10 techniques to deal with your nervousness

1. Preparation -- In order to be relaxed, you need to be well prepared to do your best. Do not just work hard, work smart.

2. Memorize the opener/attention-getter -- Use poetic language, but be careful that memorization does not replace spontaneity.

3. Care for the audience -- Nervousness is often self-inflicted pain; we torture ourselves with questions. Don't think "ME, ME, ME;" think "THEM, THEM, THEM."

4. Be aware of your fears, real or imagined -- "Worry gives small things big shadows."

5. Reduce barriers -- a stage, a podium, computer, or pride, anger, and confusion.

6. Keep doing it -- Don't expect to emerge as a confident speaker until you have paid your dues by being there many times before.

7. Get excited! -- Think of something exciting to you: you graduate in a few weeks, your interviews have gone superbly, your football team has won again, you made an "A" on your last test in your hardest subject, etc. Use this excitement to excite your audience.

8. Appear to be calm -- Projecting an air of calmness and confidence, no matter what is going on with your heart, sweat glands, fingers, mouth, stomach, requires discipline and practice.

9. Raise a higher purpose -- In connecting what you want to say with higher purposes (important issues facing our world today), you'll obtain a new awareness that will provide you with a measure of serenity.

10. Pick out friendly faces --and speak directly to each one.

11. Be enthusiastic about your message -- and come out slugging for what you care about!

12. They're glad it's you -- and not them.