Generally speaking (haha), my anxiety diminishes once I start to speak. I usually make some silly/attempts at funny comments which helps me to loosen up. Other than that, when I feel some deeper connection to what I am imparting, I feel less self-conscious and anxious. A coach once said that it's OK to be nervous before the game, but you shouldn't be nervous once the game starts. Ironically, I still find myself anxious when playing hockey even after the game has begun. I'm working on that.
Yes, I am one of those that loves public speaking. Ever since I was a teenager. A few things I did over the years to help refine my presentation.
1) I would run thru a few times, but I would practice the first 3-5 minutes 20 times. Once I got into a rhythm, I was in the groove. I had a “standard” introduction that I began each speech with - kind of like muscle memory it helped.
2) I recognized that for the first 1-2 minutes, everyone would be looking at me and thinking “I wonder if she always wears a black suit”... “Her butt is a little big but the black looks slimming”... “why does she wear her hair that short?”... and on and on, allowing whatever mental noise to happen because it will. After a minute or two, people start to settle in.
3) That standard intro always had an element of heart connection - I would imagine that I was opening my heart and talked about (genuine) appreciation that I was there and we were sharing time together.
4) When creating my presentation, I learned that my average timing was 3 minutes per slide, including the first title slide and last / contact info slide (they counted too). So if it was a 30 minute presentation, max number of slides was 10. Knowing my own pace, it allowed me time to tell stories, make eye contact with individuals, smile, relax, share info and have fun. Rushing through 50 impossible slides leaves zero room for relationship and connecting with others, and most important, connect with the people who are silently cheering for you and genuinely interested in what you have to share. ❤️
Generally speaking (haha), my anxiety diminishes once I start to speak. I usually make some silly/attempts at funny comments which helps me to loosen up. Other than that, when I feel some deeper connection to what I am imparting, I feel less self-conscious and anxious. A coach once said that it's OK to be nervous before the game, but you shouldn't be nervous once the game starts. Ironically, I still find myself anxious when playing hockey even after the game has begun. I'm working on that.
Yes, I am one of those that loves public speaking. Ever since I was a teenager. A few things I did over the years to help refine my presentation.
1) I would run thru a few times, but I would practice the first 3-5 minutes 20 times. Once I got into a rhythm, I was in the groove. I had a “standard” introduction that I began each speech with - kind of like muscle memory it helped.
2) I recognized that for the first 1-2 minutes, everyone would be looking at me and thinking “I wonder if she always wears a black suit”... “Her butt is a little big but the black looks slimming”... “why does she wear her hair that short?”... and on and on, allowing whatever mental noise to happen because it will. After a minute or two, people start to settle in.
3) That standard intro always had an element of heart connection - I would imagine that I was opening my heart and talked about (genuine) appreciation that I was there and we were sharing time together.
4) When creating my presentation, I learned that my average timing was 3 minutes per slide, including the first title slide and last / contact info slide (they counted too). So if it was a 30 minute presentation, max number of slides was 10. Knowing my own pace, it allowed me time to tell stories, make eye contact with individuals, smile, relax, share info and have fun. Rushing through 50 impossible slides leaves zero room for relationship and connecting with others, and most important, connect with the people who are silently cheering for you and genuinely interested in what you have to share. ❤️