps you make sure you don’t rush.
- Find people you trust and practice in front of them, adding people slowly if you can. Here’s what I’ve done: first practice to myself, and then to my mum. Then I practiced to my grandparents. Then I practiced to all of my friends. This way you ease yourself into it. It helps. Trust me! Other people can also help you identify mistakes in your speech or areas where you rush. etc.
- TAKE DEEP BREATHS AND REMEMBER THAT I BELIEVE IN YOU.
// This post isnt mine but I love it so much I wanted to share it with you today. I found it here.
- Don’t make specific eye contact with anyone. It is the number one way I always lose my place or freak out, because I feel like they’re judging me. The trick is to keep your eyes towards the back of the room, or sweep your eyes over the room, so it looks like you’re making eye contact. Speaking to the back of the room also ensures you speak loud enough for everyone to hear. (However, if you have a friend in the audience, making eye contact with them might be reassuring.)
- If you need to pause, pause. I know every second you’re not talking feels like an eternity, but I promise the audience won’t even notice. If you lose your place, don’t say “um” or use filler words like that as you find it. Just pause. This also helps you make sure you don’t rush.
- Find people you trust and practice in front of them, adding people slowly if you can. Here’s what I’ve done: first practice to myself, and then to my mum. Then I practiced to my grandparents. Then I practiced to all of my friends. This way you ease yourself into it. It helps. Trust me! Other people can also help you identify mistakes in your speech or areas where you rush. etc.
- TAKE DEEP BREATHS AND REMEMBER THAT I BELIEVE IN YOU.
// This post isnt mine but I love it so much I wanted to share it with you today. I found it here.
