Q&A for How to Give a Speech Without Getting Nervous

Right before you give the speech, visualize that you did well and received a standing ovation. That way, you'll trick your brain into doing well.

People will do all sorts of stupid responses because the spotlight isn't on them. Easier in a crowd, eh? Just ignore it. Keep your confidence, don't change your tone or anything and show who's more mature and brave -- you.

Just remember what the topic is about. If you miss a few important lines, see if you can work them in later or share the basic idea if you just can't remember the exact lines. Focus on the beginning and conclusion of the speech because this is where most people lend their ears to you.

Try not to make a big deal out of it. If you physically jump or cringe, your audience will be more likely to notice the voice crack. Just take deep breaths and continue your speech.

First of all, try and relax. Take a deep breath, and go over your sentences. Try practicing them in front of a few friends and family. If you get it wrong, start again, and keep practicing till it gets easier.

Think about why you got the low score and work on improving those points for your next speech.

Take a deep breath and regain your thoughts. It happens to the best of us but whatever you do don't look nervous and remain good eye contact. Quickly look over your notes and smoothly continue.

Breathe and try to relax. Ask for help, as getting out of your own head and working with another person releases a massive amount of anxiety. And practice your speech over and over again. Do it alone, then in front of someone, then in front of more people. Have your friends and family ask you questions so that you really know your material. The more prepared you are, the better you can get back to your speech if your nerves stop you cold.

If you mean without preparing at all, it would have to be on a subject you know really well. And even, then, you're thoughts won't be organized (and the speech will be less effective) than if you take the time to write it out. At the very least, create some cue cards in advance. If you just mean without rehearsing it, well, you can simply read your written speech. But, again, that approach will make for a lower quality performance.

Depends on how you want to begin. You can simply state your name like, "Hello my name is BLANK and i'm here to talk about BLANK". For a more unusual beginning, start by saying, "My name is not important; what is important is BLANK." Then, finish your speech with, "My name is BLANK and that is where I stand on BLANK."

A main key to impressing judges is feeling and looking confident. Judges love when you feel comfortable and confident during your speech. Also, make eye contact.

Continue with the speech and keep your hands low, if possible, to conceal the shaking. Take a couple of deep breaths between sentences. It helps if you practice beforehand in front of friends, family members, or even tutors/teachers, so you'll be prepared and you won't be quite as nervous.

Be confident, speak loudly and clearly, make eye contact, and make periodic gestures.

Keep note cards with you to refresh your memory.

Take a deep breath and remember that if you know them well, they won't put you down and will be proud of you if you try your best. If it helps, you can simply stare at the tops of their heads, as it still looks like you are giving direct eye contact when you do that. Practice and go over your notes and try not to think about it too much.

Just stay focused on what you are saying. You need to appear interested in what you're talking about, or no one will be interested in hearing it.

If you are giving a speech in a classroom, try looking at your friends. It will be more comfortable than making eye contact with every single audience member.

Before the speech, read it out loud and keep note cards handy, so you can refer to them if you forget anything.

Make cue cards with your speech written on it and use 2 or more highlighters to highlight your speech, changing your color when you want to look up. This way you will remember to look up when the color changes and won't lose your spot. When you look up, don't look directly at the judges, instead focus on something behind then or look at their shoulders.

Take a deep breath in, it will calm your nerves and help you focus more on your speech or oral presentation.