We often hear people saying how important it is to speak on stage. But are you one of the people who gets crippled by the mere thought of getting on a stage and speaking? If yes, you need to know how to control stage fright.
Being an effective public speaker will help you in many instances. Whether a college presentation or a company pitch meeting, getting through to your audience is one of the most important parts of public speaking.
If stage fright is denying you the opportunity to speak with confidence, here are a few tips to help you overcome it.
- Prepare yourself mentally
The trick to achieving confidence when speaking is to convince your mind about the situation. It will help if you put effort into mentally preparing yourself for the speech, so you get enough time to come to terms with it. You might often be nervous and anxious before getting on stage. An effective way to reduce such feelings is by preparing yourself ahead. If you feel like your heart will explode or something similar, give yourself some time before getting on stage to make yourself calm and comfortable about the whole deal.
- Practice your speech
If you are wondering how to control stage fright, practice is the key to it. Not everyone has the skill to say the exact words they practiced. If you like to keep a few points in mind and develop them as you go, practicing how to produce a flow in your speech will help a lot. You can make a note of all the points you wish to discuss and then try speaking to see how well you can develop them. This will help you get a hold of the topic and properly control the time and content.
- Visualize yourself on stage
If you wish for something ardently, you can manifest it. Even though many people do not believe it, this mantra can help someone with stage fear. When you practice your speech or rehearse it, imagine yourself on a stage. Imagine a group of strangers in front of you, listening to your every word. This will help you overcome unnecessary fear. Take a deep breath and visualize the entire space crowded with people curious to hear what you have to say. Speak from your heart just like you would in reality, with gestures and eye contact.
- Get rest, eat well
Just because you have to speak on stage does not mean you have to get tensed and starve yourself. You need to have proper food and enough rest to speak with your full energy and confidence. Sleep well the night before, so you are well-rested and ready to give your speech. If you are confused about controlling stage fright, start with small things like these.
- Warm up for your throat
To speak well, you need a healthy throat. Avoid any food or activity that can compromise your voice or throat before your big speech. A sore throat can kill your confidence even if you have prepared for the last minute. Avoid foods that can disturb your voice so that you can be loud and clear when speaking. The audience listens more attentively when a speaker is clear and audible. When you practice your speeches, speak loudly as a form of exercise for your throat.
- Double-check the facts
Double-check if you have made pointers or facts to speak on to see if they are valid. See if you have written them correctly. The right facts to speak about can give you confidence. Making a mistake in the data or fact you are sharing can be a deal-breaker. Avoid this by checking anything you wish to share with the audience. Also, having complete knowledge about the topic can help with any queries your audience may have. Answering their questions can show that you are knowledgeable in the field or topic.
- Be on time
Rushing to the auditorium will not give you enough time to prepare yourself before the speech. Always make it a point to be on time to the venue. This will allow you to study the space and understand where the audience is and how you can modulate your gestures and voice. Also, if you are late, you might miss your time to speak. It can topple your entire time frame and preparation. In such a situation, you can become more anxious and impact your speech negatively.
- Positive affirmations
Always believe in positivity. Use positive affirmations to uplift your confidence before the performance so that you are in a good mindset when you speak. If you have negative thoughts, it is bound to affect your speech and your character on stage. For people to get good energy from you, you need to sound pleasant and interesting, no matter what topic you are discussing.
- Deep breaths
Nervousness is common for anyone speaking in front of a large crowd. All you have to do is believe in yourself and take deep breaths to calm your nerves. The effect of a deep breath is indescribable. Deep breaths are considered the number one technique in the rule book on how to control stage fright. Even if you are extremely anxious and worried, breathing can help keep your mind relaxed. With a relaxed mind, you will be able to speak with more confidence. Too much worrying can cause forgetfulness, and you may even go blank in front of people.
- Understand that mistakes are normal
Being human means mistakes are a part of life. One bad speech will not ruin our life. You must understand that just because you had a bad day, it does not undermine your skills. You may be an excellent speaker, but sometimes you make mistakes. You can forget points. Sometimes you may even say a wrong fact. Mispronouncing words can also happen. All these mistakes are common and in no way will endanger your career. You might even recollect your mistakes on stage as a funny memory in a few years.
A person preparing to speak to a large gathering must overcome the fear of failure. Failing and learning are how you better yourself. Use the opportunity to correct your mistakes and become better the next time.
Conclusion
Even with these tips, a person may not be able to unleash their full potential as a public speaker. This is where Orator Academy helps you. They offer customized training programs to anyone who wishes to overcome their stage fear. They teach their students how to control stage fright with many tips, tricks and practice.
Enroll in a public speaking class by Orator Academy to get over your unnecessary fear of public speaking. You can even avail yourself of personalised sessions with a private tutor according to your schedule. No matter what age group you belong to or what your profession is, there is no right or wrong time to improve your public speaking skills. Start today, with professionals at Orator Academy.
