2. Confidence

• Stage fright is the anxiety over the prospect of giving a speech in front of an audience
• Nervousness is normal and adrenaline is released in response to stress, causing physical symptoms like a racing heart and shaking hands
• Ways to turn nervousness into a positive experience:

  • Acquire speaking experience
  • Prepare thoroughly
  • Think positively
  • Use visualization techniques
  • Remember that most nervousness is not visible
  • Be at your best physically and mentally, including getting a good night's sleep
• Before speaking, tighten and relax your leg muscles or squeeze your hands together to help calm nerves
• Research shows a speaker's anxiety level drops significantly after the first 30 to 60 seconds of a presentation