How to avoid panic while speaking in public

This article is part of a series of translations from Spanish to English, as I am going to undertake TOEFL iBT.
Precisely, every feeling and thought that makes you feel nervous while speaking in front of an audience works in your favor, if you know how to take advantage of. Science is on your side.

But... What causes panic? 

It turns out that speaking in front of a large audience is stimulating [Study]. And when you are anxious, it is good for you to stop trying to remove that feeling and take advantage of it: it turns out that's easy to change anxiety into other emotions that could help us being more effective. This is what researchers from the Harvard University have said [Study].

"By stage fright we understand the experience of suffering from psychological inhibition that disrupts our chance of developing the role we are trying to enact. Distress, embarrassment, blushing or sweating are some of the symptoms an individual may suffer from when trying to present their business project."

Usually, the main reasons for this are:

• Lack of preparation about the topic and oral communication skills
• Time is running, so you feel the pressure
• Concerns about audience opinion or questions regarding your Business plan
• Fear about audience not finding interesting your exposition
• Fear of failing when it comes to achieve your objectives (a partner, funding, etc)
• Fear of stuttering 
• Spend too much time preparing the topic and too little trying to gain self-confidence

Focus on your audience

"If the person focus on whether their audience is thinking about their appearance or words, it will negatively affect their speaking quality, closeness with audience and interest about the message (that's why is not recommend to rehearse in front of a mirror, it diverts your attention towards facial expressions, gestures, etc).
If one feels too dependent of oneself, you should address to individual listeners. Running your eyes over the public and smiling at your listeners while presenting an action or strategy will work, you'll build a family atmosphere. This helps you feel self-confident and overcome stage fright."

Turn anxiety into eagerness

"Fluttering, sweating and trembling may be symptoms of fear or excitement. If an activity entails risks but it is associated with fun, the excitement part can turn into a thrilling challenge. Instead of starting your speech excusing yourself for being nervous, you have to convey your audience your enthusiasm and that you control your excitement.
Therefore, it is mandatory that the person gains self-confidence while getting approval expressions  from the audience. Cooking a tasty first-minute will be essential for creating a pleasant atmosphere, arousing interest from the beginning and showing self-assurance. In this way, the physical symptoms of excitement will be controlled from the outset, when the public response corresponds your expectations (bring a initial smile or any positive gesture).
Getting feedback from the encouragements the audience gives you, will help you tame your emotions and lead the communication. From that moment on, the speech will gain eagerness and conviction."

Run away from posts like this one. Be flexible

Any of these tips are foolproof. In contrast, what you have to keep in mind is generic guidance, and in any case, try some of the specific tips.
"Every public speaker must assess what specific style they feel more comfortable with. Personality, experience or anecdotes are elements you choose to add or not to add to your speech, as long as they stimulate your audience and/or show self-confidence, only you will know what must be added (the opinion of the "qualified public" will prompt how much confidence you should show.)"


Source [Spanish]