Managing Speech Anxiety

All speakers, even the most experienced, often feel jittery before they give a speech. According to one study, at least 75 percent of students in public-speaking courses approach the course with anxiety.1 It turns out that feeling nervous is not only normal but desirable! Channeled properly, nervousness may actually boost performance.

The difference between seasoned public speakers and the rest of us is that the seasoned speakers know how to make their nervousness work for rather than against them. They use specific techniques, described in this chapter, to help them cope with and minimize their tension.

I focus on the information. I try not to think about being graded. I also practice my speech a ton to really make sure I do not speak too quickly. I time myself so that I can develop an average time. This makes me more confident [in dealing] with time requirements. And, because I know that I am well prepared, I really try to just relax.

—Kristen Obracay, student