What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
Make sure that you are fully prepared well in advance. Write your speech or presentation, and try to learn it so you won't have to rely on any notes.
Do as much research as possible on your chosen subject. Even if it isn't part of your speech or presentation, it always helps to know as much as possible about what you are talking about.
Try your speech or presentation out on a receptive friend who isn't afraid to give you some constructive criticism when it's necessary.
You should have a reasonable idea of who your audience will be, how many people, etc. Think about them when putting your ideas together.
If you have negative thoughts, try as much as possible to replace them with positive ones. Write down some positive affirmations on note cards.
If you not only banish negative thoughts but also embrace positive ones, you can change your mindset completely and you may even find yourself looking forward to your speech or presentation!
If you can, it's always worth visiting the space where you will be making your speech or presentation. Absorb your surroundings and envisage how the experience will be.
Engaging in aerobic exercise is a great way to reduce your levels of stress and anxiety.
Foods containing tryptophan help to reduce stress. The richest sources are egg whites and cod. Try to avoid caffeine and excess sugar.
Maintaining a healthy sleep routine is essential to keep you in your best shape. It should also reduce levels of stress and anxiety.
Make sure you eat well, but eat a few hours before you need to speak publicly.
You will know best how you need to dress, but if it's fairly open, then it's probably best to opt for something that you feel comfortable in. Smart-casual is usually a safe option.
Continue to persevere with positive thoughts, as difficult as it may be, and as nervous as you may feel.
If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a good friend who can provide comfort and reassurance.
Remember those positive affirmations you wrote? Now is the time to take another look, so you can maintain high levels of optimism.
Don't overdo it, but practicing can help you to fully grasp the construction of your speech, and consequently give you more confidence.
You don't want to be putting additional pressure and stress on yourself. Arrive early and make sure that everything is as it should be before everyone begins to arrive.
Exercising will reduce your adrenaline levels and help you to maintain calmness and keep a steady breath.
Make sure to use the restroom before your presentation. You want to reduce as many obstacles to delivering a great speech as possible.
Don't drink so much water that you will need to use the restroom! But keep yourself hydrated throughout the presentation.
A great way to beat anxious feelings is to consciously think of them as excitement. It will be exciting to deliver a great speech!
Stand at the point where you will deliver your presentation. Be aware of your body, and, if necessary, make sure that you have something solid to hold onto.
Take a typed or handwritten copy of your speech with you. Not to use it, of course, but to reassure yourself that it's there, in case something goes wrong.
If you want some relief from your audience's attention, make use of Powerpoint presentations etc., so they will temporarily avert their gazes.
Once you have overcome your fear, which often happens soon after beginning the speech, your confidence will likely rise. Don't be afraid to run with this, and start to engage with your audience.
Connect with people in your audience who are looking at you and smiling in a friendly manner, so you're reminded that they are on your side.
Work in some humor if you can. You should be able to read your audience to a degree, and then make an accurate assessment of what will make them laugh.
If it makes you feel more confident to walk around rather than stand still, do it! This will definitely give an impression of a more relaxed speaker, and may make you feel the part, too.
Pronounce your words clearly, project your voice at an appropriate volume, and slow down when necessary!
If, after all this, you still feel powerlessly anxious, perhaps consider talking to your doctor. The idea is to help you cope with worries and anxiety, not to add to them.
Click here to read about herbal infusions which can help with health and happiness.
While some people radiate confidence and seem completely comfortable when it comes to public speaking, others are struck with nervousness and uncertainty. If you're one of the latter, but public speaking is something that you want or need to do, you have come to the right place!
Take a look through the gallery, inspired by an article from The University of Iowa, to find out how to diminish the anxiety you feel around public speaking.
How to overcome your fear of public speaking
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While some people radiate confidence and seem completely comfortable when it comes to public speaking, others are struck with nervousness and uncertainty. If you're one of the latter, but public speaking is something that you want or need to do, you have come to the right place!
Take a look through the gallery, inspired by an article from The University of Iowa, to find out how to diminish the anxiety you feel around public speaking.