STEP FIVE Get some exercise. A walk, a swim, a session in gym, it doesn't matter what you do, as long as you get some exercise in couple of hours before your talk. That way you'll change chemistry of your blood supply in your own favour. Exercise is essential in reducing nerves. Do not skimp on this.

STEP SIX Chew some mints or sweets. While waiting to go on stage, chew something. This will produce saliva which also helps reduce nerves. If you drink water your saliva production will go down and your nervousness will rise. Avoid water when presenting.

STEP SEVEN When you go up on stage, smile. No matter how false it feels to you, audience won't notice. Just smile. It helps produce hormones that lead to a more relaxed feeling.

STEP EIGHT Be active on stage. Move around, use big gestures and get as much body movement as you can. The more you move more relaxed you will feel.

STEP NINE Look people in eye. Make as much eye contact as you can. The more better. Eye contact is essential in helping you feel good and reducing your nerves.

STEP TEN Use feedback. Always gain feedback on your speeches. You'll soon discover you are a lot better than you think you are, which is bound to help boost your confidence.

Graham Jones is a psychologist and public speaker. He has helped over 17,000 people overcome their fear of public speaking. He runs The Presentation Business to help you speak in public. See: www.presentationbiz.com

Or sign up for a series of tips via email: tips@presentationbiz.com

5. Move Move around your stage. Start off in centre front and then move so you cover a lot of ground. Static presenters are not seen as authoritative.

6. Create powerful associations. Link yourself to other powerful and authoritative people by agreeing with what they say. Use quotations if necessary.

7. Be short and sweet Speak with short sentences and leave pauses for people to absorb what you have said. Long, convoluted language makes you appear unintelligible and therefore you have no power or influence.

8. Have a stunning opening Start with a dynamic and interesting opening that connects with your audience immediately. Mention them, use a personal anecdote or ask a question.

9. Power pack your ending Make sure your ending is power-packed. Like a great overture you need to end with a rousing crash! To do this, summarise what you have said and then give your audience an action you need them to take.

10. Stand still at end When you have delivered your final words – stand still, centre stage looking your audience in eye. Stay there and pause for several seconds before leaving stage.

Graham Jones runs The Presentation Business at http://www.presentationbiz.com which helps people become great presenters.