although these symptoms can be annoying or even debilitating, the inverted-u model shows that a certain amount of pressure enhances performance. by changing your mindset, you canuse nervous energy to your advantage.]]]]]]]]]
first, make an effort to stop thinking about yourself, your nervousness, and your fear. instead, focus on your audience: what you're saying is "about them". remember that you're trying to help or educate them in some way, and your message is more important than your fear. concentrate on the audience's wants and needs, instead of your own.]]]]]]]
if time allows, use deep breathing exercises to slow your hart rate and give your body the oxygen it needs to perform. this is espcially important right before your speak. take deep breaths from your belly, hold each one for several seconds, and let it out slowly.]]]]]]
crowds are more intimidating than individuals, so think of your speech as a conversation that you're having with one person. although your audience may be 100 people, focus on one friendly face at a time, and talk to that person as if he or she is the only one in the room.]]]]]]]