Conquering your fear of public speaking - Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, and some of us are afraid to do it. Whether you've got a job interview, a sales pitch, or just want to make your voice heard, you can do it. Body language expert Patti Wood shared her secrets to pulling off a great speech.

Every Wednesday, the Northlake Toastmasters in Tucker practice what panics a lot of us. They get up in front of a group and talk, and Wood says the first step to overcoming your fear is to practice your speech with a partner.

"I wouldn't choose your sweetie pie. There's a reason. They're the most critical people and can make us anxious. So I would choose a neutral person, or your dog, instead. Or your mirror, or videotape," said Wood.

As you practice, stand up, and move around.

"You're going down those neural pathways, boom, boom, boom, and putting a groove in there.  So now, when you're in front of a live audience, and you're under stress, "Oh, you've already gone down that path! It's easier for you to go down it again," Wood said.

If you're focused on your audience, Wood says you are in the right place. Before starting your speech, she suggests shake hands with everybody in the room. As you start to speak, step forward.

"By moving forward, you are actually sending the signal to your brain, "I am not afraid."  And you're also sending the same signal to the audience.  They think, ‘Ooh, she's comfortable, she's confident, she's moving forward,'" said Wood.

Even if your speech isn't perfect, focus on finishing strong. That's what your audience will remember.

Here are a couple of other tips. Wood says have a glass of water handy. She says if you lose track, pause and take a sip, and find your place again. If you think you're losing your audience, stop and ask for their feedback, or questions. It gives the audience a chance to talk, and you a chance to check your notes.