Managing Stage Fright when Speaking

After you’ve worked hard preparing a fantastic speech, you don’t want to freeze up at the podium. Use these methods to confidently deal with stage fright:

1. Avoid alcohol and pills — they don’t work. If they wear off before you speak, you’ll be even more nervous. If they don’t, you’ll be incoherent.

2. Channel nervous tension into your performance.

3. Work off nervous energy by taking a few deep breaths.

4. Leave time to go to the bathroom shortly before you speak.

5. Remember that the audience wants you to succeed.