How to conquer public speaking fear and anxiety?

1. Accept the fear and make it work for you. Most people cannot see or sense a speaker's nervousness, so be sure not to mention it, which will only draw attention to the fact that you're not totally calm, cool and confident. Instead, use your nervousness, which is really just an adrenaline rush to your advantage. Harness your nervous energy and turn it into enthusiasm.

2. Arrive to the speech location early. If your presentation requires a microphone, overhead projector or any other technical equipment, make sure you arrive at the venue early enough to test it before the audience arrives. You should also make yourself comfortable with the room. Canvass the stage and check out the vantage point from the audience seating area. Getting familiar with the room will help put you at ease.

3. Do deep breathing exercises. This is the old standby for any tense situation and professional speakers swear by its effectiveness. Take a deep breath, hold it for three or four seconds and exhale. Repeat four or five times. You'll feel remarkably more at ease.

4. Speak on something you are passionate about. A passion for your subject will help to dissipate your nerves in the moments before you speak. The audience will sense your passion and focus on your message, not your mistakes.

5. Speak as often as possible. Nothing kills a case of the nerves like experience. The more you speak and the more you stand in front of an audience, the more comfortable you'll be.

6. Know your topic and material.  Being unfamiliar with your topic and material is a sure-fire way to pump up your level of nervousness. People unfamiliar with their material also tend to memorize the text of their speech, which can lead to catastrophe if your stage fight is great enough to impact your memory.

7. Mingle with the audience before the speech. If it’s possible, try to meet people in the audience before you speak. A simple chat with a few people in the audience will increase your familiarity with the audience and improve your comfort level.

8. Know your audience.  Knowing the sensitivities of your audience will allow you to hit their hot buttons and avoid failed attempts at humor.

9. Forget yourself and focus on the audience ? You?re speaking because you have valuable information to share. Recognize that your true goal is to help the audience and make them understand your message.

10. Prepare and rehearse. Nothing beats practicing for a speech. The more you practice, the better you will do. Try practicing in front of family and friends or colleagues. If that isn?t possible, stand in front of a mirror and read your speech aloud. This will also put you in tune with your natural hand gestures and facial expressions.

Public speaking