Facing A Fear Of Public Speaking
It seems like most people have a fear of public speaking. And unfortunately, for many people it's not something that can just be turned off. Even if you mentally know there is nothing to be afraid of, you can't just decide to get over a fear of public speaking
. However, after a few tips and some practice, you can begin to overcome your fear of public speaking
.
One technique that can help you deal with your fear of public speaking
is to visualize yourself on stage in front of your closest friends and family. Picture every detail, down to what you are wearing, where you are standing, and the words you are saying. Are you holding a microphone or using a laser pen? Imagine what your friends and family will look like and how they will react to your speech. Picture a standing ovation when you finish! Other similar techniques that can help you conquer your fear of public speaking
include biofeedback and deep breathing.
Try to use your fear and channel the adrenaline into energy for your speech. Use the fear as a motivation to prepare well and practice enough to feel like you could do the speech in your sleep. Tell yourself that everyone feels a fear of public speaking, at some level. This is true even of those who are experienced or speak for a living. Try to take the fear and make it work for you.
Another tip is to just relax and be yourself when up on stage. Many people try to become a different person once they step up to the stage. We have this preconceived notion of what a public speaker should be and try to emulate that. Trying to copy someone else's style will only make it more uncomfortable for you. Always show the audience your true self, not somebody else.
Finally, remember that nothing really bad will happen if you make a slip or mistake while public speaking. Mistakes can actually serve to humanize you and make you more likable to the audience. More than likely, everyone in the audience has dealt with a fear of public speaking so they'll understand. Just go up there, be yourself, and let things take its course.
Public speaking doesn't have to be stressful. Just by following a few guidelines, you can overcome your fear of public speaking. It won't happen overnight, but as you practice, you'll get used to it and soon everything will fall into place. For more information on overcoming your fear of public speaking, please try reading the articles listed below. Once you have delivered a few successful speeches, you will have enough confidence to feel less miserable before a speech.
So be sure to check out our pages about Effective Public Speaking
, Public Speaking Tips
, Techniques of Public Speaking
, and taking a Public Speaking Course
elsewhere on this site.
