Speaking in front of an audience usually causes anxiety to most speakers. But for some anxiety is very high. Managing this stress , workshops designed to help actors overcome stage fright, or anxiety as we call it, are experiencing success by teaching people the following tips. There are three types of tips:
Body
Accept the physical reaction(s) you experience under stress. It could be perspiring, shaking, lisping, heart beating very fast, stomach tied in knots. Accepting your own reactions reduces the enormity of your fear.
Breath deeply and fill your lungs with oxygen. Exhale longer than it took you to inhale. Do this at least five times and ideally 10 times and you will reduce blood pressure.
Stand tall Make sure your posture reflects confidence and calm. Stand tall and maintain this posture. Your body will send signals to your nervous system that the current issue is being addressed and resolved.
Mind
Shift your focus from bad thoughts to good thoughts. When panic strikes, shift your thoughts to pleasant things. Imagine something that makes you happy or content, like a lake, a sunrise or a child.
Stay positive and do what is being asked of you. This will alleviate nervousness. Extend yourself and do more than you normally do.
Get Perspective. Remember you are not addressing thousands of people and you are not on trial. Think of your audience as friends who are eager to hear what you have to say.
Spirit
Go with the flow Do not force things to happen during your speech. Remember that you are a part of the process, which includes your message, the delivery of that message, and your audience. This will reduce anxiety because you are not at the center of everything but simply a part of something bigger than you.
Take chances willingly. Do what you are asked to do. Not doing what is asked of you means that you are fighting and rejecting what you are being asked to do. Replace the energy this takes from you and the negativity and doubt left behind with action. Go ahead and do what is expected of you and it will replace the lingering guilt good feelings and leave room for positive experiences and the consequences of those acts.
Focus outward, not on yourself. Remember your audience and make sure people have learned something valuable.