ALT-6 How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking
The majority of us who believe we have a fear of public speaking would be surprised to realize we do not suffer from this fear at all. Each and everyone of us are public speakers every day of our lives. What we refer to as fear of public speaking is really a fear of public listening.
We do not have a problem going into our local coffee shop and ordering our morning latte from a stranger. We can go to a doctor whom we have never met before and disclose our most intimate ailments. We certainly don't have a problem when we get to the ticket counter at the theater and we have to tell the ticket salesperson which movie we want to see.
So you see, the problem is not public speaking at all, the above acts are being done in public with no fear. Public speaking does not become a problem until we multiply the number of listeners. You can overcome your "so called" fear of public speaking by putting it into that perspective.
What is it we fear when the number of listeners is multiplied?
1. We may forget what it is we came to say.2. We may trip while going to the podium.3. The audience may notice our legs, voice or hands shaking.4. They may laugh at us.
These are all fears which you can and will prepare for. I do not need to tell you to write out your speech and practice, practice, practice. You should be able to give the speech, for the most part, without having to do more than glance at your notes.
1. You must know your subject well. Do not guess at any facts. Take the time to research your subject and know what you are talking about. There will always be someone in your audience who will be knowledgeable of your subject. If you are not sure of a fact or not able to find conclusive evidence to back up what you have to say either leave it out or acknowledge it as your opinion only.
Make note cards and be sure to number them from start to finish. If you loose your place it will be easier to get back on track if you have numbered your cards.
2. While you are waiting to be introduced or invited to the podium do not cross your legs. The last thing you want is to have your leg fall asleep. Keep both feet planted firmly on the floor in front of you.
3. If you are afraid your voice hands etc. may shake don't worry about it. Most people don't even notice it and if it does happen it will have subsided within a minute or two. You cannot concentrate on presenting your ideas and concentrate on being nervous at the same time. Before you start to speak take in a deep breath and exhale slowly several times. Also, I have found it helpful to imagine myself rowing a boat as fast as I can for a moment before I give a speech. This has helped me relieve nervous energy without anyone knowing. I have found it helpful, especially if I am not familiar with my audience, to "look them in the forehead" people cannot tell you are not looking them in the eye if you are looking right above the eyebrows.
4. If you are afraid the audience may laugh at you then I think it is safe to assume you are not trying to make them laugh. This one is not likely to happen. If your audience begins to heckle you or throw things at you then it is probably time for you to leave anyways. Look for the nearest exit and get out. Don't even look back.
You can be a successful public speaker. Like anything else you are less nervous about doing it as your skills improve. Start practicing now. When you are ordering that latte pretend you have an audience of 100. You know exactly what it is you want and you have no problem conveying it to the clerk.
Every time you speak with someone imagine you are giving a speech in front of a large group of people. You will find yourself more conscious of gestures or habits you may need to work on. You will realize that public speaking is nothing more than telling the ticket lady what movie it is you want to see and at what time. So go ahead, relax and have fun.
