Speaking in front of large audiences...

It is normal to feel nervous each time you go on. Even those who do this for a living, or entertainers, feel the same. So I guess there is no magic cure. Here are a few tricks that others have passed onto me:

• down a shot of whisky 10mins before hand
• Imagine the crowd is naked
• Have a decent meal so that you aren't fighting hunger
• Start by telling a joke

Probably not the answers you were looking for but 3 out of 4 worked for me!

Michael,

Have a good but bland meal.

Don’t drink anything.

Drain your blatted.

Check the mirror.

Know your subject, be well prepared.

Then like all the rest of us, take a deep breath, walk quickly to the podium for support and to hide behind.

Remember, you’ll probably never see the ones that don’t like you again.

What makes you think that we’re all not afraid? Fear is a basic emotion, you can’t avoid it. You shouldn’t try. You’re a better person for it.

Only the stupid and/or the uncaring don’t fear. So go out and do your best. That’s both all and the minium the audience is entitled.

Bill

William J Archambault Jr

The Real Estate Investment Institute

http://www.reii.org

The more you speak to groups, the better you become. Exude confidence. Get there early. Try to mingle with your audience before you speak. You can personalize it a bit more by mentioning someone in the group. Keep your pockets empty so you don't jingle your loose change.

Remember:

You can't break anything.

You can't start a world war.

You will not get fired.

And probably no one is listening. :-)

Most important, have fun and speak from the heart!

www.HomeRome.com

Baltimore,Md

Michael,

Try looking at it as not nervous but EXCITED, PUMPED UP...Like an athlete, musician or movie star.  I was listening to Anthony Robbins, this story changed my public speaking forever !!!!!

Carly Simon and Bruce Springsteen used to have the same symptoms before going on stage.  Breaking out in a sweat, nervous, blood pumping , heart racing, etc.etc. Carly Simon chose the words nervous and fear to describe how she felt. Bruce Springsteen said he was excited and pumped up. I believe it's in the mind.

I appeared on television once and only wish my mindset was this way then. I was horrible!!!  I won't quit my day job!!!

 

  

 

 

I am excited and pumped up before I speak. Good point,Midori.

I have heard that Barbra Streisand would throw up before her performances.

 

My daughter, Tami, was fortunate enough to attend a private school where the students started public speaking early on - first to their class, then to a larger group, and as they grew up, speaking to the entire student body. It was required and customary. Tami gained confidence and poise that prepared her well for speaking to large groups (i.e., teaching the CLHMS course, speaking at FAR next month, winning statewide BPW conference speakoffs).

Too bad it's too late for some of us to have that start. 

Do you realize when you do a listing presentation, you are doing public speaking? The crowd is smaller but your income depends on your performance.

www.HomeRome.com

Baltimore,Md

 

 

 

Hi Michael,

 I would recommend that you put yourself into as many situations as you possibly can where you will have to speak in front of groups. Join Toastmasters, look into a course by Dale Carnegie, practice with your family before dinner. Just find every opportunity and jump on it.

Before and during your speaking, focus on your breathing. Don't stop. Also, stay in the moment. Don't allow your mind to wander. Remember - perfect practice makes perfect - "Carla Cross"

Mike, just dont drink too much!  We all know what happens when you do.  : )

Just dont drink too much and watch what you say.  LOL!  Everyone who knows you said this.  Remember who your speaking to is very important.

In 2002, I had 13 weddings that I went to.  5 of which I had to speak in front of everyone.  One toast, two MC's and two best man speaches.  At all of them, I was nervous but gradually got a little more comfortable being in front of crowds.  At all of them, I had a few drinks before my speech to calm my nerves and I feel that it made me a more relaxed speaker.  I must of did an ok job because after the first toast that I did, I was asked to MC the other two weddings.