The number one fear...

In Public Health classes, you can count on at least one presentation during the quarter. My most recent presentation was with a group, and one of the girls expressed how habitually terrified she was of speaking in public. She asked how I handled speaking in public so often and so calmly, and I realized that now I actually am pretty calm when it comes to public speaking.

This wasn't always the case; I stammered at the speed of light, and paused only to punctuate with an "um" or "uh." Add in the glazed eyes of an audience of peers and I was a rambling machine. Now, I've figured it out. Not to say that I have it down to an art, but I've at least figured out the science.

1. Breathe. This is especially effective before the speech/presentation. A series of ten deep, meaningful breaths can quiet those last minute jitters. It also counts while you're speaking; remember to breathe and the words will flow naturally.

2. Ooze confidence. Other than being prepared (see below), the best trick for confidence is emulation. Identify someone that you think is enormously confident, and adopt their mannerisms. My confidence muse: Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada. She is deliciously evil, but walks and speaks as though she owns the world. I channel her, and immediately my posture improves and I settle into a calm.

3. Only preach what you know. If you don't know the topic inside and backwards, the nerves are amplified. Be prepared and solid in your knowledge foundation and let the confidence ooze.

4. Slow it down. One of my greatest pitfalls that one I still stumble into: people look bored so I amp up the speed. Wrong. Keep it slow, pick non-awkward places to pause, and let them reflect. The faster you talk, the faster the audience will tune out.

5. Add on the anecdotes. People perk up when they hear a good story, so toss one in (that's relevant) every once in a while. To make this easier, remember that it doesn't always have to be the whole truth. The greatest storytellers mix in a hint of believable embellishment.

6. Maintain eye contact, but don't stare. I think about 2 seconds of eye contact per person is great before scanning on to the next. Avoid looking down, the audience will think you're either unknowledgeable or lying (see number five).

7. Dress awesome. It will help your credibility, your confidence, and your performance; invest in quality, fashionable style. Put in as much or more effort as you would on a date, but with less cleavage.

8. Practice. In the mirror, in front of friends, or in front of the camera; it's invaluable. Don't be afraid to change something if you don't think it's working.

Overall, just make your nerves work for you. The best way to do that is to come prepared. I've seen the bad presentations and those are motivation enough to put in a little extra effort.