How To Overcome Public Speaking Nerves, According To A TV Anchor

Public speaking can be daunting, unnerving even the most seasoned of presenting professionals, but hacks shared by TV host Mona Kosar Abdi with Newsweek can help overcome the anxiety.

The respected broadcast journalist has developed a repertoire of techniques over her decade-long career to help speakers calm their nerves and deliver impactful presentations.

Drawing from her extensive experience in front of the camera as a U.S. TV anchor, Abdi took to social media and shared some of her hacks with the masses. She spoke with Newsweek about what she does to master the art of public speaking, after her video went viral.

Overcoming the Initial Dread

Public speaking can sometimes trigger feelings of dread in pending speakers, due to the preconceived fears of judgment or failure that it can provoke.

Abdi, currently a senior correspondent at Extra TV, understands these challenges intimately.

With a glowing background in high-pressure news environments ranging from on-screen roles at ABC News and Good Morning America, Abdi has honed strategies that anyone can use to reduce unwanted speaking anxiety.

According to the journalist, one of the most apparent signs of nervousness in a pending speaker is a shaky voice. Abdi suggests a simple yet effective technique to combat this.

"Warming up your voice is crucial. Try the 'ghost noise' exercise: place a finger over your mouth, inhale and exhale deeply, and make a whooshing sound. This helps loosen vocal muscles and control airflow," Abdi, who is based in New York City, explained.

Practicing this for anywhere between five and ten minutes before speaking can significantly stabilize one's voice.

Control Over Speech and Pace

Rapid speech is another common symptom of nervousness. To combat this, Abdi advises pending speakers to "slow down [their] speech."

"This allows you to annunciate clearly and breathe properly, helping you maintain control over the conversation," she said.

The journalist went on to say that implementing pauses are also crucial. These breaks give the speaker time to gather their thoughts, and the audience time to absorb the information being provided.

Mastering Breathing Techniques

The foundation of a strong and confident speech often lies in deep and controlled breathing, as it enables the speaker to gather themselves while they present.

"Always speak from your diaphragm, not your throat," Abdi advised.

To get into the swing of 'diaphragm speaking', she recommends doing a short breathing exercise before delivering any looming speech of presentation.

"Place one hand on your stomach and one on your chest to ensure deep belly breaths, and now breathe," she said.

"If your chest is moving, your breaths are too shallow."

The journalist says that this technique can support slower speaking and helps the speaker avoid straining their vocal cords, allowing for a steadier pitch and better voice projection.

In addition to these physical techniques that can evoke some much needed poise and calm, Abdi emphasizes the importance of mental preparation before public speaking too.

"Be mindful and stay present," she said.

"It's easy to lose your train of thought when you're worried about audience perceptions."

"But, if you practice mindfulness you are able to choose your words wisely, stay on topic and reduce anxiety," the anchor added.

She cites preparation and frequent practice as tools that can also enhance confidence.

"Prepare in advance and practice often. If you have a good grasp on the subject matter it will be easier to convey your message and feel confident in the information you are delivering," Abdi explained.

"Practicing your speech the night before is also very important. Try delivering your speech out loud to an empty room, practicing your hand gestures and cadence and make small tweaks along the way so you can build muscle memory. "

Practical Application and Recognition

Abdi's tips are not just theoretical but have proven effective for her in real-life scenarios. The TikTok video on her account @mokoab that lays out some of her insights has garnered significant attention, boasting more than 23,000 likes to date.

To put it frankly, public speaking is more than just delivering words; it's about engaging an audience and sharing a message compellingly and confidently.

Abdi told Newsweek that she hopes her hard-earned tips can provide a roadmap for individuals at any level to improve their public speaking skills significantly.

As the world of communication continues to evolve, techniques such as those advocated by Abdi will remain invaluable for people across all fields striving to make an impact with their words in all situations.

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