Ways You Can Hide Your Nerves When Giving a Speech
2)
PACE YOURSELF
When speakers get
nervous, they accelerate into a fast-paced delivery that showcases a hyper
level of intensity. But this kind of rapid-fire delivery is incredibly jarring
to the audience, and they might end up focusing on that feeling rather than the
substance of your message.
The best way to keep the
focus on your message is to get into a relaxed rhythm. To discover what this means
for you, notice your pace next time you walk–what feels comfortable? Then start
talking–mentally if you’re in the streets with lots of people, or out loud if
you’re alone in the woods. Let your speaking connect with your walking, and
notice how your sentence structure changes. Pay attention to when you pause and
what patterns naturally emerge when you let your movement drive your sentence
structure.
By taking this whole
body approach to your speaking, you’ll discover the control that comes from
grounding your speech in your natural rhythm. It’s a small exercise that can
make a big difference.
