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The Fear of Public Speaking - How To Overcome It

Just say the words "public speaking" and the hearts of many will cringe.

It's a sad fact that the vast majority of people are afraid of speaking in front of a group. Often this so called fear begins at an early age, perhaps at school where we are often forced to stand in front of a class and give a speech.

For others it is something that simply creeps up on you in adult life where you are suddenly expected to speak to a group but have no idea how to do it.

Fear of public speaking (officially called glossophobia) is believed to be the most common phobia in the world! It is said that many people are actually more scared of public speaking than they are of dying.

Symptoms of Public Speaking Anxiety

Some symptoms of public speaking fear include sweating, shaking and rapid heart beat in the moments, hours or even days leading up to the speech or event.

Difficulty in sleeping and loss of appetite are extreme symptoms of glossophobia. Often all thoughts are focused on the speech and this makes a person even more nervous as they are constantly thinking about failure rather than thinking positively about it.

Causes of Fear of Public Speaking

Fear of public speaking can be brought upon by past events in which a traumatic incident occurred, such as someone laughing at a person as they gave a speech or perhaps a speech not going quiet as planned. This sort of event can result in years of self doubt when it comes to giving more speeches.

Feel The Fear and Do It Anyway

How can anyone overcome self-consciousness and the fear that tends to paralyze you before an audience?

Unfortunately you cannot rid yourself from the fear of public speaking simply by reading a book. It is conquered primarily by experience - you must learn to speak by speaking.

Here are some tips that will help you conquer your fear of public speaking.

Be Totally Engaged In Your Subject Matter

Knowing your subject matter and focusing on it helps you to be less self-conscious. The more you get into your topic and focus on explaining it, especially if you enjoy working with the material you are presenting, the more you will take your mind off your own performance.

If you understand your material thoroughly, when you stand to speak don't worry about presenting badly, simply focus on sharing what you know with your audience as clearly as possible.

Small Beginnings Can Lead To A Big Finish

Once you have prepared the material which you will be presenting, practise your presentation in front of a small group. Maybe you can start with a significant other, then a group of supportive workmates or friends.

Family and friends will give honest opinions on your format, presentation and the speech itself. Once you iron out difficult areas you will feel increased confidence.

The more you practise and the more people you can keep adding to your audience, the easier speaking in front of larger groups will become.

Be Realistic About Your Audience

The truth is - it's unlikely your audience will cause you bodily harm because of your speech. When you stand to speak, look them over and realise that they are human just as you are and most of them are as afraid of speaking in public as you were before you practised.

In fact the audience, in most cases, will be encouraging and sympathetic to you because most of them admire anyone who will stand to speak publicly! So be courageous - take a deep breath, calm yourself and decide to proceed with confidence knowing that you have prepared yourself well and that your mind is not likely to fail you.