Don't Research It ; For Public Speaking Nerves, Know It

by Suzi
(Fort Collins, CO, USA)

I am agoraphobic - I'm afraid of people. In order to get my Associates Degree, however, I had to take a public speaking class, not available online.

The one single most piece of advice I can give you to stop shaking, and get over the fear part is to make your specific speech topic on something you already know very well.

If you've been elected to give a speech at a wedding, talk about a moment of love you saw the couple share; at a funeral, just tell your favorite story about the deceased. In a business setting, your speech should be about your own experiences at work.

The point is, when you're writing the speech, don't use anything you have to look up. You'll look better if you know what you're talking about. The speech is easier to tell if you remember it well, you'll be much more confident, and able to back track should you lose your place.

Believe me - if I can do it, you can do it.