Tips for Overcoming Stage Fright

At our Winnipeg Toastmasters club, we work endlessly on our ability to manage our stage fright. No matter how many years you have been a Toastmaster, you still have butterflies before a speech.

In our Winnipeg Toastmasters club we just show you how to organize those butterflies!

Answer this question.  Are you more afraid to die, or speak in front of an audience?  If you answered, "speak in front of an audience," you're not alone.  In a survey done by Dr. Laurie Rozakis, author of "Idiots Guide to Public Speaking," it was found that speaking before a group is the number 1 fear among Americans.  And the fear of dying?  Number 6. 

That's right.  More people are afraid of giving a speech than they are of dying.  That makes overcoming stage fright a number one priority with many people.

But, does this fear have to keep you from getting in front of an audience?  It might be helpful to first gauge your level of stage fright.  Many people think they have a phobia of public speaking, when in fact they have minor stage fright. Unfortunately, they then talk themselves into having a bigger fear than they already have, and don't give themselves a chance to overcome that fear.

As with all types of fears, you can learn to cope with your public speaking anxiety by first recognizing the symptoms, which include:  

•  Butterflies in your stomach.

•  Your palms are sweating.

•  Your hands are shaking.

•  Your knees are also shaking and you feel as if your legs are about to collapse.

•  Your heart beats much faster than normal.

•  You experience a slight dizziness or you have a "fainting" feeling.

•  You have a stomach disorder.

•  Your face is flushed and your mouth is dry.

•  You have "cold sweat" all over.

•  You have panicky thoughts.

Any of the above symptoms are quite normal in certain situations. Remember, even the most experienced speaker gets anxious when speaking in public.  It's when these symptoms occur in excess (such as fainting onstage, or being unable to utter a word in front of the audience) that it may be best to seek professional help.  

Tips for Overcoming Minor to Medium Stage Fright 

There are numerous things you can do to overcome your stage fright, including:

Consider hypnosis.  Again, hypnosis can help you deal with a fear whether it's debilitating or not.  Hypnosis can also help you visualize yourself giving a great speech, thus giving you greater confidence.

Be prepared.  Being prepared to give your speech can also give you greater confidence.

Take a deep breath.  Before giving your speech, relax and focus on your breathing. This will ease up your stressed muscles and will help you concentrate on your speech. It's a good idea to learn some relaxation techniques, such as meditation.  

Eat at least 3 hours before your actual speech. Food taken long enough before you do your talk perks your body up and provides you with the necessary energy to carry on the task of speaking.

Establish eye contact. This may sound scary, but making eye to eye contact with your audience is the best way to deliver a sincere and convincing speech. It allows your audience to keep their attention on you and concentrate on what you have to say.  

Watch what you wear.  Eliminate from your wardrobe anything that would cause you discomfort and distraction. 

Stop saying you have a fear of public speaking.  If you continue to tell yourself you have a fear of public speaking you only reinforce the fear inside you. Instead, say to yourself that you are comfortable with public speaking, even if you aren't at first. It's called "acting as if."  

Practice giving speeches.  This may seem difficult for someone with a fear of public speaking, but practicing giving speeches is really one of the best ways to conquer your fear of giving speeches.  Practicing giving speeches helps you see that you actually can get up in front of an audience.  Each successful speech just keeps building your confidence.  That's why clubs like Toastmasters International is so successful.  Speaking in front of others is why you and everyone else in the group is there. 

Source: http://www.publicspeaking911.com/Overcoming-Stage-Fright.html