What techniques can help you deal with stage fright effectively?

This is really the key to public speaking in general. Know your subject matter!!! If you want to talk to a group successfully, you have to know your topic inside and out. And, the better you know it, the easier it gets. Confidence and passion will always beat stage fright and win over a crowd.

Just three words i would say: 1. Confidence, keeps you calm. 2. Preparation keeps you calm. 3. Break your ice, Get comfortable with crowd.

Thorough preparation will help you keep your inner heckler at bay. No substitute for proper preparation. Never just 'wing' it!

Yes it is important to know your stuff but even more importantly believe what you are saying , presenting or selling. People can tell when you are saying or selling something you do not believe in. Interrogate your own presentation and what you plan to say anticipitating counter arguments and questions and set out to answer them .Believe in what you are saying so much that the script or speaking notes are more for structure than to give you what to say. All this points to preparation , practice and mastering how to present your material effectively. I once got help from a seasoned professional with years of consulting experience as I prepared to present to the Global Board. I learned a lot. If you can, get help as you prepare.

2 Things: 1. There’s a saying in sports that goes, “Aim small, miss small.” If you know exactly what your specific objective is heading into a presentation, keep that in mind, and that should keep you on course. Even if you veer slightly off, the “miss” will still be productive. Ex. In golf, if you aim for the hole and miss slightly, you’ll still be on the green; if you aim for the green and miss… you’re probably screwed in the sand trap! 2. You can never be too informed. The more you prepare for whatever engagement you’re speaking at, the more equipped you’ll be to comfortably pivot with the flow of the conversation!

Stage Fright is a common experience that many people face when they have to speak, perform, or present in front of an audience. Few things that help control it are – a. Practice: preparation and practice give more confidence, b. Visualize yourself succeeding in your performance. Imagine yourself confidently delivering your speech or performance, c. Deep breathing: Practice deep breathing exercises to calm your nerves, d. Positive self-talk: You should say "I am confident" or "I am well-prepared" to boost your self-confidence, e. Engage with your audience: Interact with your audience members by making eye contact, asking questions, or encouraging participation, f. Understand that it's normal to feel nervous before a performance.

Remember the old saying, "practice makes perfect"? Yes, that is all that it takes to manage "stage fright". Although practice may not necessarily combat stage fright entirely, it can contribute significantly in disguising the stage fright and enhancing articulation. Another important technique to consider is speaking slowly. If you are a victim of stage fright, make it your mission to speak as slowly as possible. When speaking slowly, you will sound natural and coherent.

Virtualization of success before one commences to take the stage, and then to deliver your texts to the audience in the best form possible. Don't look directly into their faces until you are sure you can manage eye contacts, and when you are sure, be self-confident and reassuring. Always bear in mind about one other past or present public figure who has impressed you and you can emulate him or her. Stage freight can be overcomed through practice, foresighted styling, shared passion and expected public confidence.

In my experience, creating mental pictures of the event, the venue, the audience absolutely enjoying the presentation, and the day going well really helps me to present without fear and anxiety. Some speakers make the mistake of visualizing negative things that could possibly happen at the event. Doing so is counter-productive. All you need to do is gather positive energy by imagining good stuff happening and your audience giving you a standing ovation or shaking your hand (where possible) at the event.

The first thing that I’ve found to be useful, is to be more focused on the objective, purpose, and impact I desire to make, more than the possibility of failure on stage. If I am more focused on what’s going on inward, then I’m less focused on the true purpose of being on stage. Secondly, there is no such thing as too much preparation. Preparation will always be the key to lasting success in any arena. The more prepared you are, the better opportunity you give yourself to overcome your nerves and quickly catch your flow state. You’ve got this, Take Care

You can visualize success all you want, it doesn't matter if you don't actually prepare and practice your delivery. One of my coaches growing up always said "perfect practice makes perfect" and I am inclined to agree. You must do the work and then as you present to loved ones and colleagues you will be able to refine your speech and visualize success based in reality.

Visualizing success can help manage stage fright effectively by mentally preparing oneself for a positive outcome. Once, before a big presentation, I envisioned myself confidently delivering each point with ease, imagining the audience engaged and receptive. When the moment arrived, I felt more poised and focused, as if I had already succeeded. This tactic not only calmed my nerves but also boosted my performance, proving the power of visualization in overcoming stage fright.

Visualize Success & More Practice is the Key 🔑👌 Every time by Practicing more preparing and visualisation my practice And trust my Vibes

Write everly single word of your speech, not only ideas. Read it over and over again. Rehearse. The right words will come easily and will prevent you from stuttering. Focus on the message not on yourself.

Bevor ich eine Rede vor großem Publikum halte, stelle ich mir das Setting, meine Bühne und das Auditorium vor…Ich freue mich auf interessierte Zuhörer, bin bestens vorbereitet und werde den Saal „rocken“. Es ist meine Show und ich bin bestens vorbereitet. Das Setting gehe ich im Geiste durch (am Besten vor dem Einschlafen) und freue mich darauf. Positive Energie, Erwartung und Mindset ist extrem wichtig. Die Grundlage für den Erfolg.

It’s extremely dangerous think just because you visualize success you won’t be a complete disaster. Do a good speech is not related to visualize success. Working as businessmen and as a diplomat, I have an extraordinary experience of over 25 years doing speeches in many countries to a large variety of people in different subjects. Some subjects I know deeply some I don’t know nothing , and the bizarre thing is, it just doesn’t matter , because the most important thing is the capacity to touch the audience’s soul

I have found that when I am nervous, I tend to speak faster which affects my delivery. Breathing deeply -as simple as it sounds; will help you ease your nerves, pace yourself and project your voice better. Gentle reminder that feeling nervous is completely normal. It shows you truly care about speech you are about to deliver!A mantra to live by is 'feel the fear but do it anyway!' Also, ensure you always take up opportunities to speak if you want to sharpen this skill, the more practice you get, the better you become. Malcolm Gladwell in his book 'Outliers' refers to the “10 000-hour rule,” asserting that the key to achieving true expertise in any skill is simply a matter of practicing, albeit in the correct way, for at least 10 000 hours.

I personally have never had stage fright. I know that it has been said that public speaking is one of the most frightening experiences. Not me. I have been on TV, Master of Ceramonies for many events, I am a Toastmaster, I have performed in front of people as a martial artist. None of this scares me. Being in front of the public is not a phobia for me. You just have to do what you do when you practice or train in private. Be sure and confident in yourself and not be concerned on the opinion of others and do not allow your mind to go into anxiety chatter and you will do fine.

In the book "10-Minute Toughness" by Jason Selk, he lays out the importance of centering breaths to help you maintain an optimal level of focus and heart rate. A helpful technique is to perform these centering breaths subtly as you are being introduced. I have also come to find that once I get started, I am much more comfortable continuing to speak in front of a crowd. So to come out of my centering breaths with a smile, an intro I have practiced over and over and can again and again, allows the presentation to get off to a smooth start.

One of the techniques I teach clients that can help with stage fright and any stressful situation is Box Breathing. Deep breathing exercises have been proven to increase focus and sense of calm, while decreasing cortisol — a stress hormone — and activates the parasympathetic nervous system. It’s a simple technique and be done anywhere at anytime. Simply breathe in for a count of 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4 and hold for 4. Repeat until you feel more centered and grounded.

The first thing you should do when you mount the stage to speak is not to start speaking. Some people quickly start talking and so get lost along the line. This looks incredible before the audience. So the first thing you should do when you get on stage is to pause. After the welcome in and the accolades that comes with it, don't get so overwhelmed by it. Pause, take a deep breath, smile and begin to speak. That pause and deep breath calms your nerves and heart rate, helps you gather your first words and puts you on a flow. Also, don't fail to take a deep breath even before climbing the stage.

Embrace your butterflies. It's normal to be nervous. You will gain some immediate relief by accepting this. But have a deliberate breathing strategy: breathe in for four seconds. Hold your breath for another four. Exhale for four. Hold again another four. Rinse and repeat. When you focus your attention on doing these four rhythms of four, you give your mind a break from your immediate message. You also gain the benefit of enriching your oxygen intake and your can feel yourself begin to relax. Now you notice that no matter what happens, you will survive. It won't be as bad as you fear, and you gain perspective. Carry this into your speech and you will enter a relaxed and joyful state as your message unfolds. You can do this!

Have you ever seen a breathing baby? Their stomach goes up and down and their chest. Yes, deep breaths should come from the stomach, not the chest. Proper deep breathes make the speaker relaxed.

Great tips already given - regarding breathing, for a few minutes before the presentation look the furthest you can look and slowly breathe. As you slowly breathe this slows your heart rate and you’ll feel any panic clearing too. When you stand up to present, look to the back of the room and do the same. Take a moment. Don’t rush yourself.

La technique de la respiration narine par narine est idéal pour calmer son anxiété avant de monter sur scène. En inspirant avec une seule narine, cela stimule le fonctionnement du système nerveux parasympathique. Réduisant ainsi le stress, l'anxiété et l'hypertension. On concentre l'esprit en réduisant le nombre de pensées et la confusion.

I once asked a man who had played Phantom 1000 times ... how do you keep it fresh? Does it get boring. His response was enlightening ... "someone in the audience saved for this ticket. I sing to them."

Understand parts of the audience don't know or understand your job or your message. These are the folks you need speak to. Leave all the technical jargon and acronyms for more private conversations. Don't read your slides and/or look at the screen constantly, or up to the ceiling. Connect with your audience in the front rows and those in the back and sides of the room with eye contact. It makes us all feel you want to connect with us and not some inanimate object.

One thing I’ve found helpful is to connect with one person initially, and speak to that one person as if we were friends and chatting over coffee. I think about it like I’m sharing a story, or recounting something I learned that I think my friend would find helpful, interesting or funny. The other thing I’ve learned is that it’s okay to feel nervous. Most of us have some level of that when we’re starting out. Giving yourself permission and realizing you’re not alone, can be helpful as well. The saying, “do it afraid”, is particularly true for public speaking. Remember to breathe. That’s one thing that’s not optional! You’re going to be AWESOME! 🤗💕

Shift your focus from YOU to THEM. When you stop focusing on yourself and shift your focus to the value you are providing to your audience, your stage fright will automatically diminish. Focus on how best you can deliver value to your audience rather than your own performance. Ask yourself: 1. How will what I am speaking about have an impact on them? 2. How best can they implement this to achieve exceptional outcomes in their lives? Always remember that your audience doesn't really care about YOU but rather what you are saying and how it's going to impact them

They say imagine everyone naked...not a good idea. Very distracting. I do suggest, if you need to avert your attention to reduce stress, to build your confidence by imagining YOU naked. That's right! If YOU are the one who is hypothetically "naked", then it is up to everyone else to deal with how they feel about that. You take control, assert your presence and ensure that the audience directs their attention to you. They want you to succeed, they are happy it isn't them on the stage and most of all, when you succeed, they benefit. So flip that old adage on its head, get "naked" and make 'em deal with you! ;)

I find that I am better when I play off the audience, changing my speed, tone and volume in response to the audience’s actions and reactions. Once speaking, I am in my element.

If your focus is yourself, you will feel the nervousness, but if you think about serving the audience, you will bring your best. This is true in all areas, not just speaking.

When the focus of your presentation is on the benefits and value you bring to the audience, you’ll naturally focus less on your fear and your performance. Beginning with the right mindset will set you up for success. When you put the interests of the audience first, you’re bound to make better decisions and have a better experience overall.

A presentation is a story of your work. It’s always good to know your work. Knowing how to convey your message and to what audience is just as important. Starting off strong helps give you the momentum to get to the critical parts of your presentation with ease.

Starting strong begins not with your first word, but how you enter the visual field of your audience. If you’re giving a presentation on a stage, your audience is already forming an impression of you by how you walk in. This can seem daunting, but it’s actually a great opportunity to make a strong impression even before you say one word. Two tricks 1) Before you walk in, think about three things you are grateful for and meditate on this. Your brain cannot be grateful and anxious at the same time. 2) If you are feeling nerves, tell yourself you are excited because nervousness/stress and excitement are the same physiological feeling so you might as well perceive the feeling as excitement! These tiny reframes can help! You got this!

Stop thinking about yourself and give your 100% to help your audience. The conviction will clarify your focus and direct your energies to deliver the best possible outcome. Your audience will also be able to connect with your message - intellectually and emotionally.

As any essay that should start with a hook to draw reader’s attention, a speech should start with an interesting introduction or opening as well. Good thing about giving speech is that you can read the room before you start. So I suggest having some alternatives to pick based on the nuance but always start with honesty and authenticity. Even if you’re stressed and your voice is shaking don’t lose your faith and say it out loud. It actually makes the audience to empathize with you until you pull yourself together.

A strong start is always important in any speech or public address. It always helps me to start with a smile and maybe even put a smile on the faces of the audience.

While it is important to begin strong it should not be at the detriment of your audience. Whatever your beginning it should have a bridge to your agenda so the audience can follow along and you are not left flat. Unless you are a comedian don't joke. Making a comparison or asking your audience to participate is a great way to break the ice as long as it is relevant.

Before you start off, remember that no one was born an expert but experts are borne out of constant practice and relearning through frequent feedbacks. It's not out of place to feel inadequate and unprofessional, try not to be ruffled by how you think your audience feel about you rather, maintain your composure, flow with the tempo of the moment and relax. Once relaxed, you already have your grip on your presentation, then flow, give it your very best shots. Speak within the context of your content, this will greatly strengthen your presentation, enhance audience engagement and in turn boast your confidence. Finally, distract the audience from yourself and shift their attention to the presentation by deploying the right gesticulations.

Be confident and start from a place of authority. You've done your research, writing and practice of your speech. You've visualized success and crafted your presentation to engage your audience. Show up and show out by delivering the message or lesson you've prepared. Start with a powerful statement and follow up with powerful argument or compelling research to deliver a fantastic speech.

A presentation is made up of three main sections: the introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction is the most important part because these days people have a short listening span of 5 to 15 seconds. In a short time, the audience will decide whether to prioritize your presentation or allow their minds to wander around. Find something catchy to use in your starting phase. I use a story, statistics, a question, or a stare. What would work best for your audience?

Ensure that you know exactly what you want to say during the first 2-3 min, as well as exactly how you want t say it. A strong start will give you the confidence to excel.

I used to have horrible stage fright when I started my legal education and one thing that helped was regular practice. No matter how difficult I found it, I sought out opportunities to speak wherever I could. In my very first debates and moot court competitions, I could hardly get words out of my mouth. However towards my final year, I got so comfortable with the stage that I ended up being the head of Debating Society and Moot Court Club both. I believe, that pushing yourself and facing your fear of the stage is the only way to get rid of the same. In fact, after a point you start enjoying public speaking so much that you end up seeking every opportunity to speak in front of an audience.

Visit the space prior to the presentation. It is your home, and the audience members are your guests. Invite them over for your talk. Let them see how comfortable you are in your space.

Practice gives you confidence. A great organization for helping you practice and sharpen your public speaking skills is Toastmasters International.

Practice makes perfect, even better with proper and diverse feedback. I can't stress this enough: get proper and diverse feedback. By proper I mean honest, not judging, constructive feedback focused on the speeches and not on you as a person. Enroll in a local Toastmasters Club - also there are several online or hybrid (in person and online) clubs throughout the World. Or a similar organization devoted to practicing speeches where feedback is given. Another option is to join a debate club or a local amateur theater group. Take Public Speaking courses, but only if they make you practice - avoid the "theoretical" ones. If these options are hard to find, try and record yourself and ask your (close) friends for feedback.

It may be a shock to some, but I definitely have stage fright and it happens often. Breath work is one of the newer techniques that I’ve learned which helps calm my nerves, so that I won’t get too worked up. I also always tell myself that, “it will be over as soon as it starts.” This gives me a little push to do what I can and to the best of ability and knocks most of the nerves out. Knowing how relieved I’ll be once everything ends also gives me peace of mind.

The more you speak, the better you become! One of the best things you can do is to ensure that it's a short time between speaking engagements so that you can refine your skills immediately. If too much time lags in between, you could leave room for stage fright to build back up instead of building your skills. Even if it's a presentation for your friends, just get in front of people! 😊

Beyond practice, studying the audience helps ensure this key mantra: “Don’t be nervous, be at their service.” The preparation and stories we build into our performance allow our audience to be included in the story at an emotional level. Who is your audience and what do they care about? The key through the preparation is to ensure it’s less about me the speaker and more about the audience.

I don't know if my nervousness will ever diminish, but I do know I can prepare as much as possible. Practice and preparation helps to be as comfortable as possible in knowing and sharing your knowledge. Keep in mind the different cultures, backgrounds, and levels of knowledge in the subject and work on your delivery so everyone is on the same page.

One thing I found extremely helpful is repetition, repetition, and repetition. The idea of knowing your material so well allows you to have confidence throughout the presentation. The process of going over your material many times gives you more control over breathing patterns, inflection in your voice, pauses during the speech, and overall delivery. The audience then feels like you are talking directly to them which allows them to relax and receive your message more effectively.

I recommend pretending that nervousness is excitement. They appear very similarly in your body. Meditation can help you identify both feelings and calm down slightly, but leaning into the nervousness is much more effective. Remind yourself it's okay to be nervous. Audiences get it too. Pretending NOT to be nervous is what's embarrassing.

This may seem counterintuitive but the best way to address stage fright is to have more of it! I struggled with stage fright and I made a commitment to myself to keep doing what frightens me! We often shy away or avoid the fright but this will only stunt our growth and leave us in our comfort zone!! Prepare, rehearse and keep pushing forward! I don’t have stage fright anymore. It took time and dedication and though I still get nervous, the fright has diminished!!

First, confidence through knowledge. You were chosen to present because the audience wants to know what you know. Let them know. Box breathing before you are about to speak. Look it up. Also, speak much slower than you think you are capable of speaking. That works for me. I have other devices but they are trade secrets.

Let's use Michelle Obama as an example of someone who has effectively handled stage fright. Despite prominence and experience, Michelle has openly discussed her struggles with stage fright, particularly early on. When she first began campaigning with her husband, Michelle admitted feeling anxious about speaking in front of crowds. Strategies to help include; Preparation: Michelle invests time and effort . Breathing and Mindfulness. Focus on the Purpose: Instead of dwelling on her nerves, she focuses on the importance of her message. She understands that her speeches have the potential to inspire and influence change. Imperfection: Like any speaker, she accepts that not every presentation will be flawless.

A few things that I've learned that really help me before speaking are these three. It can truly help just moments before and well before, if you give yourself the opportunity to grow. Try these, they'll make a difference this time, the next time and every time. Physical Relaxation Techniques: Techniques like progressive muscle relaxation or yoga can help release tension in your body. Start Small: Gradually expose yourself to more public speaking opportunities to desensitize yourself to the fear. Seek Support: Talk to a friend, mentor, or therapist about your stage fright. Sometimes, simply sharing your feelings can provide relief.

There are mindsets that are not helpful for public speaking. Are you trying to hide, and why? Are you not feeling good enough? Have you been laughed at in the past? It's important to find those and get into a state of flow. The audience is with you and senses what you are thinking, because you show it through your body and your voice. We have tried that out with singers. If you tink you sing a wrong tone, your audience will hold its breath with you. If you think about how much you love a person, your audience feels with you. A great performance, and Public Speaking contains performance, is when you can be with your message, present and authentic. We need to work on all of these.