Top Ten Ways to Reduce Speaking Anxiety

1. Remember, you are not alone. Public speaking anxiety is common, so don’t ignore it—
confront it.
2. You can’t literally “die of embarrassment.” Audiences are forgiving and
understanding.
3. It always feels worse than it looks.
4. Take deep breaths. It releases endorphins, which naturally fight the adrenaline that
causes anxiety.
5. Look the part. Dress professionally to enhance confidence.
6. Channel your nervousness into positive energy and motivation.
7. Start your outline and research early. Better information = higher confidence.
8. Practice and get feedback from a trusted source.
9. Visualize success through positive thinking.
10. Prepare, prepare, prepare! Practice is a speaker’s best friend.

Examples of what some actions can mean

o Leaning away can mean disagreement or lack of interest. If the listener leans back,
change the subject or direction of the conversation.
o Drumming fingers could means frustration or irritation.
o Tilting head forward shows interest. It means the listener is tuned in. When the hand
is supporting the head, the listener is usually bored.
o Rapid eye blinking - When a person's eyes blink rapidly more than eight to ten times
per minutes, chances are the person disagrees with you.
o Dilated pupils suggest interest.
o Clenched fists indicate frustration.
o Folded arms in front or in back means the person is protecting himself. He might also
be defensive or even chilly.
o Hands touching the mouth or nose means that the person is lying.
o Raised eyebrows usually mean surprise.