Dealing With Nerves

DEALING WITH NERVES

by Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP

Bremer Communications

Have you ever stood up to deliver a speech and felt butterflies in your stomach, weakness in your knees and a quiver in your voice? If you have, you're not alone. Public speaking is the number one fear for most people.

What people don't realize, though, is that all that nervous energy can be put to good use, if it is controlled. A little nerves are always good; they help focus our energy and mind as we speak. So how can we keep those nerves in check? Rehearsal, visualization and relaxation.

You really can't over-rehearse your speech. Keep practicing, both alone and if possible, in front of others. Take every opportunity to speak before other groups, too. You'll feel less nervous with each experience.

Visualization is a favorite technique of athletes and is equally valuable to speakers. Picture yourself being introduced, walking to the lectern, speaking confidently and the audience applauding. These pictures will be recorded by the brain as actual events and will increase the likelihood of presenting a successful speech.

Relax your body by focusing on the tense muscle groups, tightening them more and then releasing. Rotate your head slowly in circles to loosen the neck and throat. And most importantly, breathe slowly and deeply from the diaphragm.

Try these techniques and audiences will be impressed by your confidence!

Jill Bremer, AICI, CIP, owner of Bremer Communications, offers training, consulting and coaching in professional image development, communication and presentation skills. Her clients include Oracle, Abbott Labs, W.W. Grainger, U.S. Department of Energy and the National Association of Realtors. She can be reached at 708-848-5945 or at www.bremercommunications.com