In your life, sometimes you may be asked to speak in front of a large group of people. Although it sounds a little scary, even those with stage fright can speak successfully to the group with adequate preparation.
Practice your speech before the big day. If possible, practice the speech in front of a friend or family member to get used to saying it to real people. If you feel you must have note cards, limit the amount to about three cards. This will force you to keep your speech concise and help you keep your eyes focused on your audience.
Remember why you've been invited to speak. If you're battling fear over speaking to a large group of people, keep your mind on the fact that you were selected for this important role. The speech organizers must have seen something valuable in you or your expertise.
Remember that fear of public speaking is very common.Most of the people in the audience would be feeling the same fear and stress that you do in your position. Knowing this may make you feel better.
What you say should be tailored to why you're there and who you're speaking to in order to avoid sounding general. If speaking to a charity group, mention the good work certain specific individuals have done for the cause. If speaking at a business conference, briefly state why you want to help these people.
Keep eye contact with the crowd. Pick one person in each section and look at him while you're speaking. After each important point in your speech, switch your focus to another section. When you focus only on one person at a time, the size of the crowd isn't as frightening.
A. A good memory is really helpful.
B. Show appreciation to your audience.
C. Mention your audience in your speech.
D. The more you have, it memorized, the better.
E. In fact, it's normal to feel nervous or stressed out before a big speech.
F. Separate the crowd into three sections mentally as you get up to speak.
G. The knowledge of other people's respect for you should reduce some of the fear.
