How can I calm myself prior to public speaking?
Public speaking. Just the those two words can send shivers down the spine. Butterflies erupt in your stomach, your palms turn clammy, and your mind goes blank. But fear not, these powerful pre-speech rituals can transform your nervous energy into captivating charisma.
1. Create a plan
Knowing that you have a plan to follow is a great way to reduce anxiety. And, even better, it will ensure that you block out sufficient time to craft, memorise, and rehearse.
2. Practice
In your plan, be sure to leave ample time to practice. And with the help of our vr stages, you can practice in front of a much larger audience than anticipated so that, when the time comes, it will feel like a step down rather than a step up. And, in line with the introductory module, you can combine this with other practice strategies like recording yourself, watching it back, and addressing key issues to be even more prepared.
3. Positivity
Nerves before the day is often the result of negative self-talk. However, given that you have followed a plan with sufficient and varied practice, you can give yourself honest positive talk, "I am prepared", "my script is strong", "my delivery is impactful". This positive framing can transform public speaking from something you dread into an exciting opportunity to showcase your hard work.
4. Avoid coffee
While that pre-speech latte might seem tempting, caffeine's anxiety-inducing properties can do more harm than good. Opt for calming alternatives like herbal tea or water. Remember, a clear head allows you to think on your feet and adapt to unexpected situations, making you a more confident and adaptable speaker.
5. Have a 'chatty morning'
With the nerves of the big day, it can be tempting to keep yourself to yourself however, you don't want the first words you speak to be on the stage. Instead, try to have a chatty morning. Have conversations wherever you can (e.g., on the bus, in the taxi, in your local shop). It will help you loosen up and it will build positive momentum.
6. Arrive early
Don't let last-minute scrambling create anxiety. Arrive early to familiarise yourself with the venue and interact with people. This proactive approach gives you a sense of control and allows you to settle into the space, radiating composure instead of panic. By speaking to audience members beforehand, you'll loosen up even more and at least you'll have one friendly face in the crowd.
Now you've explored methods to calm yourself prior to public speaking, be sure to check out our article on how to calm yourself while public speaking.