Don\u2019t Try To Memorise Your Speech Word For Word<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you do this and forget your script, it could leave you in panic, and in addition, it will make your writing seem dry and stilted. Instead, write down a list of points in your plan that you need to cover in your speech and work through them one at a time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is absolutely fine to refer to your notes. You are making a speech in front of work colleagues and friends, not playing the lead role in Hamlet!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Focus On The Content<\/strong> And Don\u2019t Worry About The Nerves<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n If your speech contains interesting, new information, your audience will listen and engage with you even though nervous. Displaying nerves is perfectly human, and your audience understands how scary public speaking can be, so nobody will judge you badly if you seem nervous. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Deep Breathing Exercises Help<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nBefore you get up to speak, do some deep breathing exercises to calm the physical effects of nerves. Remember that many well-known performers get stage fright before they perform. However, once you start, you will probably find that adrenaline kicks in and sharpens your performance. You are a winner! You can do this! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t Be Scared By Silence<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n When we are under stress, a few seconds of silence can seem like an eternity, but for your audience, it may be unnoticeable. So again, stick to your plan and work through your points, and everything should go fine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Engage With Your Audience<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nIt can be hard work keeping a monologue going, so making your talk more interactive with questions and answers is more entertaining for the audience and easier for you. But, again, planning and trying out your presentation in front of a few people in advance should boost your confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Eye Contact Is Important<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\nMany people worry about where to look. Do you make eye contact with anyone? Should you direct your gaze over the audience\u2019s head? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The best thing to do is to introduce yourself in advance to a few audience members and look these people in the eye until you have settled your nerves and gotten into the flow of your talk. Alternatively, in front of work colleagues, focus on friends until you feel more comfortable.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n