Overcome Public Speaking Fear When English is Your Second Language

The idea of public speaking can feel overwhelming, especially when English isn’t your native language. I have been a professional speaker for more than 4 years, and I still get nervous when it comes to speaking in front of an audience! But there are ways to make it easier. Here are some tips on how to use mindfulness techniques to stay present in a presentation.

Know Your Content and Practice Out Loud

The best way to combat public speaking fear is to know your content well and practice out loud. This may sound obvious, but many people don’t realize just how important it is to practice out loud before giving a presentation. It’s especially important if English is your second language. So make sure you read through all your slides and practice out loud until you feel comfortable with the material. Not only will this help you become more familiar with the content, but it will also help you get used to hearing yourself speak in English.

Focus on Your Breath

One of the most effective ways to stay calm during a presentation is by focusing on your breath. Taking deep breaths helps relax your body and mind so that you can be fully present in the moment without worrying about what might happen next or thinking too much about what people might think of you or your accent. Focus on taking slow, deep breaths as often as needed throughout your presentation—it will help ground you and keep those pesky butterflies away!

Be Prepared For Questions

Another way to overcome public speaking fear when English isn't your first language is by being prepared for questions from the audience after your presentation. Anticipate potential questions that may come up and do some extra research so that you can answer confidently in English without getting flustered or feeling overwhelmed by unfamiliar terminology or concepts.  Additionally, try not to worry too much about pronunciation—people tend to be understanding of accents, so don’t let that be a barrier!

At the end of the day, remember that public speaking fear is normal—even for native English speakers! The key is knowing how best to manage it so that it doesn’t take over completely. By applying these mindful techniques like focusing on your breath, reading through all your slides beforehand, and being prepared for questions from the audience after your talk, you will be able to give an engaging presentation while being confident in yourself and your ability regardless of language barriers!