In many career paths, and in many life events, public speaking is a requirement. Although it can be uncomfortable to begin with, you can overcome your fear of public speaking and get on the road to a success in your life or business endeavors.

The most important thing when trying to get over your fear of public speaking, is to plan ahead. Here are three different strategies that  will make your whole presentation process a calmer and easier one.

Prepare Before Your Speak

To begin with, you need to focus first on what will happen before your speech. Yes, before! Many people think that waiting till the last possible minute could make them feel calmer, but this is far from the truth.

Here are a few tips for what you can do before your speech to relax you. These ideas will make you feel even more confident about the speech you are about to give.

First, arrive early. This way you can have time to see the layout of the room you are going to present in, and to feel comfortable with it.

Second, check all the technological equipment. Odds are high you will be using some form of technology in your presentation, and the more familiar you are with it, the better. Check to make sure lights work well, your PowerPoint opens  successfully, that the microphone is plugged in, etc. Checking all of these in advance will lead to decreased anxiety about the “what if’s” that could take place during your presentation. Go ahead and double check them a second time to feel really secure.

Make sure that all of your materials are set up, and that you have a contact person easily reachable in case there are any issues with equipment. Now that all is set up, you are ready to practice. Practice, as the old adage goes, makes perfect, and the more time you allow yourself to rehearse, the easier the speech will be.

Lastly, make sure to allow yourself adequate time to relax in the space and practice your speech, and you will be taking a significant step towards  decreasing your fear of public speaking.

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1. Do You Deal with Stress that Comes from the Fear of Public Speaking?

Many people expect that the holidays have to be perfect, they may run themselves ragged day in and day out trying to create the spot on holiday experience. The first thing to realize is that your holiday does not have to be perfect.

Confronting your ideas about holiday perfection is a great way to begin the process of dealing with holiday stress.  If you and your family are already feeling stressed out by the holiday season, there are a few things you can do to reduce that level of stress and make your holiday season a happier one.

The first thing you can do when dealing with stress around the holidays is to prepare for the situation you might be entering into. If you have known stressors during this season, huge meals to plan, or family members visiting that cause you negativity, take some time to relax. Make sure that in the midst of the hustle and bustle you get to take some “you” time.

If some holiday event does not go as planned, know that it is OK. There is no use getting frustrated with yourself during the holiday season.

Many people create undue stress for themselves when planning gifts for others. Remind yourself that whatever you give will be perfect. For most people, just the thought that someone is thinking about them enough to give them something is what really matters.

To deal with stress of the holidays, you must prepare yourself. There are many built in stressors lurking out there, like extra food and drinks, or not enough sleep. Know that this time, like many other difficult times of the year, you need to make sure to give your body what it needs.

Make sure to eat healthy when you can, which will allow you to enjoy holiday meals with family. Make sure to exercise regularly, which is known to reduce your stress levels dramatically. Make sure you are sleeping enough every night. Practice saying “no” when you have over extended yourself.

Yes, the holidays can be trying times, but times that will be filled with love, happiness and fun. Just double check that you deal with stress before it gets the better of you, and you will be well on your way to a happy holiday season!

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