Seven Pointers to Reduce Your Anxiety

Lights, camera, action! Your up! You have to nail this speech for the sake of your company, your job, and your future promotion. Your legs start to shake. Your breathing gets tight. In fact, a trip to the bathroom is first priority in your mind. Your stomach starts turning. Your heart is beating so fast and so loud that you are sure the people sitting next to you wonder if you are going to make it.

Have you ever experienced some of those nervous anxiety feelings? Sure, sweaty palms, racing heart, and shaking legs are symptoms of anxiety. As a professional performer, I have taken many trips to the bathroom and lost my lunch before a big debut. Fortunately, as I have performed more, the less these irritating and disconcerting symptoms have controlled my performance. So, what can you do to control your nervousness and deliver a motivating speech. Here are a few pointers that I believe will be of benefit in your future endeavors:

1. Spend quality time preparing your speech. The more you prepare, the less anxiety you will experience.

2. After you have prepared your speech, spend time meditating on it. This is not a time to edit or rearrange your points. Be still.

3. During the week before the speaking engagement, picture yourself giving your speech. What will the room look like? Who will be in the audience? Allow yourself to think about the circumstances and people there, so it will not be a shock to you when the important day arrives.

4. As you picture yourself delivering the speech, imagine yourself succeeding. Can you see the people shaking their heads in agreement? Can you see your boss smiling as you are nailing the future account? Can you hear he applause after the presentation?

5. On the day of the speech, drink plenty of liquids. Your voice needs to be well lubricated. Remember it will always feel dryer before you get up to speak.

6. Before walking to the podium, take long deep breaths. Inhale slowly. Exhale slowly.

7. Once your at the podium, do not begin speaking right away. Take a moment to survey the crowd and become comfortable.