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| Feeling
some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy. It shows
you care about doing well. But, too much nervousness can be detrimental.
Here's how you can control your nervousness and make effective, memorable
presentations:
- Know the room.
Be familiar with the place in which you will speak. Arrive early, walk
around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual
aids.
- Know the audience.
Greet some of the audience as they arrive. It's easier to speak to a group
of friends than to a group of strangers.
- Know your material.
If you're not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it,
your nervousness will increase. Practice your speech and revise it if
necessary.
- Relax.
Ease
tension by doing exercises.
- Visualize yourself
giving your speech.
Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear,
and assured. When you visualize yourself as successful, you will be
successful.
- Realize that people
want you to succeed.
Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating,
informative, and entertaining. They don't want you to fail.
- Don't apologize.
If you mention your nervousness or apologize for any problems you think
you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience's attention
to something they hadn't noticed. Keep silent.
- Concentrate on the
message -- not the medium.
Focus your attention away from your own
anxieties, and outwardly toward your message and your audience. Your nervousness
will dissipate.
- Turn nervousness
into positive energy.
Harness your nervous energy and transform it
into vitality and enthusiasm.
- Gain experience.
Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking. A
Toastmasters club can provide the experience you need.
VISIT A TOASTMASTERS
CLUB!
Toastmasters clubs meet in the morning, at noon, and in the evening
in more than 60 countries worldwide. No matter where you live, work, or
travel you are more than likely to find a club nearby.
If you'd like to learn more about joining West Los Angeles Toastmasters, just come and visit us at our next meeting!
If you'd like to
learn more about joining another Toastmasters club, follow the
How to Become a Member link.
Back to West Los Angeles Toastmasters Home Page
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and the Toastmasters International emblem are trademarks protected in the
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Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
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