It has been a common instance that most of us have felt butterflies in the stomach when asked to address a crowd. To most of us, public speaking is a stressful activity. In order to handle stress effectively, you need to believe that life in itself is not stressful. People have learned to overcome their public speaking anxiety with minimum stress. However, the one thing that you should note is that there are a few tips that will help you conquer the fear of public speech.

Ways to Overcome Public Speaking Anxiety

Know your subject well: Suppose you are beginning to speak in the public it is ideal if you choose a topic about which you are confident and have a complete grasp. Once you know that the information you have is correct your feet might not shake as you stand up to address a big group of audience. Preparing a well researched speech is one of the ways to cope with public speaking anxiety. You can also prepare answers to probable questions. That way, you are in a better position to face the public and be confident.

Be mentally strong: The fear of speaking in public is more a problem of the mind. Once you make your mind strong, you are in a better position to speak more confidently in front of your audience. Remember that the audience is no different from what you are. They will not take you to the gallows if you give them points with which they do not agree. Hence there is not much to worry about public speaking anxiety. The only thing you need to do is give a speech which has a logical flow and is relevant to the audience in front of you.

Reach the venue well before time so that you can familiarize yourself with the environment. You can even talk to the people around. This actually helps your nervousness to die down because once you start interacting with people the fear of the unknown is no more there in your mind. The thoughts no more become jumbled and you can take the right plan of action.

Love the listeners: While one is addressing a large ceremony, they tend to feel jittery about the crowd that is about to judge the speaker. Public speaking anxiety is something that cannot be done overnight. This is why it is best to give up on the defeatist presupposition. Now, you need to have a few assumptions: first of all, think that the audience is a friendly one; secondly, you need to understand that the audience is present because they are interested in what you have to say; finally, understand that you love them and they love you. In order to make your audiences like you, you need to like them first.

Ignore the ugly incidents of the past: Some people suffer from public speaking anxiety because they might have faced an embarrassing situation in the past or during their childhood. These events can be very distress and result in a lifelong paralyzing fear. In that case, you should approach a psychologist who will tell you that you should not be ashamed of phobias. Phobias can be cured in a few therapy sessions. It is important to remember that all good speakers did not start out as super orators and more importantly, they improved because they wanted to perform better the next time they hit the stage.

Take rest: Resting is good for the body and hence you should avoid hassles at all costs. Have a good night's sleep before the executive presentation. In case you cannot, have warm milk and think of something good. It will help you overcome public speaking anxiety and relax. You may listen to music as well or go for some light reading. Concentrate on the ability to speak sincerely and confidently. Do not schedule anything important on the day before.

Don't go for mood altering substances: A lot of people believe that taking mood altering substances may improve their delivery. Hence, they take alcohol or coffee or smoke for pepping themselves up or calming down. However, far from regulating your public speaking anxiety, mood altering substances get into your bloodstream and wreak havoc, making you feel sluggish and jittery. You can eat light or have nothing at all an hour before speaking. Your concentration and energy levels are brought down by a full stomach. Additionally, nervousness makes digestion difficult.

A lot of people face public speaking anxiety since they are afraid they will look foolish before others. The best way you can feel familiar with the entire situation is by ensuring that you are well prepared and have backup material ready. Remember, there's nothing to worry as you can simply follow the above mentioned tips and deliver your best speech.

Faizarul Madznan is a CEO and Founder of http://www.BestProfessionalSpeaking.com, a public speaking and presentation skills website. Here, you'll get tips, analysis, insights, and strategies which helps you become a more effective speaker and a more effective communicator. Need to improve your presentation? Simply click here for free public speaking ebook and video access.