| Moaning, groaning, and sorrowing sobs could be | | | | knowledgeable when you suddenly asked to |
| heard all the way down the corridor of the Office | | | | speak. |
| Building. People rushed to the cubicle where | | | | 1. Practice Yogic breathing for a few minutes |
| several employees had gathered and found | | | | before you take the stage. Yogic breathing |
| Valerie lying in the floor curled into the fetal | | | | means bringing air all the way to and from your |
| position. | | | | abdomen. It calms the nerves and delivers a |
| "What happened?" one employee asked seriously. | | | | better flow of oxygen to the brain. |
| "Valerie was asked to give a presentation at a | | | | 2. Practice impromptu speaking. While you are |
| corporate meeting and she freaked out." | | | | alone, think of a topic and pretend someone has |
| That was before she became a Toastmaster. | | | | asked you to speak about it. Begin organizing your |
| Stage fright is common to all speakers who are | | | | thoughts. Think of an opening reply to the |
| concerned about their performance, yet for some | | | | question or topic, the give your opinion and to |
| it controls decisions, creates limitations and causes | | | | close, summarize what you just said. Try to do |
| drastic responses in the body. You may not think | | | | this in less than two minutes. You'll be surprised |
| you need any training in public speaking because | | | | how much this will help you think on your feet |
| you never do any public speaking. Regardless of | | | | when someone puts you on the spot. |
| whether you ever speak in front of an audience, | | | | 3. Get involved with Toastmasters. There you will |
| you are a public speaker, every time you open | | | | find a non-threatening environment in which to |
| your mouth. | | | | learn and practice the essential communication and |
| Whatever you verbalize in public even one on one | | | | leadership skills. The cost is less than $100 per |
| is public speaking and it is a reflection on who you | | | | year and includes your materials. Find a club near |
| are! Some of you are required to make | | | | you by putting your zip code into the search box |
| presentations and I'm sure you want to do your | | | | at toastmasters.org/find/default.asp. Now that |
| best to make your point as clear and as effective | | | | you are aware of some things to do to cure |
| as possible. How do you get past the fear of | | | | stage fright, I'm sure you will not be the one |
| speaking in front of a panel of managers at a job | | | | huddled under your desk when it's time to make |
| interview? Here are some useful tips to help you | | | | your presentation. |
| control nervousness and appear calm and | | | | |