The butterflies in your stomach, the racing heart, the sweaty palms—pre-speech anxiety is a challenge nearly every speaker faces, whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth. But here’s the truth: nervousness is not your enemy. It’s a sign that you care deeply about your message and your performance. By learning to navigate these feelings, you can turn them into powerful tools for delivering an impactful and memorable presentation.

Here are eight practical tips to help you manage nerves and step onto the stage with confidence:

1.  Accept and Reframe Your Nervous Energy
   

Nervousness is your body’s way of gearing up for a challenge, and it’s a signal that you care about your performance. Instead of fighting it, reframe it. Think of it as excitement and enthusiasm—a boost of energy ready to propel you forward. After all, your body doesn’t distinguish between nervous and excited energy; it just feels the intensity! Embracing this...

When it comes to crafting a speech that leaves a lasting impact, personal experiences are your secret weapon. Stories rooted in your own life are authentic, relatable, and will resonate with your audiences. Here are three simple tips to help you turn your experiences into an unforgettable speech.

1. Start with a Thought-Provoking Statement or Question Your opening sets the stage for everything that follows. Dive right in with a bold statement or question that grabs your audience’s attention. For example, a client once began their speech with, "They told me I was stupid." This stark, emotional statement immediately captivated the room and made people curious about what came next.

Think about a moment in your story that is shocking, inspiring, or challenges expectations, and use it to spark curiosity from the very first sentence. 

2. Start with the End in Mind What is the one thing you want your audience to take away? Is it a lesson, an idea, or a call to action? Build your...