How To Face Your Fear of Public Speaking

Do you get nervous when you give a speech in front of an audience? Does your stomach feel queasy? Does your voice get shaky? Do you get sweaty palms?

Anxiety about giving a speech, even at a friendly Toastmasters meeting, can cause a variety of symptoms.

Some speakers find themselves constantly clearing their throat. Other speakers randomly pace the floor.

World Class speakers admit to being a little nervous whenever they give a speech. They all handle their nerves differently.

Some review their speech.

Some sit in various seats with the audience prior to their speech to get a feel for the room.

Others listen to music or meditate to relax before going on stage.

They might perform deep breathing exercises.

Some may use essential oils to relieve anxiety, to help relax the nervous system and to become grounded prior to delivering a World Class speech.

You have probably heard that Lavender essential oil will help you relax and have a restful sleep. Used during the day, the light floral fragrance provides a calming effect.

When the nose smells different aromas, the brain sends out specific messages throughout the body to help you relax, to calm down, to become grounded.

(A list of doTerra essential oils that are used to calm anxieties can be found at the end of the post.)

Years ago I remember being advised to envision the audience in their underwear. Good Grief! That is the last picture I want to see as I look into the audience.

Your audience wants you to succeed.

Most are happy you are the one on stage, not them!

Of course, you will see some audience members looking at their cell phone or checking their watch. You may see attendees with crossed arms. You might even see several snoozing!

As the speaker, you want to connect with members of the audience who are smiling. Look to the right. Look to the middle. Look to the left. Look to the back of the room. Look to attendees in the front of the room.

When you look at the audience, pause long enough to share a thought… a phrase that is part of the important message you created for this audience.

Do not just sweep the room with your eyes. The audience wants to know you are there for them. When you focus on the audience, you reduce the focus on you and your nerves.

Oh! You heard you are supposed to look “over their head”. No. Your audience will know you are not looking at them.

Visualize members in the audience as your friends.

You are having a conversation with dozens, or thousands, of friends at the same time.

In his book, The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking, Craig Valentine describes five ideas he uses to address the issue of dealing with nerves. He said the more you focus on being nervous, the more anxious you will be. Accept your nerves and use that energy to focus your enthusiasm for your speech.

No need to tell the audience you are nervous. They probably will not know unless you tell them.

If you fumble during the speech, stop. Gather your thoughts and continue. Remember, those are your friends in the audience!

Another way to better manage your nerves? Face your fear. Speak, speak, speak.

Cedarwood: It’s warm, woody scent has clarifying properties that can relax and ground.

Frankincense: The warm spicy scent provides a calming, balancing effect on emotions throughout the day.
Used by ancient Egyptians to promote feelings of peace and overall wellness.

Juniper Berry: This balsamic, woody, spicy fragrance has a calming, grounding effect.

Lavender:With a light floral aroma, it is known for its calming and relaxing qualities.

Myrrh: The smoky, woody aroma of this oil has been used for centuries. It promotes emotional balance and well being.

Vetiver: It’s exotic woody, smoky fragrance has a calming, grounding effect on emotions. It can also be used for a restful sleep.

The following blends of doTerra essential oils come in a convenient roller ball container for convenience and for ease in use:

Motivate: A blend of citrus and minty essential oils, it promotes confidence, courage and belief.

Peace: A blend of floral and minty essential oils, it promotes peace, reassurance and contentment.