In this final episode of our series on managing anxiety as a public speaker, we look at getting support from those who can give real feedback and advice - as well as when it might be time to talk to a professional.

We continue the series on managing your anxiety as a public speaker. This week we look at using pauses and slowing down your speech in addition to taking advantage of the power of positive self-talk.

In this episode we continue the series on managing your anxiety by looking at making eye contact and using visual aids.

Looking at humour and relaxation techniques to help ease your anxiety before public speaking.

It is critical to practise your speech to overcome public speaking anxiety. The more comfortable you are with your material, the more confident you will feel when delivering your speech. Here are some ideas for practice:

In front of a mirror, practise your speech. This will allow you to become more comfortable with the flow and delivery of your speech and make any necessary adjustments.

Watch the video of yourself giving your speech. This can help you identify any errors or areas for improvement and allow you to make changes accordingly.

Practice in front of a small group. This can help you become more comfortable speaking in front of others and provide feedback on your performance. You can request that friends or family members listen to your speech and provide feedback.

To help you remember your material, use prompts or notes. To help you stay on track, make cue cards or use a teleprompter. Be careful to rely on these tools sparingly, as they can undermine your authenticity and connection with the audience.

Remember that the more you practise, the more confident you'll feel when it's time to give your speech. Set aside enough time for rehearsals and be willing to put in the effort to ensure a successful presentation.

2. Using Positive Visualization Your Ideal Speech

Positive visualisation is a mental imagery technique that involves visualising yourself and achieving the desired outcome using your imagination. It can be a powerful tool for overcoming public speaking anxiety by assisting you in focusing on the desired positive outcome rather than dwelling on negative thoughts or outcomes. Here's how you can use positive visualisation to overcome your fear of public speaking:

To relax your body and clear your mind, slowly close your eyes and take a few long, deep breaths in a row.

Consider giving a confident, well-received speech. Imagine yourself in front of your audience, speaking clearly and confidently and making eye contact with your audience.

Pay close attention to the specifics of your visualisation. What are you wearing? How does the room look? What is the audience doing? Your visualisation will be more potent if it is vivid and specific.

In your visualisation, concentrate on the positive feelings and emotions you experience. Consider the sense of accomplishment and pride you'll feel after delivering an effective speech.

Repeat this visualisation exercise as often as you want, particularly in the days leading up to your speech. Positive visualisation will help you feel more confident when it comes time to deliver your address.

Remember that positive visualisation is only one tool for overcoming public speaking anxiety. To feel more confident and in control, practise your speech, seek support from others, and employ other strategies such as deep breathing and positive self-talk.

Want to be a better public speaker who people will remember? Here's how to do it!

1. Start with an excellent first sentence: The way you start your presentation sets the tone for the rest. Hence, it's essential to make an excellent first impression.
2. Use a relevant quote, an interesting statistic, or a personal story to get your audience's attention.
3. Use visual aids like slides, charts, and videos to make your presentation more exciting and easy to remember. They help show what you're trying to say and make complex ideas easier to understand.
4. Change the way you say things. When it comes to public speaking, monotony can kill. Keep your audience interested by speaking in different tones, pitches, and speeds.
5. Use rhetorical tools. Rhetorical tools like repetition, rhetorical questions, and alliteration can make your presentation more exciting and get your point across.
6. Engage your audience. Getting your audience involved can make your presentation more memorable and fun. Ask questions, invite them to participate, or use polls to reach your audience interested. People are more likely to remember a story than a list of facts. If you want your presentation to be more memorable, think about telling a story.
7. Finish with a strong closing. Just like your opening, your conclusion sets the tone for the rest of your presentation. Think about summarising your main points, leaving them with a memorable quote, or asking them a question that will make them think.

Using these tips, you can make your speeches more exciting and memorable for the people listening.