Have you ever been asked to speak in front of a crowd and felt a sudden weight in your stomach, like “Oops!”? Some people actually feel sick, some get dizzy and some hear their hearts pounding so loudly their ears are fit to burst.
Guess what? Everyone experiences stage fright at some point in their lives, even the greatest orators! It’s the body’s natural response to a challenge, preparing you to give your best. What you think is a sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach is not working against you. See it as your brain flexing its muscle like a weight lifter does before picking up a weight.
Here are some tips to help you shine the next time you have to speak publicly.
- Prepare as much as possible ahead of time. Make notes and practice in front of the mirror/ your friends or family.
- Make sure you believe what you are saying. Find something in your speech to connect to. Make it personal.
- Write your own pep talk like “You’ve got this!” “Who’s the best speaker ever? Me!” “Cool, calm and collected”.
- Take deep breaths before you get on stage. Find a spot at the back of the room to focus on. Smile and speak clearly and confidently.
- If you forget something, laugh on the inside and move on to what you remember. You know how your younger sibling tries to play a trick on you sometimes but you saw them coming a mile away? Think of it as a trick that’s so obvious, it’s funny.
- Keep it light and fun. Keep it short but always pass across helpful or enlightening information.
- If you’re called on to speak without prior notice, these steps still work. Take a deep breath, focus and give some thought to what you want to say. No, this is not the time to freak out! It’s the time to be unselfish with all the great stuff you’ve read over the years. Readers always have interesting bits of knowledge to share and you’re a reader so share.
Let’s say our slogan together:
In this life, I will attain the greatness that is my DUE by being
Daring,
Unforgettable and
Exquisite!
Love,
Dr.N.
