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Prepare your presentation -

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. 

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Further preparation -

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.

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Practice with a friend -

Try your speech or presentation out on a receptive friend who isn't afraid to give you some constructive criticism when it's necessary.

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Know your audience -

You should have a reasonable idea of who your audience will be, how many people, etc. Think about them when putting your ideas together.

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Challenge negativity -

If you have negative thoughts, try as much as possible to replace them with positive ones. Write down some positive affirmations on note cards.

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Be optimistic -

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!

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Know the room -

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.

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Aerobic exercise -

Engaging in aerobic exercise is a great way to reduce your levels of stress and anxiety.

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Eat well -

Foods containing tryptophan help to reduce stress. The richest sources are egg whites and cod. Try to avoid caffeine and excess sugar.

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Sleep well -

Maintaining a healthy sleep routine is essential to keep you in your best shape. It should also reduce levels of stress and anxiety.

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On the day -

Make sure you eat well, but eat a few hours before you need to speak publicly.

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Dress -

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.

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Maintain positivity -

Continue to persevere with positive thoughts, as difficult as it may be, and as nervous as you may feel.

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Talk to a friend -

If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a good friend who can provide comfort and reassurance.

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Review your affirmations -

Remember those positive affirmations you wrote? Now is the time to take another look, so you can maintain high levels of optimism.

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Practice one more time -

Don't overdo it, but practicing can help you to fully grasp the construction of your speech, and consequently give you more confidence.

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Arrive early and set up the room -

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.

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Exercise right before your speech -

Exercising will reduce your adrenaline levels and help you to maintain calmness and keep a steady breath. 

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Restroom -

Make sure to use the restroom before your presentation. You want to reduce as many obstacles to delivering a great speech as possible.

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Drink water -

Don't drink so much water that you will need to use the restroom! But keep yourself hydrated throughout the presentation.

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Turn anxiety into excitement -

A great way to beat anxious feelings is to consciously think of them as excitement. It will be exciting to deliver a great speech!

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Your space -

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.

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Security blanket -

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.

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Distraction -

If you want some relief from your audience's attention, make use of Powerpoint presentations etc., so they will temporarily avert their gazes.

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Engage -

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.

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Friendly faces -

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.

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Humor -

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.

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Use your space -

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.

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Regulate your voice -

Pronounce your words clearly, project your voice at an appropriate volume, and slow down when necessary!

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Still worried? -

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.

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