I think this to be the most important speakers tip when it comes to speaking anxiety or stage fright. Seeing your audience as your equals - and seeing the world and everyone / everything in it as equal worth!!! WOW! 

Im guessing you want to be a speaker because you need to feed your family and also grow as a person, as an expert, achieve status in your social circles... that(s all good, as what I'm talking about are basic human needs - both physiological needs (like food and shelter), and then there's psychological need such as self actualisation (read becoming someone special). Now, just because you're making it in this world does not make you more worthy than your mail man - or less worthy than your congress woman. It just makes you different. 

However...

There are some people in the audience who are human pricks and will judge and criticise... frankly - stop giving a fuck about what they think! And start really really deeply deeply caring about people, planet .. and let's ad in profit as well while we're here :)

How to Stop Feeling Nervous About Your Audience

Many speakers imagine their audience as intimidating critics, but this mindset fuels anxiety. Instead, humanize them! Your audience consists of people just like you—individuals with hopes, dreams, and fears. The key to a successful presentation isn’t to impress but to connect. When you think of your audience as partners in communication rather than judges, you shift from performance anxiety to authentic engagement.

Try This ...

• Imagine your audience as supportive friends who genuinely want to learn from you.

• Focus on sharing your message rather than seeking approval.

• Remember: They’re here to learn from you, not judge you.

• Use eye contact strategically—connect with different sections of the audience to create a sense of personal interaction.

• Smile! It not only makes you appear more approachable but also naturally reduces stress levels.

Watch the video I made on loving your audience! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxQ59HGgFlo

XOX, 

Meta Groselj

PS: Need help? Check out my coaching programs and online courses below!