It’s a common misconception that only novice public speakers feel nervous before high-stakes presentations.
However, even seasoned speakers experience jitters and anxiety before taking the stage. The adrenaline rush can be overwhelming, and it’s important to remember that nerves are a sign of caring deeply about the message you want to convey. So, embrace your nerves and use them to deliver a powerful and impactful presentation.
It’s a human reaction, not a professional flaw. As a speech coach, I give my clients the advice they need to transform nervous energy into presentations that captivate their audiences.
Adopt a Growth Mindset: View each opportunity to speak as a chance to grow and learn. This perspective shifts your focus from fear of failure to the excitement of personal development.
Master Your Material: Familiarity breeds confidence. Dive deep into your subject matter until it feels like a part of you. I tell my clients, “Know your speech so well you can forget it.” In other words, you open your mouth, and your words fall flawlessly from your lips.
Commit to Rehearse: Michael Caine says, “Rehearsal is the work. Performance is the relaxation.” Don’t forget to seek support from others. How about a trusted friend, a mentor, or a professional coach? You build your confidence when you rehearse in front of others, get ideas, and receive positive feedback.
Breathe Deeply: Deep breaths can help you stay grounded. This habit will help remove nervousness. I know; I breathe deeply before live and virtual presentations.
Visualize Success: Spend time visualizing a successful presentation. Image the audience’s engaged faces, hear their applause and feel the satisfaction of being a speaking superstar. This mental rehearsal prepares your brain for success.
Connect with Your Audience: Arrive early to mingle with attendees. This transforms the anonymous crowd into familiar faces, and you will feel they are on your side. I call this “Be your own warm-up act.”
Embrace the Power of Pacing: Manage your pacing to use adrenaline to your advantage. Slow down to emphasize points and speed up to convey enthusiasm.
Implement Tactical Pauses: Use pauses strategically to let your message resonate and to gather your thoughts, which enhances your poise. This also gives you time to breathe.
Engage in Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Briefly tense and then relax different muscle groups before speaking to reduce physical tension and mental anxiety.
Remember, nobody can see how you feel, only how you act.
Breathe, smile, and give your best. The audience is on your side.
When your message must be memorable, your presentation powerful, and your sales successful, Patricia can help.
For more information, visit Fripp Virtual Training and start your journey to becoming a powerful, persuasive presenter today.
Attending National Speakers Association conferences with my wife, Janelle Barlow, Ph.D. I learned more about speaking from working on my most important speech with Patricia Fripp than in the prior twenty years. Her suggestions and guidance were invaluable.” Jeffrey Mishlove, Ph.D.
“Without your guidance, I would not have been able to accept invitations to Cambridge University and speak to 10,000 on the platform with President Obama.” Angela Cearns, Chief eCommerce Officer, Yum
“Patricia Fripp is amazing. As a speech coach, you’ll never find anyone with her wisdom, experience, and ability. Once I began to work with her, she immediately improved my speaking style. Her ability to listen to what her clients want to say and instantly give them the right words is incredible. Patricia can take an average presentation and quickly transform it into a great one. Bhavin Shah, CEO & Founder, Moveworks
