Relax!

First, use a series of relaxation techniques right before you speak. Take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, and clear your mind. If at all possible, imagine that you’re speaking to an empty room. Some people say the best way of overcoming your fear of public speaking is to picture your audience in their underwear. It can help, but if you’re prone to giggling, it could backfire. Don’t eat or drink a lot before going on, and especially avoid caffeine! You don’t want to be “wired” or need to go to the bathroom while you’re speaking.

Be Prepared

Another key tip in overcoming your fear of public speaking is being prepared; if you’re confident about your subject that’ll go a long way to reducing your stress levels. Do not write out your entire speech. If you spend your entire speech with your eyes down on a piece of paper, just reading, your audience won’t like it and it’ll make you more stressed. So, try practicing your speech: first alone, in front of a mirror, and then to a small group – maybe your family or some friends. You should have notes with a series of keywords and phrases that act as memory triggers to help you remember things. If at all possible, visit the lecture room before your speech so you can get comfortable with it.

Classes

Some people feel that a speech class is the best means of overcoming your fear of public speaking. Well, that depends on how much public speaking you’re going to be doing. If it’s a lot, then a class can help. Another thing you might try is seeing if your community has an amateur theatre group. If it does, go there and try out for a part. Playing a small bit role is an excellent way of getting on stage in front of a crowd, and yet not being the focus of attention. Plus, as you’re playing a part, many people find this especially helpful. You “step outside yourself” and become someone else. And, as you have lines to learn, it helps you to practice memorizing your speech.

Often, people worry about getting lost in their speech, dropping their notes etc. and fearing that they’re going to look silly. Relax, such things do happen, but people are usually very understanding about it. Simply pause, take a deep breath and smile at your audience. In some cases, they may not even be aware that anything’s amiss. If they are, just apologize, and go on. Following these measures will definitely help you in overcoming your fear of public speaking.