Does the thought of speaking at a national sales meeting, or presenting to a new client company fill you with anxiety? From sensitive board room discussions to the basic sales spiel, the power of speech propels the world of commerce. In today’s competitive business environment, people who can deliver a polished, effective presentation, gain a distinct edge.

To studiously organize every aspect of your talk, yet be remiss in handling the fear barrier, is simply negligent. Fear is merely energy that needs to be managed. Experienced speakers use it as an advantage, whereas amateurs can be thrown by it.

While the fear of public speaking vies closely with the fear of dying and snake phobias, there are certain tools you can use to assist in conquering your nervousness.

 Practice, Practice, Practice

• Know your material thoroughly. Some professional speakers recommend being so familiar with the beginning of your speech, that if you were abruptly awakened in the middle of the night, you’d be able to deliver the first few lines flawlessly.
• Never, ever, wing it. Nothing can substitute for rehearsals and this will be evident in your professional delivery.
• Rehearse your talk in front of a mirror. Record yourself. Practice in front of a friendly audience.

Be Prepared

• Know your audience’s needs and decide what your goals are for them.
• On the day of your presentation, arrive early. Running late will only increase your anxiety.
• Don’t rely solely on your PowerPoint or visuals to carry your talk. What if the equipment has a glitch? Bring backup notes.
• Check the room setup, your equipment and the microphone.
• When you’re introduced, stride confidently to the stage.

Think Positively

• In the days and hours leading up to your presentation, invoke all five senses in frequent visualization exercises and envision yourself as a polished presenter. See what you’re wearing and how great you look. Hear the applause and the roars of laughter (at the appropriate time, of course!). Feel the thrill of performing at your peak.
• Tell yourself how wonderful you are--repeatedly. What you give your attention to, you’ll attract.

Don’t Deny Your Fear

• Realize that your trepidation doesn’t have to show and that some nervousness is normal. Tap into the energy that fear is; use it to your advantage and to raise your own energy.
• Rhythmic breathing and stretching as well as alternately tensing and relaxing your muscles also helps.

Make Eye Contact

• When speaking, make eye contact with individuals for several seconds, rather than casting your eyes like machine gun spray over their heads. The audience is your ally – focus on its needs. 

Catherine Mowbray Lorenz is an international speaker, trainer, coach and consultant who’s presented workshops in Vancouver, Singapore, Bali, Malaysia, South Africa and many U.S. cities. Her executive programs—Tips, Taboos and Troubleshooting in International Business© and Powerful Presentation Skills—support excellence in communication. To learn more, visit www.catherinelorenz.com.