As a university student public speaking is an unavoidable occurrence. I sit there hoping the presenter before me is as nervous as I am, but they always seem like professionals, then it comes to my turn and my legs shake, my words blur into one long sentence and I speak so fast that only someone with a remote able to set to slow motion could understand me! Then I had to give a speech at my sisters wedding a few weeks ago. And it all came together, I realized how to control it. No it wasn’t getting really drunk, in case your wondering, it was as simple as finding one person in the room who makes you smile, and looking up, but at the back wall, so it looks like your looking at your audience without looking at someone who’ll make you loose your track. Along with knowing the basic drift of what you want to say. If you go off track it doesn't matter. Just go with the flow and pick up where you left off.

One product I recommend is an 80 minute audiobook that claims to removes the fear of speaking by teaching different models, building your confidence with practical and easy tips and techniques. I found it SO helpful with Uni presentations. It shows you simple ways to get ready for presentations. It reveals body-language secrets you can use to influence people and conquer your insecurities about speaking to groups of any size. It is called THE FREEWAY GUIDE and it is an educational audiobook designed for busy people. It’s downloadable to your iPod or MP3 player so you can listen to it any time.

Another conveniently downloadable audiobook is the Fear of Public Speaking and Presentations, which is a program that is a self-hypnotic placement that includes techniques of thought and emotional management and specific imagery designed to decrease uncomfortable fear-based thought processes and to increase positive goals & outcomes. And you can listen to it on the way to your presentation! How cool is that!

Something to consider first in the planning/preparation stage, is making sure you have a sound understanding of the audience. This effects your content, tone and length of your speech. Essential ingredients to writing a successful speech, as you need to communicate your message to this specific group of people.

There is nothing worse than getting there and not knowing your content; it’s just like going into a test. You need to practice, practice, practice. Knowing your material is essential to public speaking success.

The language you use should be comfortable for both you and the audience. Don’t stick really big, ‘smart’ sounding words in there to make yourself look good, because there’s nothing worse than getting nervous and pronouncing it wrong.

The expression ‘less is more’ is very relevant to public speaking. It is important not to tell the audience everything you know, rather tell the audience what it is that they need to know. A good speech delivers the whole story but in a manner that is quick, clear and understandable. This gives you plenty of opportunities to pause and breathe more.

When delivering a speech, how you say something can be just as important as what you say. No matter how interesting your speech may be, speaking in a monotone is a sure way of putting your audience to sleep. Also pace! Sticking to a steady pace can be challenging, as I well know, especially when your super are nervous. When delivering your speech, make a conscious effort to pause every so often, slow down and continue.

So far as fears go, public speaking ranks right up there with the worst of them. Some people go so far as to say they would rather die than give a speech in public. If you are someone that suffers from nerves, focusing on these anxieties is unproductive. The best way is to put these strategies to control nerves to the test. It is important that you find the relaxation technique that works best for you such as positive visualisation or deep breathing.

Remember preparation prevents panic—knowing your material well will really boost your confidence. If you make a mistake don’t worry. The chances are the audience didn’t notice. If it is obvious, don’t apologise, simply make the correction and continue with the rest of your speech. Relax, don’t forget to breath and enjoy yourself.