Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety
                     OVERCOMING PUBLIC 
SPEAKING ANXIETY
Know your topic
• The better you understand what you're talking about , the less likely you'll make a 
mistake or get off track. 
• And if you do get lost, you'll be able to recover quickly. 
• Take some time to consider what questions the audience may ask and have your 
responses ready.
Source: The Gerard Method
Get organized
• Plan out the information you want to present, including any props, audio or visual 
aids.
•  The more organized you are, the less nervous you'll be. 
Source: Kelley Services
Practice
• Practice your complete presentation several times.
• Consider making a video of your presentation so you can watch it and see 
opportunities for improvement.
Source: Forbes
Challenge specific worries
• When you're afraid of something, you may overestimate the likelihood of bad 
things happening. 
• List your specific worries. Then directly challenge them by identifying probable and 
alternative outcomes.
Source: Teaching Village
Visualize your success
• Imagine that your presentation will go well. 
• Positive thoughts can help decrease some of your negativity about your social 
performance and relieve some anxiety.
Source: Verywell Mind
Do some deep breathing
• This can be very calming. Take two or more deep, slow breaths before you get up 
to the podium and during your speech.
Source: Slide Player
Focus on your material, not on your 
audience
• People mainly pay attention to new information — not how it's presented. They 
may not notice your nervousness. 
• If audience members do notice that you're nervous, they may root for you and 
want your presentation to be a success.
Source: Virtual Speech
Don't fear a moment of silence
• If you lose track of what you're saying or start to feel nervous and your mind goes 
blank, it may seem like you've been silent for an eternity.
• Even if it's longer, it's likely your audience won't mind a pause to consider what 
you've been saying. Just take a few slow, deep breaths.
Source: Quiet Revolution
Recognize your success
• After your speech or presentation, give yourself a pat on the back. 
• See if any of your specific worries actually occurred. Look at any mistakes you 
made as an opportunity to improve your skills.
Source: PSycom
Get support
• Join a group that offers support for people who have difficulty with public 
speaking. 
• One effective resource is Toastmasters, a non profit organization with local 
chapters that focuses on training people in speaking and leadership skills.
Source: The Gerard Method