Speech anxiety

Being nervous and anxious are normal reactions when preparing and delivering a speech. There is no real way to completely remove these feelings, but there are some ways to lessen them or to even use them to enhance the speech.

Confidence

Confidence in the content and importance of a speech will take away most anxiety. It is hard to be confident if time has not been spent preparing and practicing. Remember a speech does NOT have to be perfect. They are meant to be a conversation with the audience.

Procrastination is the enemy

• More time spent preparing leads to confidence in the material
  • Information will come more naturally to you as you are speaking
  • The need to refer to notes lessens the more you practice making you more confident

Topic selection

• Select a topic that is familiar—allows you to have a connection with the topic. This connection will show as you relate information to the audience.
• Convey your enthusiasm about your topic to your audience
• Keep the speech conversational—comfort with the topic will make it easier for you to relay your thoughts and findings to the audience.

Be prepared

The more prepared you are for your speech the more familiar the information will be to you, allowing for your memory to fill in gaps as you are giving the speech.

• Research your topic to develop knowledge
  • The more you know about the topic, the more confident you will be with the information you are relaying
• Create an outline that provides organization and structure for your speech
  • Having a prepared outline gives you a safety net. You may never refer to it, but it is there if you need a reminder of where you are
• Practice your speech several times
  • The more comfortable you are with your speech the more relaxed and less anxious you will appear

Know the introduction and conclusion

• Begin and end your speech confidently
  • The audience may not remember the details in the middle of speech but they will remember the beginning and ending
  • Audience will believe you covered all of your points
• Eases anxiety
  • Words will come naturally and not feel as though you are forcing the topic

Remember to breathe

Take a few deep breaths before standing up to speak—studies show this actually helps to reduce stress and anxiety.

• Try to relax your entire body—will make you appear at ease to the audience

Remember general health

Make sure you eat, get sleep and drink water prior to your speech.

• One time when caffeine may not be your friend—treat yourself to Starbucks after your speech

Nervous energy

The goal is to appear as calm, relaxed, and poised as possible to build credibility with the audience and boost your confidence.

• Take a slow walk before your speech—clears your mind and helps you focus
• Keep both feet planted on the floor as you wait—keeps you from toe tapping or looking too antsy
• Gently squeeze the edge of the chair—eases tension in your upper body and helps avoid fidgeting
• Think and act calm—especially during the walk to front of room. The calmer you appear the more you will believe you are calm.
• Take a moment—look for a friendly face, then begin

Additional tips to remember

• The audience doesn’t want you to fail (all your peers in the room are going through the same thing)
• Some nervous energy is good—it can be channeled into your delivery
• Focus on the audience (how can you relate to them or bring them into the speech?)
• Be in the moment. Enjoy telling and conversing with the audience about your topic

References

Beebe, S. A., & Beebe, S. J. (2012). A concise public speaking handbook. Boston: Allyn & Bacon.

Lucas, S. (2012). The art of public speaking. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Sprague, J. & Stuart, D. (2013). The speaker's compact handbook, 4th ed. Portland: Ringgold, Inc.

Vrooman, S. S. (2013). The zombie guide to public speaking: Why most presentations fail, and what you can do to avoid joining the horde. Place of publication not identified: CreateSpace.