Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking

6 tips with daily practices to conquer manic panic

Overcoming the fear of public speaking

Public speaking is a powerful tool that has been used by many famous individuals throughout history to inspire, motivate, and effect change, including:

1. Winston Churchill: Winston Churchill was a British politician who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. He was known for his powerful speeches that inspired the British people to resist the Nazi threat. One of his most famous speeches was his “We shall fight on the beaches” speech, delivered in June 1940. This speech rallied the British people to defend their country against the German invasion and is considered one of the greatest speeches of the 20th century.
2. Mahatma Gandhi: Mahatma Gandhi was an Indian independence activist who is known for his nonviolent civil disobedience. He used public speaking as a tool to inspire the Indian people to fight for their freedom from British rule. He delivered many powerful speeches throughout his life, including his “Quit India” speech in 1942, which called for the British to leave India. His speeches helped galvanize the Indian people and were instrumental in achieving India’s independence in 1947.
3. Barack Obama: Barack Obama is an American politician who served as the 44th President of the United States from 2009 to 2017. He is known for his powerful speeches, which inspired many Americans to hope for a better future. One of his most famous speeches was his “Yes We Can” speech, delivered in 2008. This speech became a rallying cry for his supporters and helped him win the presidency. Obama’s speeches were praised for their eloquence, vision, and ability to connect with people from all walks of life.Public speaking is a common fear, but it’s also a skill that can be developed and improved with practice. Here are some tips to help you overcome the fear of public speaking:

Prepare thoroughly:

One of the main reasons people fear public speaking is the fear of forgetting what they want to say. To alleviate this fear, prepare your content thoroughly. Practice your speech several times until you are confident about your material. Make sure to practice your delivery as well, focusing on your tone, pace, and body language.

1. Start small: Start by speaking in front of smaller groups or in more casual settings, such as with friends or family. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the size of your audience.
2. Visualize success: Before you speak, take a few moments to visualize yourself delivering a successful speech. Imagine yourself speaking confidently and engaging the audience. Visualization can help you feel more confident and prepared.
3. Deep breathing: Deep breathing can help you calm your nerves and reduce anxiety. Take a few deep breaths before you start speaking to help relax your body and mind.
4. Focus on the message: Remember that your message is what’s most important. Instead of focusing on your fear, focus on delivering your message to the audience. When you are passionate about what you are saying, it can help you forget about your fear.
5. Get feedback: After you’ve given a speech, seek feedback from a trusted friend or colleague. Ask them what they liked and what you can improve upon. This will help you learn and grow as a speaker.

Remember that the fear of public speaking is common, and it’s something that can be overcome with time and practice. The more you speak in public, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.

Prepare thoroughly for a public speaking engagement:

1. Research your topic: Make sure you have a deep understanding of the topic you’re going to speak about. Conduct research and gather as much information as possible, so you’re fully prepared to address any questions that may arise.
2. Organize your content: Create an outline or structure for your presentation that flows logically and makes sense to your audience. Break your content into manageable sections and use visual aids, like slides or props, to help you deliver your message.
3. Practice your delivery: Rehearsing your speech is essential to delivering it well. Practice your delivery in front of a mirror, a small audience of friends or family, or record yourself on video. This will help you refine your message, identify areas where you may be stumbling or unsure, and fine-tune your body language and vocal delivery.

Start small when practicing public speaking:

1. Speak in front of friends and family: Start by giving a short presentation to a group of people you’re comfortable with, such as your friends and family. Ask them for feedback on your delivery and content, and use their input to improve your skills.
2. Join a local public speaking group: Joining a local public speaking group can be a great way to gain experience and build confidence in a supportive environment. These groups often offer opportunities to speak in front of small audiences and receive feedback from other members.
3. Practice in front of a mirror: Practicing in front of a mirror can help you become more comfortable with your body language and facial expressions while speaking. It can also help you refine your delivery and identify areas where you may need to improve your eye contact, posture, or gestures.

Visualize success when preparing for a public speaking engagement:

1. Use positive affirmations: Repeat positive affirmations to yourself, such as “I am confident and prepared” or “I am a skilled speaker.” These affirmations can help you focus on your strengths and visualize success.
2. Imagine the audience’s positive reactions: Visualize the audience responding positively to your speech. Imagine them engaged and interested in what you have to say, laughing at your jokes, and nodding along in agreement. This can help you feel more confident and optimistic about your presentation.
3. Practice mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness can help you stay calm and focused during your speech. Before you begin speaking, take a moment to focus on your breath and bring your attention to the present moment. Visualize yourself delivering your speech with confidence and poise, and let go of any negative thoughts or distractions that may arise.

Practices you can commit to practicing deep breathing:

1. Diaphragmatic breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing, also known as belly breathing, is a technique where you inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This type of breathing engages the diaphragm, which can help you feel more relaxed and reduce anxiety.
2. Box breathing: Box breathing is a simple technique that involves inhaling for a count of four, holding your breath for a count of four, exhaling for a count of four, and holding your breath for a count of four. Repeat this pattern several times until you feel more relaxed.
3. Progressive muscle relaxation: Progressive muscle relaxation is a technique that involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups in your body. Start by tensing a muscle group for a few seconds, then release the tension and relax the muscle. Move on to the next muscle group and repeat the process. This technique can help you release physical tension and promote relaxation, which can lead to deeper breathing.

Focusing on the message when preparing for a public speaking engagement:

1. Practice active listening: Active listening is the practice of fully engaging with what someone is saying. To practice active listening, focus on the speaker’s words and try to understand their message. Pay attention to their tone of voice, body language, and any visual aids they may be using. This can help you become more comfortable with delivering your own message and may also help you identify ways to connect with your audience.
2. Identify the key takeaways: Identify the key takeaways you want your audience to remember from your speech. Focus on delivering those messages clearly and succinctly. This can help you prioritize your message and make sure your audience understands your main points.
3. Rehearse without notes: Rehearse your speech without notes to help you focus on your message. This will help you become more comfortable with your content, so you can deliver your message more confidently and naturally. If you find yourself struggling to remember certain parts of your speech, practice those sections until you can deliver them confidently. This can help you become more comfortable with your message and may also help you connect with your audience on a deeper level.

Get feedback after a public speaking engagement:

1. Ask for feedback from the audience: After your speech, ask the audience for their feedback. You can do this by conducting a brief survey or simply asking for comments and questions. This can help you identify areas where you may need to improve and also give you a sense of what worked well.
2. Seek feedback from a trusted colleague: Ask a trusted colleague or mentor for their feedback on your speech. They can provide a more objective perspective and give you suggestions for how to improve your delivery and message.
3. Record your speech: Record your speech and review it later to identify areas where you could improve. Pay attention to your body language, vocal delivery, and overall message. If possible, watch the recording with a colleague or mentor and get their feedback on your performance. This can help you become more aware of your strengths and areas where you may need to improve.

Conclusion

Public speaking is a skill that can be developed and honed over time. From Winston Churchill to Mahatma Gandhi to Barack Obama, we have seen the power of public speaking to inspire and motivate people to action. While it can be intimidating, with practice and preparation, anyone can become a more confident and effective speaker. Remember to prepare thoroughly, start small, visualize success, focus on your message, and seek feedback to improve your skills. And if all else fails, just remember the words of famous comedian Jerry Seinfeld: “According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy.” So, take a deep breath, practice, and remember that even the best public speakers had to start somewhere.

As a quick exercise, try practicing diaphragmatic breathing for a few minutes each day. Sit in a comfortable position with your hands on your belly. Inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Focus on your breath and let go of any distractions or worries. This can help you calm your nerves and reduce anxiety, making you more prepared and confident when it’s time to deliver your next speech. With practice and perseverance, you can become a confident and effective public speaker.

Jon Christie

jonchristie.net