As far back as I can remember, I always had a fear of public speaking. As you can imagine, this fear presented quite the challenge when I started law school. Answering my professors’ questions in front of my entire section was my worst nightmare…until I learned that I had to present an oral argument. Then, that became my worst nightmare. I will never forget that first oral argument. My voice was wobbly, my heart was racing, and I spoke a million miles a minute.

But my fear forced me to prepare so much that I had an answer to every question. It was exhilarating. That first oral argument planted a seed which eventually led me to a career in litigation. While I wish I could say that I conquered my speaking anxiety overnight, in reality it took a lot of work and practice. So, how did I do it?

Practice, Practice, Practice

Fears are not conquered overnight. Public speaking is like a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly. Rehearse in front of a mirror and on your commute to work. Record yourself on your phone, and practice with friends or family. Over time, each argument you make or speech you deliver will get easier.

Remember to Breathe

Before you start your presentation, take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves. Inhale through your nose for ten counts, and then slowly exhale for ten counts. This will lower your heart rate and put you at ease.

Once you start your presentation, don’t forget to pause to breathe. Nerves can cause you to speak a lot faster then intended. Taking a second to breathe will force you to slow down and ensure that you are not speaking too fast for your audience.

Be Prepared 

Preparation is the key to reducing anxiety and boosting confidence before public speaking. Know your topic inside and out. Think about worst case scenarios and how you would handle them if presented. If you know your material thoroughly, you will be better equipped to handle unexpected questions or issues throughout your presentation.

Embrace Imperfection

Don’t confuse being prepared with being perfect. Some people like to prepare by memorizing a carefully crafted script. However, reciting a script can come off as robotic or stiff. When you are so focused on remembering every line of your script, you’re not engaging with your audience.

Also, mistakes are inevitable, and sometimes, you have to go off script. Instead of a script, try an outline of your main points with bullet points of the general ideas you want to convey. When you inevitably stutter or say the wrong word, laugh it off! Your audience will understand and relate.

Conclusion

Everyone struggles with speaking anxiety to one extent or another. To some, it may manifest in sweaty palms and shaky hands. To others, it can feel paralyzing. But the anxiety is usually more noticeable to the speaker than the audience. And the good news? With practice and determination, even the most severe cases of speaking anxiety can be overcome.

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