Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and even beneficial. But too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here are some proven tips on how to control your butterflies and give better presentations:

-1. Know your material

Pick a topic you intersted in. Know more about it than you include in your speech.

-2. Practice. Practice. Practice!

Rehearse out loud with all equipment you plan on using. Revise as necessary

-3. Know the audience.

Greet some of the audience member as they arrive. It’s easier to speak to a group of friends than to strangers.

-4. Know the room

Arrive early, walk around the speaking area and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.

-5. Relax

Ease tension by doing exercises. Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm.

-6. Visualize yourself giving your speech

Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confident. Visualize

-7. Realize that people want you to succeed

Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and entertaining. They don’t want you fail.

-8. Don’t apologize

For any nervousness or problem - the audience probably never noticed it.

-9. Concentrate on the massage - not the medium

Focus your attention away from your own anxieties and concentrate on your message and you audience.

-10. Gain experience

Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking, A Toastmasters Club can provide the experience you need in a safe and friendly enviroment.