Overcoming Nerves on the Way to the Lectern

1. Be prepared. If you have prepared you speech diligently, practiced it in advance and studied your notes, then you have nothing to fear and no reason to be nervous.
2. Take a deep breath to settle yourself. In fact, if you can do so without hyperventilating or attracting attention, breath deeply for 30 seconds before getting to the lectern. The additional oxygen will both calm you and induce a feeling of euphoric confidence.
3. Review you notes. Silently repeat any prepared first sentence. Be sure of your opening and then the rest will go easier as you have momentum behind you.
4. Act confident in order to be confident. Smile. Look the audience in the eye. If you can convince the audience that you are confident then you can convince yourself.
5. Remind yourself that you have something worth saying. People are interested in hearing what you will be speaking about and eager to listen.