The Best Practical Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright

As one who does some speech coaching, I have heard all of the crazy ideas on how to conquer stage fright, but I think in more basic ideas. Actually, just a few.

Here they are:

1. Know your stuff! The best thing you can do is to be overwhelmingly, thoroughly, and completely prepared and in mastery of your material. Much of the fear comes from wondering if you will make a mistake, or if the audience will know more than you. There is one sure way to beat that and that is by knowing your material inside and out.

2. Focus on getting through the first five minutes. That is where the problem lies. Rarely do you see someone who seems fearful all the way through his or her presentation, do you? No, they settle in and get comfortable after a while. Don't look at it as a fifty-minute speech. Look at it as a five-minute speech.

3. Breathe! Fear is a bodily reflex and one that you can overcome. When you get afraid, you start to breathe in short, fast breaths. Before you speak, or while you are being introduced, you should sit quietly and breathe slow, deep breaths.

4. Tell yourself that the world won't fall apart if you do a rotten job. Face it; unless you are delivering the State of the Union Address, the world will keep right on revolving if you don't do well. Even as a professional speaker there are times when I don't do as well as I want to (Very, very rarely though - keep those bookings coming!). People usually appreciate it anyway and you'll keep right on going.

5. Understand that you are your own worst critic. I had some friends who used to play in all the hot clubs in New York City and I would occasionally go with them to watch them perform. Afterwards they would say, "Oh man, we were terrible tonight!" I hadn't thought so. The audience hadn't thought so either. Most people aren't going to come to your presentation with the goal of picking you apart. So you shouldn't pick you apart either. Obviously, this is mainly for the one giving the occasional talk, not the professional speaker.

6. Understand that most of the people in the audience would be scared to death to give a speech too, and are glad that it is you and not them! For the occasional speaker, it is okay to say, "Excuse my nerves, I am not used to this." When I hear that, I root for the guy, not cut him apart (Unless I paid big bucks to be there.)

7. Make 'em laugh. That is the best way to start with a crowd. I have a joke that I start 95% of all of my speeches with. It is a guaranteed laugh and always settles the crowd in. Sometimes it has nothing to do with my topic and I just say, "What does that have to do with my topic? Nothing, but I just love that joke!" Then I go into my speech, and we are all a little more relaxed because we have laughed together.

About The Author:

Chris Widener is a popular speaker and writer as well as the President of Made for Success, a company helping individuals and organizations turn their potential into performance, succeed in every area of their lives and achieve their dreams.

To see Chris "live" at the upcoming Jim Rohn Weekend Event as he speaks on the subject of Secrets of Influence go to http://Chris-Widener.InspiresYOU.com/ or call 800-929-0434.

---

Are You Talking the Talk?

"More learning occurs through emotion than through intellect" C.S. LewisEven... Read More

Does Uptalk Make you Upchuck?

Uptalk is invading the work place and is reaching epidemic... Read More

To Insure Success in Speaking: Anticipate

We all know that to be a careful driver on... Read More

Executive Public Speaking for English as a Second Language (ESL)

Public Speaking is a challenging skill. It is TOUGH! For... Read More

Know Your Audience

What is worse than wearing a tuxedo to an event... Read More

Voice Coaching - Training Your Voice to Give Better Presentations

Picture a cool crisp autumn morning in the wide open... Read More

A Short Guide to Effective Public Speaking

Delivering an effective presentation to 20 or to 200 people... Read More

Knowing Your Boundaries

While delivering a speech, it is clear that we will... Read More

Time Management

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date. No... Read More

Be Brief!

Centuries ago great speakers often spoke two hours and more.... Read More

The Ps and Qs of Public Speaking

Avoid the painWhich would you prefer - root canal dental... Read More

Ethics in Speaking: A Practical Point of View

Often managers have to deliver presentations with unpleasant content. The... Read More

How To Write Powerful Presentations, Speeches And Talks

Most of us get nervous about making a speech, whether... Read More

Speaking for FUN and PROFIT

How do you gain contacts from a speaking engagement?The name... Read More

Speakers Learn How to Define Your Niche

This is one of the hardest things speakers have to... Read More

SOS - Goal Setting

... --- ... SOS This is the traditional seafaring emergency... Read More

Choosing a Hot Keyword: Advice for Aspiring Public Speakers

When choosing keywords, you'll want to stay away from using... Read More

What is YOUR Speaking Expertise?

Why do you have to be an expert when getting... Read More

A Powerful Vocabulary Will Transform Your Life

Studies show that your word-power determines your earning power, that... Read More

So Youre Going to Make a Speech

What Do I Talk About?Start by asking yourself three questions:1.... Read More

How to Use Public Speaking to Attract Clients

When Robert Middleton moved his marketing consulting practice, Action Plan... Read More

20 Tips to Becoming a Professional Speaker: How to be a Rising Star

Entering the speaking industry can be both daunting and exciting.... Read More

How VALUABLE is Your Speaking Topic?

What information can be used immediately by the audience and... Read More

How Well Do You Speak?

The ability to speak well can enhance your career, clinch... Read More

How To Make A Blue Ribbon Presentation Every Time

You can make a Blue Ribbon presentation each and every... Read More

Speak in Public! Who Me?

The first time I had to speak in front of... Read More

Speak Up or Sit Down

Last night the phone rang; my wife said, "I hope... Read More

Speaking Body Language

I observed an almost surreal event when I was a... Read More

Speech Making - Reasons Why People Dont Listen

Making a speech seems simple. You speak, others listen. However... Read More

Demand Dignity in Public Speaking Training

Mandy*, a bright, attractive professional woman, had a fear of... Read More

How to be a Great Speaker

Did you know that great speakers are often nervous with... Read More

Speech Tips - Ten Things to Remember When Accepting an Award

Many people are recognised for their work, industry, sporting or... Read More

Speak to Be Heard and Understood

Use your voice to your advantage. One of your main... Read More