How to stop the nerves as a speaker

The number one question I always get asked as a professional speaker coach is "how do I stop feeling nervous and overcome my fear of speaking to a group?"

You have been requested to speak for a reason, due to your skillset, knowledge, and information that you have, the person who has asked you or if you have decided by yourself, believe the audience needs to hear your message.

Most people have a fear of speaking due to their ego, and they make it all about them - "what if I stuff up" or "will the audience like me" or "what do I have that they would want to hear" etc.

You have been asked to present or talk for a reason, stop making it about yourself. Think of your audience as a number of one on one conversations and make it sound like a conversation.

Focus on what could happen if one person in your audience listened intently to your message and they needed to hear your message. They grabbed your key thread and strategies and implemented them - they took action. The outcomes they achieved are greater than they expected and they have literally changed their outcome and destination. How would that make you feel?

When you focus on your audience and not you, your entire presentation style will change and you will make it all about the audience and how you can change their outcomes. You are always going to be judged, either in the workplace, professionally and socially, therefore get over it and focus purely on serving your audience with your message.

Adhere to the 80/20 rule - 20% is working on your content and 80% is mastering your delivery. Your stagecraft and use of non-verbal modalities will determine the success or failure of your presentation.

You want to be memorable and not forgettable, so ensure you have one clear point with a carryout message that is Catchable, Repeatable and Memorable - CRM.