Cliche or not, most people, even graduate students, dread public speaking. But graduate students and professors can't avoid public speaking. So how do you cope with the stress? Follow these five basic tips and you'll approach your next speaking engagement at ease.

1.  Embrace your nerves.
A little stage fright is normal. Accept it as part of the territory. Many people first feel the tension the moment they learn about the presentation or accept the invitation to speak.

The anxiety often builds as the event nears. Odd as it sounds, embrace the anxiety and use it. Anxiety can be a motivator to craft a great presentation.

2.  Clarify your fear.
What do speakers fear? That the presentation won't be what the audience expects or wants. That they'll be attacked by nasty audience members or asked questions that can't be answered. That everyone will find out that they're just faking it all and don't really know what they're talking about. Speakers fear embarrassment. What exactly are you afraid of? If it's tough questions, have friends and professors generate some for you to answer. Practice. Think about what you can say to rediect a hostile question. Something as simple as, "Interesting question. I'll have to ponder that some more..." will let you shift to another question.

3. Remember that some anxiety is helpful.
Fear can give you the adrenaline rush that you need to be an energizing speaker. There's a substantial body of psychological research that shows that while tremendous anxiety is paralyzing, some anxiety is helpful.

It juices you up and provides a surge of energy that is expressed to your audience. Overconfident speakers, those who don't feel anxiety, often are too relaxed to do a good job and give a compelling presentation. Your anxiety can be a powerful ally - use it to invigorate your presentation.

4.  Keep it to yourself.
Never tell your audience that you're nervous. Anxiety typically doesn't show. They'll never know. Mention that you're nervous, however, and they may notice your shaking hands. Incidentally, if your hands shake, put one in your pocket, behind your back, or against your body. Or you can grasp the lectern.

5.  Locate your fans.
It's easy to be cowed by a negative Nellie in the audience. Remember that you will never be able to please everyone and you may see a sour puss in the audience. Be prepared for that -- and find your fans. Focus on the faces that are interested, listening. They smile, make eye contact, and give you energy. Don't allow yourself to focus on the negative audience members. This is easier said than done, of course as we naturally want to convince our detractors, but often you won't be able to change their minds in just 10 minute of speaking and you'll just make your own nervousness worse. Focus on the friendly faces in the audience instead.

There are many things to fear about public speaking, but try to remember the big picture. If you slip up, will it really matter a year from now? Try to find perspective. Remember that we learn to be fearful; we can also learn to be confident. Remind yourself that you know your stuff. Visualize yourself succeeding and be your own cheerleader.