According to the original Book of Lists, the number one worst human fear is Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking. It’s feared more than heights, snakes, even death itself which ranks number six on the list. One might assume that most people would rather die than give a speech. All joking aside, some experts estimate that as much as 75 percent of the population has some level of anxiety regarding public speaking. If you’re part of the 75 percent, perhaps you will find it comforting to know that you are not alone. Everyone gets a little nervous. Some of the world’s most famous performers like Harrison Ford, Barbara Streisand and Lady Gaga, admit to getting bad cases of nervousness and stage fright. The challenge is learning how to control and manage the nervousness that all of us share. Here are some helpful tips:
Tips for Taming Your Speaking Fears
First of all, accept it. Don’t fight it! Contrary to popular belief, nervousness is good for you and your presentation because it keeps you alert and on your toes. That extra flow of adrenaline that begins to flow through your body can serve you well, even if it makes you extremely uncomfortable.
Early preparation is 50 percent of the battle. Leaving your speech to chance is very risky and can fuel your anxiety. When possible start early. Allow “think” time to develop and organize your ideas and to design visual aids if needed. Beware of “winging” your presentation and then hoping for the best. Very few people can do this effectively. A presentation with an engaging introduction, well supported points and an effective conclusion (which always follows Q&A) can make a big difference in how you and your message are received.
Get psychologically prepared. Glossophobia is more than just a fear that comes during a presentation. It’s also about what you think and do before you speak. Avoid negative self-talk that tends to focus on things that could go wrong and potential failure. This does nothing but reinforce your fears and sabotage your confidence. What you think will have a great effect on how you perform. Before your presentation, send the vibes you want to share with your listeners by repeating these sentences to yourself: “I’m glad I’m here” (expresses joy, ease), “I’m glad you’re here” (expresses sincerity, concern) and “I know what I know” (expresses confidence, authority). It works!
Practice for confidence. Allow enough time to practice. It improves your chances for success and automatically builds your confidence. Practice out loud. Just thinking what you’re going to say is not as effective as actually speaking the words. Videotaping your presentation (use your cell phone) allows you to observe and correct any problems.
In most situations, your audience wants you to succeed. They are not the enemy. They are forgiving and will accept a few mistakes. However, audiences have very little patience for speakers who are unprepared or just plain boring. Thoughtful preparation is worth the effort!
