Summary: Is the fear of public speaking holding you back? Here are some tips to help you manage your nerves. TRANSCRIPT: It's remarkable how many people fear public speaking. In fact, it's one of the great fears on our planet. And it's a shame because public speaking is something that each and every one of us really need to do. So I've got a few quick tips for you how to overcome the fear of public speaking. Firstly, remember, it's okay to be nervous. Nobody's perfect, and it is quite intimidating to get up and speak You have to learn to turn that nervous energy into positive energy. And you can do it because the feelings of nervousness and excitement are very similar. You just have to put a different name to them. So remember, it's okay to be nervous. When you walk out on stage look like you really want to be there. Go out with a smile on your face. Make eye contact. Notice people around the room and realise they really want you to succeed. Don't worry about mistakes, you're going to make mistakes. I make mistakes. Every single person that's ever spoken in public has made mistakes. Don't worry about it. Move on, people totally understand that. Be a giver, not a taker. Remember that you're there for them. It's not really about you. So all this internalising. What if they don't like me, what if I stuff up? What if I make a mistake? What if What if? No, why are you there, you're there to inform, to entertain or to educate. It's about them, not you. And when you get that frame of mind it externalises and all of a sudden, you're sort of looking forward and not backward. So be a giver, not a taker. Breathe, speak slowly. I know it sounds silly. Of course you breathe, everyone breathes, but the more aware of your breathing. And anytime you get a bit nervous. Take a deep breath. Hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly. And do that a few times. When you're speaking, speak slowly. being nervous, the natural tendency is your voice to go up. And you speak quicker. Well, you lose an audience. If your voice goes too high, and you'll speak too quickly. They just can't keep up with you. So speak slowly and breathe and pause. pauses are wonderful, pauses can be every bit as important as what you're having to say. You've just made a big point, pause at the end of it to give people time to take in what you're saying. You're about to make a big point, pause so they can all get on board and wait expectantly for what you have to say. Don't ever forget the power of the pause. Focus on positive reaction, look around the room. Look at those people who are taking in what you're saying. They're absorbed by what you're saying. and concentrate on them. Those that are giving back, you give to them. Now remember, the audience want you to be good. No one gives up a night or a day or whatever they come up to see a speaker thinking Gee, I hope they're a failure. I hope this is going to be the most boring hour of my life. No, they want you to be good. So it's up to you not to lose them. You've already got them. So when you get out on stage and you smile, you look around, make eye contact. The audience want you to be good. So then it's up to you. So, bear those few things in mind. Remember, public speaking is a wonderful gift, but it can be learned. Nobody is an absolute natural. And the harder you work at it, the better you'll get. Have fun.
