What causes nervousness before speaking in public?

There you are, up on center stage, 50 to 100's of eyes on YOU. Is your hair OK, what about your suit or your dress, are you too fat, too thin, too old looking or too young? Are you speaking dribble or making sense? I'd say that it enough to make anyone nervous. Executives who speak to many people during each day are inwardly getting the "hurlies" but look calm on the outside. It gets easier the more you do it.

I took a public speaking course and I it was the best thing I ever did. I could now speak in front of hundreds of people (and have on occasion) and not feel nervous at all. A very wise old man told me, "Marcy, when you look out at those sea of faces think of them sitting on the john!" I looked at this old man like he had lost his mind, but after thinking about it, I realized what he meant. We are not that different from each other, and usually what we think others are thinking of us is simply not true. Take pride in the fact you can even get up there and speak. The audience should not be assessing you, but listening to what you are saying. They just might learn something.

Public speaking isn't that polished as it once was and I think it's great as it lets the speakers personality shine. I like to see "the real person" and not some carbon copied well versed person mimicking words.

Further considerations on the causes of nervousness

1. Thinking of self rather than having the mindset of helping the audience.
   
2. Inadequate preparation - material and the organization of it, format, timing, visual aids, sound system, practice.
   
3. Fear of an unknown audience, not knowing what they know or need to know.
4. Failure to appreciate the audience's viewpoint.
   
5. A stressed state. Learn how to relax. Don't forget to breathe!
   

Remember! Most speakers feel nervous just before they give a public address. A little nervousness is good. It gives you extra adrenaline/energy which will help you to concentrate on why you going to speak about these things to this group. The extra adrenaline will also help you to be enthusiastic and speak with feeling.

First answer by Robcol. Last edit by BrainBlocked. Contributor trust: 264 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 105 [recommend question].