Relaxation Techniques for Public Speaking

We all have gone through it at one time or another in school, at social functions as professionals. Some people don't seem to have a problem with it, and go through the experience with an enviable ease. Some of us , in the other hand, have to try very hard to stifle the deafening horror scream that gets lodged in our throats when presented with the task. I am talking about Public Speaking.

Public Speaking can be intimidating even when we are well prepared for the event. We may be authorities in the subject, but when speaking to a group we get dry mouth, our hands sweat and the throat tightens up, our knees shake and we suffer the dreaded (and most embarrassing) temporary loss of memory. These are all symptoms of Stage Fright (or as I call it "I want my mommy syndrome"). Yes! if we have a diagnosis we have a treatment, so don't fear my friends!

Here are some easy public speaking techniques I am borrowing from The Advance Public Speaking Institute:

Visualization strategies

Pretend you are just chatting with a group of friends.
Close your eyes and imagine the audience listening, laughing, and applauding.
Remember happy moments from your past.

Strategies in advance of program

Get individual or group public speaking coaching.
Listen to music.
Read a poem.
Anticipate hard and easy questions.
Organize your speaking notes.

Just before start

Get into conversation with people near you. Be very intent on what they are saying.
Yawn to relax your throat.
Doodle.
Draw sketches of a new car you would like to have.
Look at your notes.
Put pictures of your kids/grand kids, dog, etc., in your notes.

Strategies when the program begins

If legs are trembling, lean on lectern /table or shift legs or move
Try not to hold the microphone by hand in the first minute.
Don't hold notes. The audience can see them shake. Use three-by-five cards instead.
Take quick drinks of tepid water.

Like with all in life, perfection comes with practice, so be willing to keep trying. Also don't forget to smile you will look friendly and in control to the audience and it may even relax you. Very important as well is to remember to breath deeply and calmly it will set a nice pace to your speaking tandem. Turn your nervousness into a positive thing, instead of showing fear show enthusiasm and energy.

In conclusion, learning how to deal with public speaking anxieties is the right step to easing discomfort of stage fright. The fact is you are a very interesting person, people deserve to know what you have to say.