Reducing Anxiety

"How do I reduce Anxiety before I make my presentation?" was a common question asked by novice presenters.

Liz Trendowski and I presented "From Panic to Power" Public Seminar at the Cragin Library in Colchester, CT last night to a standing-room only crowd. We answered this question amongst the many other topics we discussed.

So how do you reduce anxiety? Well, the best way to reduce anxiety is to prepare thoroughly. Preparation will not eliminate anxiety - but lack of preparation will increase anxiety.

Specifically, during preparation, you can reduce anxiety by:
1. Clearly defining the purpose of your presentation. Then craft your presentation around this objective.
2. Using bullet points for the main points of your presentation, and not trying to memorize every word of your speech. Have confidence that you connect with your audience when you use your own words to convey your main points, and it is OK if you misplace a few words along the way. I find anxiety increases when trying to read a script and make sure that I say each word, and phrase perfectly.
3. Rehearsing your presentation - 10 times. That's right. Rehearse your presentation ten times. Then you will feel very comfortable with it, and will be far less anxious.
4. Internalize your main points. For example, if you are proposing three reasons to stop drunk driving, internalize these three points, so that you can explain them to your friends without event thinking about speech.
5. Practise your speech while driving. Talk out loud, and speak your speech. You will find out the parts that you know and the parts that you need to spend more time.
6. Join Toastmasters to get the Stage Time. Public Speaking is an interactive skill- you get better with experience. The best place to get the experience is Toastmasters.


This is how I reduce anxiety. You can follow these same techniques.