Two members prepare for a public speaking contest. Photo by Julie Fritsch Creative.
FFA competition season is coming into full swing. Every year, chapter members look forward to building new parliamentary procedure teams, finalizing agriscience projects and preparing speeches.
Although many members who compete in FFA competitions are comfortable with public speaking, it’s normal to feel nervous before opening ceremonies, entering the speech room or presenting a project to judges.
However, it’s also important to have strategies to work through these nerves to put your best foot forward. Here are five effective ways to work through your public speaking nerves.
1. Start preparing and practicing long before competition day.
Confidence in your abilities begins before you step foot in the competition venue. Researching your topic, memorizing parts and being organized are some of the best ways to ensure you are ready for anything the judges may throw at you.
Practicing with your advisor can help ease nerves and get last-minute feedback. Photo by Julie Fritsch Creative.
2. Don’t overthink it.
It can be easy to want to review your speech or practice your parts again and again to prove that you know what you need to do before you can compete. However, this can increase your nerves.
Before you compete, try putting your speech away or stop repeating your parts. Instead, trust in your ability and have confidence that your practice has properly prepared you.
3. Engage with other competitors.
Oftentimes, the people you are competing against are in the same boat as you: Nervous and wanting to succeed. Starting a conversation with them could help take your mind off being nervous and help them feel less nervous.
Remember, this is an FFA event, not the Olympics. There’s no need to psych out the competition!
4. Assess the layout of the room while entering.
One thing that can make people nervous is not knowing the layout or size of the room they’re competing in. If this is true for you, take your time entering the room and pay attention to the setup. As you do, take note of the following:
- Where are the judges sitting?
- Are they lined up in a panel or sitting around a conference table?
- Is there a podium in the room? If so, do you want to stand in front of it or behind it?
- Is there enough room for you to walk and engage with the judges?
These questions can help you determine the best places to stand and move as you present.
5. The judges want to see you succeed.
It’s easy to tell yourself that the judges are out to get you and want you to make mistakes; however, you have to remind yourself this is not true. They are human, just like you are, and chances are they find it admirable and impressive that you have the confidence to get up in front of them and give a speech.
So, make sure to introduce yourself and engage with them throughout your presentation. Let them know you’re excited to be there and grateful for their time and attention.
Engaging with other competitors can help ease nerves. Photo by Julie Fritsch Creative.
Competition season can be stressful and nerve-wracking for both members and advisors. It’s important to remember your advisor chose you for your respective competition because they believe in your ability and are confident you will succeed. Having ways to work through competition day nerves will ensure your ability to put your best effort forward and have confidence in your success.
Good luck to all FFA members competing this year!
