When you're going to talk at a meeting, see the boss, or give a speech, it's normal to be nervous. Dorothy Leeds, author of Power Speak gives this advice that helps:
* Prepare. Make an outline of what you will say. Do a dress rehearsal to see how you look even if it's just a raise request to a supervisor.
* Check the meeting plan. Know when you will be able to speak.
* Visualize yourself doing well, having a successful talk with the boss or making good points at the meeting.
* Memorize a few opening sentences. After that you can look at your notes.
* Walk calmly, take a few deep breaths as you wait to speak. Arrange your notes and materials.
* Don't forget to breathe when you are speaking. If it helps, put a symbol in your notes indicating breaths.
* Watch your gestures. Don't hold a paper if you are shaky.
* Learn to pause. It lets the audience catch up with you.
* Never tell the audience you are nervous.
Rick Good spent ten years in the newspaper business, including with The News & Observer (Raleigh, NC) and The Greenville News (Greenville, SC). He co-wrote, with Melinda Coleman, Rutledge to Riley: Governors of South Carolina, 1776–Present (Published by The Greenville News), and is the author of Mind Games Trivia #1 (Amazon). He has recently spent 15 years creating original trivia content through Sounds Good Mobile Entertainment and continues that with his new company, SGME Software. He edits The Smart Reader’s money, real estate, and business coverage.
