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In surveys done about people…apos;s greatest fears public speaking is often rated the same as death. Getting up in front of an audience to speak is an extremely daunting task for most people. In fact, many of us will do whatever we can to avoid having to do it. Performance anxiety (public speaking) is very common, but it can be overcomes by following a few simple steps.

Being an expert on what you want to convey is one of the most important things about overcoming performance anxiety (pubic speaking). Practise, practise, practise is the mantra to use when you have a presentation. You do not have to know your presentation word for word, but the key points should be very clear in your mind. Also try to predict what people will ask you so that you have your responses ready.

Visual prompts such as PowerPoint or flip charts are a fantastic way to keep your points at the fore of your mind and also to divert attention from yourself. Fewer eyes will be directly on you when you use visual prompts, which takes quite a lot of the pressure off your performance.

having something in your hands can make you feel more confident in front of an audience. Something that is not out of place like a board pen or computer control can make you feel less lonely at the front, much like a child…apos;s blankie or stuffed toy makes them more confident.

Starting your presentation by gettin everyone to do some type of interactive activity can be a fabulous method for reducing the tension in the room between you and your audience. An ice-breaker or an activity specifically connected to your presentation will both work very well.

Performance anxiety (public speaking) is very common. Nevertheless throughout our lives we will usually be called upon to give presentations and it is important that you do your best to remain calm and sound confident in front of your audience and peers.

Tom Binns is a comedian with a Creativity Coaching website.