Overcoming Stage Fright

Are you an event professional looking to conquer your fear of public speaking? This guide offers practical tips and techniques to stay calm and confident on stage, helping you deliver memorable presentations.

Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, even for experienced event professionals. In this final post of our public speaking series, we explore ways to stay calm, focused, and confident when presenting.

Glossophobia, or a fear of public speaking, is a common fear, even more so than heights, death, or spiders. If you’ve ever felt sweaty palms, a racing heart, or a blotchy rash before speaking, you’re not alone. 

Why Is That? 

This fear stems from our "lizard brain," which sees a mass of eyes upon us or a crowd as a threat, causing stress and memory lapses. The irony is that the brain's frontal lobe is essential for memory and when we are stressed our hormones temporarily shut that region down. The good news is that we are all capable of adapting.  With practice and the right techniques, you can transform anxiety into positive energy, leading to a fantastic presentation.

What Can We Do About It?   

Today's the day. You're well-prepared, early, practised, hydrated, and fueled up. Now, let's explore some strategies to calm your mind, steady your heart, and boost your confidence as you step onto the stage. 

Visualise your success

Fill your mind with positive thoughts and self-talk.  Visualise a place or moment where you are calm. What did you see, feel, hear, taste, sense? What colour do you associate with it? What shape is it? Where is the feeling in your body? Anchor this sensation, the feeling, with a specific movement or ritual. For one person, it’s the slight flare of the nostrils before stepping out, for another a subtle movement or gesture that gets them into the zone. 

Focus on your material 

Engage with your content. Remember, the audience is interested in your insights, not judging you. You are already an expert in their eyes, see yourself as they see you. They’re on your side and won’t notice minor mistakes.

In the words of John Ford (the English playwright and poet): “You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart”.  

Connect with Positivity

Talk to a positive person before your presentation.  It can boost your confidence. Emotions are contagious, and supportive conversations help you feel grounded.

Master Your Breathing

Controlled breathing reduces stress. Try the 5-4-3-2-1 method: inhale deeply, then exhale slowly while counting backwards. Use parts of your brain that reduce stress.  Physical activity, like a short walk, also helps.  Tony Robbins is well-known for his mini trampoline before he takes the stage. Fill your body with oxygen to increase memory, focus and attention. 

Reframe Your Nerves

Shift your mindset from nervousness to excitement. I often tell my son you are not nervous; you are excited!  The symptoms are the same, but this mental trick turns anxiety into enthusiastic energy. Reframing helps you to step outside your comfort zone.

Exude Confidence Through Body Language

Smile to relax and release endorphins. Stand tall, shoulders back, and make eye contact to connect with your audience.

Slow Down

Speak at a measured pace. Nervousness can make you rush, leading to forgotten details. Embrace pauses; they give you time to gather your thoughts and let the audience process your message.

Final Thoughts

Public speaking takes practice and patience. By understanding your fears and employing these strategies you can tame your primal fears and transform nervous energy into confident delivery.  Stay calm, focused, and remember: every great speaker started where you are now.