• Put the situation in perspective. Remind yourself that you’ve been talking to people all your life.
• Select a topic that interests and excites you. If you truly wish to share your knowledge and communicate with the audience, you will probably forget your nervousness and focus on the topic instead.
• Research your topic well. Nothing helps reduce anxiety better than thorough preparation.
• Plan your opening carefully. Nervousness is at its peak at the beginning of a presentation. A well-prepared introduction will help calm you down and build your confidence for the rest of your speech.
• Imagine that you are giving your speech first to one person, then two people, then five, and finally to the whole audience.
• Don’t forget to rehearse gestures and body movements. Don’t force them, but let them become an integral part of your presentation.
• Check out the room in which you will deliver your speech and determine the best location for visual aids.
• Practice, practice, practice!

• Try to get a good night’s sleep before your speech so that you are physically and mentally rested and at your best.
• Explain to yourself what’s happening to your body. Remember that the symptoms you are experiencing (butterflies, dry mouth, etc.) are your body’s
  ways of helping you through stressful situations.
• Burn up excess energy. Relieve the tension in your muscles by getting off the bus a stop early, walking around the block, or taking the stairs rather than the elevator.
• Practice relaxation exercises. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing. Breathe deeply and slowly. Tense and then relax your muscles, starting with your toes and working up to your neck and face.
• Identify negative self-talk (e.g., “My audience will be bored.”) and replace it with positive messages (e.g., “My speech is important and interesting.”).
• Have a positive attitude toward your listeners. Assume that they will be supportive and attentive. Expect that they understand the speechmaking
  process and will be helpful. They know just how you feel!
• Visualize success. Imagine that you are part of the audience and watch yourself deliver your speech competently and with confidence, If you think
  you can do it, you can do it.

• Take a few deep breaths.
• Act with confidence and you will feel that way. Show your listeners a confident speaker communicating well-researched and carefully prepared
  ideas.
• Focus on your message, not yourself. Don’t talk about your speech to your audience (e.g., don’t say “I hope you will like my presentation.”), and never
  ask for sympathy (e.g., don’t say “I’m nervous” or “I’m scared”). Remember that your audience is with you and wants you to succeed.
• Pause before you speak. Gather your thoughts, make eye contact, and start with conviction. Don’t be afraid to smile—the audience will smile back!
• Use energy while you talk. Employ gestures and utilize the space provided by moving around just a bit. But keep in mind that too many gestures and movements may be distracting; so be aware and move naturally.
• Use visual aids. They create interest and make you feel less self-conscious because they help the audience to focus on something besides you.
• Make eye contact with all parts of your audience, but also search for friendly faces. They can provide an anchor of reassurance throughout your speech.
• If you make a mistake, it is not the end of the world! Most mistakes are not even noticed by the audience.
• Pause before your conclusion, and then present the rest of your speech with special emphasis.
• Don’t end with a statement that expresses relief (e.g., “I made it.) or disappointment (e.g., “This was not very good.”). The focus should remain on your message, not on yourself.
• Don’t go back to your seat immediately after your speech. Accept applause, invite questions, and thank the audience for their interest.

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