Dealing with Nerves

Even the most proficient speakers get nerves before they perform. Here are my top tips for pre-flight preparation!

To help deal with those nerves try the following:

1) Get a good nights sleep the night before...lack of sleep can make you even more nervous.

2) Get to the venue or go online well before the event so that you are calm and relaxed when it is time to start.

3) Have a glass of (room temperature) water near you. Avoid icy water. Take a sip if you feel your mouth drying up. This also buys you time to take stock and level your nerves.

4) Don't keep rehearsing right up to the start. Give yourself time to relax. You will sound so much fresher.

5) Make sure you have the introduction ready. The first few minutes are always the hardest. If you are well prepared the rest will follow easily...

6) Try a few drops of Rescue Remedy or suck a menthol sweet before the event. See what works best for you. I like camomile tea with a dose of honey.

7) Put everything into perspective.

8) Most importantly be well prepared and this will give you the confidence to present or perform well...