So you were asked to make a speech at your staff meeting next week, you are nervous, your heart race and you hands are sweaty already! Take heart, you are in good company for surveys indicate that many experienced speakers have stage fright at the start of their speech. In fact a certain level of nervousness is desirable, but how you control and positively use this nervousness is very important. Here are six strategies you need to know to manage your nervousness, improve your skills, and be a success at public speaking.

Develop your confidence

For you to become a confident and successful public speaker you need to recognize that for most people the process takes time, energy and much practice. The more you learn about and become involved in the process of public speaking the easier it gets; your confidence will improve as well as your effectiveness as a speaker. It means therefore that instead of avoiding public speaking you should be on the look-out for opportunities to practice the skills and gain more experience.

Your confidence as a public speaker is also related related to the amount of time you invest in preparation for your speech. You probably spent years in college or some form of training in preparation for your profession. So consider spending adequate time in careful preparation each time you have to speak. You will be glad you did, for before long you will notice that your confidence as a speaker increases and this might even have a positive effect on your job.

An important strategy that helps improve your confidence is positive thinking before, during and after your presentation. Psychologists have long argued that the way people think influence their feelings as well as their behaviors. This means therefore that if you think positively about your experiences as a speaker, it is likely more likely that you will succeed as a public speaker. Underlying your positive thinking is developing a positive self-talk dialogue that will help you overcome fear and inhibitions related to public speaking.

Understand the communication process

To improve your public speaking skills it is helpful to understand what goes on in the communication process. All types of verbal communications, whether speaking to your friend or delivering a speech involves seven elements: speaker, message, channel, listener, feedback, interference, and situation. The outcome of any speech communication is a result of an interaction of all these elements and as such it

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