Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Presenting Your Ideas

How to present an ideal 

Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

            A number of years ago, 3,000 adults in the United States were asked to list their top 10 fears. Fear of public speaking came first—ahead of death, getting fired, or appearing naked in public.  Giving a presentation in public is something most people do not like or want to do.  Almost all people feel some anxiety when making a presentation in public, even people who do it for a living.  Accept some anxiety and nervousness as normal, but keep your anxiety to yourself. 

            As previously mentioned, the most important things you can do to overcome the fear of speaking is to prepare and practice.  When you do so, use positive self-suggestions to combat anxiety.  Visualize yourself being successful and act in an authoritative and positive manner.  Familiarize yourself with the actual setting; make sure to check out the arrangements carefully.  Practice in the setting if you can.

            Do not read your speech, or try to memorize it, though do feel very comfortable with your introductions and conclusion.  Adopt a conversational attitude. Unless you are trained actor or public speaker, you will lose contact with your audience and the speech will fall flat.  Most speakers work from speaking points, or notes. Most people find it useful to print these in a larger type. Instead of the normal 12-point type most project/programme purpose documents are printed in, TRY PRINTING YOUR SPEECH OR NOTES IN 14 POINT, OR MAYBE IN 16-POINT. TRY USING BOLD FACE. It is your speech. Set it up any way you want it.

            Give yourself permission to make mistakes.  In all likelihood your audience is eager for you to succeed.  They will forgive your mistakes—you should do the same.  Your aim is not to get rid of your butterflies, but to be well enough prepared and to sufficiently practice so that you can have them fly in formation.