Master Your Inner Fears

Articles on Stage Fright | Speaking Tips | March 1, 2004

An audience forms an impression in the first few seconds as the speaker approaches the speaking arena. What the audience wants to see is a person who appears confident and at ease. Nervous people, on the other hand, make them uncomfortable and less likely to listen to and absorb the material being presented. A confident, relaxed presenter connects with the audience and starts positive feelings flowing immediately.

Here are five ways to overcome your fear of public speaking and to become more positive and confident in yourself and your presentation skills. Start by realizing that pressure is something you put on yourself. You have the power to rid yourself of doubt and fear by acquiring a repertoire of techniques aimed at mastering your inner self. These include relaxation exercises, posture, visualization, aromatherapy and attire.

Relaxation Exercises

Relaxation is critical for speakers. It removes excessive tension which negatively impacts the respiratory, digestive, muscular and circulatory systems, and generally impairs performance by literally tying up the body in knots.

Relaxation exercises are useful to ward off last minute anxiety attacks while you are waiting at the head table to begin your presentation. Speakers are often seated at a table with a cloth that hides the lower body, so you can concentrate on exercises that involve the feet, legs and lower torso. For example, try tensing each of your muscles briefly in turn and then relaxing it. Deep and slow breathing exercises can also be performed unobtrusively and can be combined with the muscle exercises if you so desire.

Posture

Your posture (including your walk) tells the audience how you feel. Upward movements convey enthusiasm and energy. Downward movements suggest weariness and discouragement. You communicate via your posture before you even say the first words. You want to avoid walking to the podium or lectern as if you are part of a funeral procession (this will likely signal the premature death of your presentation). Your body language transmits your emotions. Verbal language conveys words and thoughts. If your body and verbal language contradict each other, the audience will tend to believe your body signals.

Most people learn how to smile to their advantage for the camera at any early age. They can do it on cue. You can learn to assume a relaxed posture on cue the same way you learned to smile - by practice and feedback. Start by determining what is your relaxed posture by observing yourself in the mirror or on video. After you learn the posture, learn the related walk. Actually, this is fairly easy because most of the time you are unconsciously relaxed. Notice your posture and walk as you enter a room in everyday life. Ask for feedback from your friends and family.

You can achieve a confident posture by keeping your knees unlocked, putting one foot slightly ahead of the other, distributing your weight on both feet, keeping your shoulders back, lifting the chin up and keeping the arms at the side with the elbows relaxed.

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