***How to Combat Those Nervous Jitters in Public Speaking

While public speaking may seem like a war in which you are doing battle, it really isn’t. In truth, it is not that different from standing at your desk among a group of people and explaining to them how you successfully won a long sought-after account. It is not unlike sharing a story about a recent experience you had. And, it is certainly not unlike telling a joke to a group of friends at the water cooler.

Instead of trying to battle your nervousness, my advice is to put your nervousness to good use. That spurt of adrenaline is part of dynamic public speaking. Everyone who is good in this venue is nervous. If you think they are not, then you are sadly mistaken. Nervousness is a blessing. Instead of fighting it, allow it to work for you because that rush of adrenaline is very beneficial for your delivery, making you more alert and more focused.

While you admittedly may not be confident telling a joke while public speaking, a dynamic delivery includes anecdotes and the relaying of personal experiences that either you or someone else have had pertinent to your subject matter.

In addition, all three of the above scenarios are things that can happen in your living room amongst a group of friends. My advice for taking control of your nervousness is to look at public speaking in that light. Apply the same techniques you use in the informal situation to your delivery in front of a formal audience. The 5 suggestions below are all part of your success in the informal. Your job now is to apply them to the formal:

• you know your material;
• you make eyes contact with your audience;
• you speak with color, with life and with emotion;
• you supplement your air supply before you run out of air. (Learn to breathe with the support of your diaphragm and your rewards will be even greater!)
• you believe in yourself.

Don’t take pills for your nervousness or try in any way to eliminate it. You will be amazed at the difference in your delivery if you can take your nervous jitters and put them to work for you. Public speaking is a not a war nor is it a battle. It is a wonderful opportunity for you to share your message to those who are in attendance who want to learn and hear from you just like those at the water cooler, around a desk, or in your living room.