I started a global branding and marketing firm 17 years ago and do a lot of public speaking to increase my visibility and grow my business. Before I go on stage I always take a few deep breaths and remind myself I have practiced a lot and know this topic well, I try to make eye contact with at least a few people in the audience as I speak and share stories from my experience to make my points. I also try to smile a lot. That usually helps me relax and get started and once I start talking I am usually good to go.
Contributor: Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder & CEO from mavensandmoguls.com