Fear of public speaking could well be the foremost common phobia of all. Phobias are irrational fears which will become surprisingly disruptive. Untreated phobias can develop into a full-blown panic disorder Panic disorders are characterized by symptoms like:
• Rapid pulse
• Chest pain or tightness
• Feeling ready to faint or dizzy.
• Breathing difficulties
• Intestinal distress, stomach ache
• Headaches
• Tingling or numbness within the extremities or face.
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Fear will be a normal response when the threat is real Irrational fears are fears that begin to disrupt normal life. Public speaking, unlike other fears, isn’t fear of anything really dangerous. Fear of looking silly or sounding foolish is more often the cause.
Fear of public speaking is very common Professionals who have to talk in public frequently often feel stress before a speaking date Academics, college instructors, fund raisers, businessmen, sales persons, and politicians all experience fear of public speaking at some time in their careers Speakers often will lose their voices right before a big speech Physical symptoms will scare people out of giving the planned speech
Self-help strategies for managing fear of public speaking are plentiful and simple Popular ways for managing the fear include:
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• Be prepared Write your speech on note cards in advance Anticipate issues in advance Be ready for common questions and review your topic totally beforehand Rehearse all of your answers in advance so they will come naturally.
• Practice often Practice makes perfect when it comes to pubic speaking Record your speech on an audiocassette player. Review the tape for parts that could use improvement Practice your speech in front of your friends or your family.
• Formulate a back-up plan. Have a ‘plan B’ in case last minute changes occur. Bring slides with you or an alternate speech Ask if you can reschedule your speech Having a back-up will keep you from worrying about mishaps so you’ll focus on giving a good speech.
• Make your audience less scary A selection of techniques can help you Try talking to one friendly face and ignoring the others. Focusing simply about the heads of your audience is a popular technique. Audiences cannot tell you’re not looking right at them.
• Relax a bit before you speak Avoid preparing and fretting up till the last minute Taking a rest right before the speech can enable you to be calmer and more focused.
Public speaking classes will help a lot if you must provide speeches often as part of your job. Toastmasters is a support group that is designed to help people who speak often in public Assemble a support group of other public speakers to cheer you on
Once you get past the butterflies in your stomach, you’ll even begin to enjoy public speaking
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