Strategies for managing speech anxiety

Three strategies a person can use to manage speech anxiety prior to delivery are visualization, relabeling, and relaxation. These strategies can help build confidence and in turn have a more successful speech. When you visualize how the speech will go you can walk through the steps in your mind from start to finish. It is important to focus on the positive aspects of how the speech will go and not dwell on negativity. Relabeling involves using positive words instead of negativity when talking or thinking about the speech. The idea behind this method is mind over matter. You can convince yourself out of being nervous and be excited instead. Relaxation can be achieved by using breathing techniques to lower heart rate and relieve anxiety. It also helps to research your audience and practice your speech multiple times prior to giving it. On the day of your speech it is important to arrive early so you have time to get to know the environment and visualize giving the speech. Having all your materials organized will also help to make you feel more comfortable. During your speech it is important to have a confident attitude. This will help you control those feelings of anxiety. Focus on the audience and do not apologize or make excuses for mistakes, simply make the correction and move on. After the speech it is important to reinforce your confidence. When you think back about your speech, you should review the whole speech in your mind to identify things you did well and identify opportunities to improve for your next speech.