Get Psyched: How I Prep for Public Speaking + IG Reels

Not everyone loves public speaking.

If we’re being honest, very few people ACTUALLY enjoy it.

It’s a lot of pressure, it’s a big deal, and yet, we endure it, we push through and persevere.

Except…how exactly do you get to the enure/persevere part of it?

Well, as someone who has “been there and done that”, I have a few helpful tips for stage fright!

Practice, practice, practice

Some things are sayings because they’re true. One simple way to help curve the nerves and the anxiety around messing up or forgetting lines is to practice. Practice by yourself, in front of a friend/family member, and if you want, even let them give you feedback to help with pacing.

The more you run through your talking points, the easier it will be to breeze through them and move your attention to things such as your body language, your timing, and how you engage the audience.

Familiarise yourself with the space

Whether on a stage, platform or even just on the floor with the rest of the attendees, figure out how you take up space while you speak. When I spoke at the Xero Roadshow in Toronto and Calgary, we practiced in the space earlier that morning for our run-through, which helped me figure out spacing and eliminate the “I have no idea what the room even looks like” anxiety.

Set the mood (with music)

Another great way to break up the “seriousness” and the pressure when speaking publicly is to make an entrance and make it fun.

When I walked out on the Xero stage in Toronto, the song that announced my and my co-speakers entrance was Taylor Swift’s “I Knew You Were Trouble” (Taylor’s Version obviously). If you didn’t know, I’m a major Swiftie (breaking news: fork found in kitchen), so having a familiar and beloved song playing helped to break me out of my thought tornados and get ready to take the stage.

Not every speaking event will be of that magnitude but if music helps you, create a “psych up playlist” of all your favourite songs to give a quick listen before you speak!

Lean on your supports

When we get inside our heads, it can feel overwhelming. That’s why talking out loud, talking to our loved ones/support systems, can help take the nervous voice in your head and take it out of your brain. What I mean is the inside thoughts go outside. There’s a catharsis with talking through our emotions and having someone we trust console and help us work through those emotions.

A great support as well to lean on could be your mentor, coach, or even a counsellor/therapist.

What is most important to remember is that everyone gets nervous speaking publicly, it is completely normal and valid. You were chosen to speak because you know what you’re talking about.

Or, if it’s your event, people are here to listen to you speak, they want to hear what you have to say. That’s why they’re sat in front of you.

Remember to take a deep breath and tell yourself you’ve got this!