Make Public Speaking Less Scary

Make Public Speaking Less Scary

 

Public speaking is scary: it’s a chance to mess up in front of other people, and the stress can trigger an evolutionary fight-or-flee reaction. But there are ways to conquer your nerves. Before your next big presentation:

• Prepare thoroughly. Research your topic, anticipate tough questions, and practice your delivery.
• Imagine giving the presentation. How will it feel? How will you begin? What will the audience look like?
• Stay calm and loose. In most cases, people can’t tell that you’re nervous. If you stumble, act as though it didn’t happen.
• Get used to looking at blank faces. When you’re talking to someone one-on-one, they give physical and verbal cues that they’re listening. Groups of people don’t always do that.
• Get comfortable with uncertainty. At a certain point you have to trust that you’ve done all you can to prepare. Remember: the likelihood that your worst fears will come true is slim