How to Conquer a Fear of Public Speaking

Fear of public speaking is one of the most common phobias. Most people, as many as 75%, are terrified by the thought of getting up in front of a group of people and giving a talk.

Does your stomach twist into knots at the mere thought of speaking in public? The fear of public speaking can hold you back in your career as well as in social situations. But you do not have to let a fear of public speaking stop you. Here is how you can conquer your fear of public speaking and speak with confidence in any situation.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know your material. The more comfortable you are with the talk you are going to present, the more relaxed and natural your presentation will be. Never read your speech. You may wish to use cards or an outline with your major points to keep you on track, but know your speech well.

2. Dress comfortably and appropriately. Your attire should be at or one level above that of your audience. Do not dress down. Make sure your shoes and clothes fit properly. If your shoes are too tight or your clothes do not fit, you will be distracted and fidget. Do not wear jewelry that is noisy or that might bump against your microphone. And remove keys and change from your pockets so you do not jingle them during your talk.

3. 
    

   Arrive early. Being familiar with the room and the audio visual equipment will remove some stress. Take the opportunity to scope out the room and make sure the equipment is working properly. Test the microphone. Will you be using visuals? Get everything set up and learn how to operate the projector remote.

4. Greet people as they arrive. Learn their names and get to know some of them. It will be easier to talk to people you know than a room full of strangers.

5. 
    

   Make sure you have a glass of water available at the podium. Use it if your throat gets dry, or if you just need to pause for a second to compose your thoughts and relax.

6. Do not drink alcohol or carbonated sodas before your speech. You may think a drink or two will calm you and help your performance, but it will not. And carbonated sodas can lead to unusual sounds being emitted during your speech. Stick with water (preferably without ice) or warm tea.

7. 
    

   Take a deep breath before you start your speech. If you find yourself getting nervous or flustered during your speech, stop for a moment and take another deep breath. It will calm you. Really.

8. Remember that the audience wants you to succeed. They are spending their time (and possibly money) to hear you. They want you to be good, and because of that they will be inclined to think the best of you.

9. Speak to individuals in the audience. Find the people you spoke to earlier, or other friendly faces, and make eye contact with them while you speak. You are not speaking to a crowd, you are just having a nice talk with Fred and Ethel.

10. 
     

    Speak in public every chance you get. The best way to overcome a fear of public speaking is to practice. Join Toastmasters, where you can speak often in front of a supportive and helpful audience.

Tips & Warnings

• Use humor, but don't tell jokes. Humor gets the audience on your side, but when a joke falls flat it is hard to recover.
• Have fun. Smile. Smiling will relax you.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets. Do you want your audience listening to you, or wondering what exactly your hands are doing in there?

Resources

• Do's for Public Speaking

[iknewthat]

on 7/12/2009 Great article. 5***** & recommendation!

[christye]

on 6/8/2009 Step 1 is critical. Great advice.

[vikki9]

on 5/4/2009 Good suggestions for a very common phobia. Thank you.

[durang77]

on 4/24/2009 public speaking is hard, good tips though

[listenhere101]

on 4/24/2009 You are so right on point, with this article. 5 stars! great job. I have the fear of speaking in public.But, this article will help, me get over it.