For some people, speaking in front of an audience can be an unpleasant experience, even if they are the masters of the topic. Performance anxiety and stage fright can manifest themselves in various forms from lighter ones, such as trembling legs and body, sweaty hands or blurry vision, to more serious conditions, like loss of voice, preventing you from speaking or performing.
Lately, as events are being held virtually and the audience is hiding behind screen cameras, many people may experience this differently – not seeing a
large audience may feel more manageable. Yet for some, this still remains a challenge.
Fear of speaking in public can be paralyzing, but being aware of it can be the first step on the way to conquer it. So what else can we do?
Even if it seems obvious, knowing your subject of speech is the key. If you do not know the subject well, the anxiety will prevail and take you to the direction you don’t want to.
If you are performing live, try arriving at the venue earlier, when it is still empty. Get familiar with the space – you will feel more comfortable. You can use this approach even when performing virtually.
Most probably, the organizer will invite you to join early, and this way you will have a chance to meet the participants, as they are slowly joining the call. During this time, you may get familiar with a few of them and feel more at ease later.
Don’t forget to breathe. It is important to give your brain enough of the much needed oxygen, and we can only do that when we breathe correctly, by standing or sitting straight and trying to relax our muscles.
Never
underestimate the power of practice. Practice your speech. Practice it out loud, not just in your mind. Practice with a colleague or a family member. Practice in front of a mirror, or set a camera on your phone or tablet. Watch your recording. If you like what you are seeing, most likely the audience will too.
Now you know more about what is holding you back, and you can prepare for the next time you perform. You’d be surprised how many well-known public persons have the same problems. When you have time, check this inspiring talk.
