Advice for public-speaking anxiety

mommusic
Sun, 20 Feb 2011 18:13:12 +0000

I used to be terrible at speaking in public. I didn’t mind performing (well,ok I did), but the thought of having to announce my piece, and the composer, just terrified me. In retrospect, I should have had some practice at the speaking part before I developed a phobia.

For me, being more at ease in public speaking has just come with age and the realization that I know more about the subject than anyone else there.

Some people have a phobia about microphones. Remember that the microphone is your friend. It enables you to speak naturally and still be heard (as long as you speak slowly, clearly, and don’t mumble, of course!)

Something I realized just recently is a hand-held mic is great if you are prone to say um & ah in between your thoughts. Just take the mic away from your mouth when you do it. After awhile you realize you don’t have to verbalize the um & ah…just pause and collect your thoughts. The audience won’t go away or start throwing tomatoes. ;)