Imagine everyone in their underwear was the old school advice for calming anxiety for public speaking. Is there anything dumber or less useful than that statement. Ludicrous, right?!

It goes to show you that that idea was from somebody who has never had real anxiety during a speech, that's for sure.

I have been there, I know exactly what you're dealing with. It is the worst feeling the world. It is like you're dying a thousand deaths in eachexcruciating second.

The simple fact is that we all have to get up and say a few words from time to time, and if you're in business or sales you have to do it often, it is pretty inescapable. Perhaps you have to go do this again soon? Yikes!

Well, I'm here to help you out. Here are some super effective ways to calm your anxiety during your public speaking.

First off, no caffeine beforehand. Caffeine jacks your adrenal glands into high gear and will not help you avoid anxiety when you get up to speak. Also, alcohol the night before will actually have the same effect. It may sound strange, but alcohol actually increases anxiety. Avoid.

But, the very best way to calm yourself down is to take control of your nervous system! Great, how do I do that, you're asking?

Well, it's exercise, relatively vigorous physical exercise will burn out the very stress hormones that cause anxiety attacks. My recommendation, is to go for a run the day before and the day of the speech.

Also,meditation and/or deep abdominal breathing are wonderful because all the nerves of the body meet in the belly button area of the body.

Warning: Even though all these things are very powerful, there is one final step that assures you'll be bullet proof during your speech.