Public speaking anxiety - event tomorrow

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Any tips for dealing with anxiety over public speaking? Too late for beta blockers now because the event is tomorrow!

I'm the event organiser and also the one interviewing a guest, in front of about 35 people. I'm catastrophising about the venue and the sound and other logistics on top of worrying about the actual interview!

This isn't work related and i haven't ever done anything similar before, although I've done my prep for tomorrow (I hope!).

Any advice on handling the nerves appreciated!

I always imagine the audience in their underwear.....at least it will make you smile. Good luck x

I do rely on a beta blocker for this type of thing but I would say that once you get into the swing you'll be absolutely fine and probably quite enjoy it. You just have to get through the first 5-10 mins or so when you're warming up and the nerves will settle. Good luck-public speaking takes guts

What works for me:
Get there early and assure yourself all the tech is working.

Have your questions/ cues written or printed large and clearly spaced and numbered so you can easily keep track of where you are. A pen to tick off questions you’ve asked or they’ve answered during a different question will help you stay on top of things and keep your hands busy.

Bite the tip of your tongue to stop your mouth drying.

Bach Rescue Remedy drops or pastille 5 minutes before the start.

A full exhale just before you start speaking, and yoga type controlled breathing while your interviewee is speaking will help keep you calm.

As PPs have said, you will probably really enjoy it once the first couple of minutes are out of the way.

Honestly once you start speaking it will be fine. Good luck

I'd say the trick is to concentrate on your audience. What information, insight, knowledge do you want the audience to leave with? What's the best way for you to help your interviewee give them that?

Your audience will either not care of not notice if you mangle your sentences, as long as your meaning is clear.

In short, move your attention away from yourself and on to those who have paid or are otherwise invested in hearing from your interviewee.

Deep breath, breathe out, look around and smile at everyone before you start. Smiling will relax you - and the audience.

If you know your stuff, you only have to get over the first few minutes and then you’ll be into the swing of it. Good luck!

Thanks so much to everyone who replied yesterday; I read all your responses and tried to take it all on board! The event went really well today so I'm chuffed.

Wonderful news!

Glad it went well for you- such a satisfying feeling knowing you've smashed it