I get nervous just at the thought of giving a speech…even after many years of being in a professional job where public speaking is a part of my job. I am an introvert and that is just a part of my personality. However, that being said, when it is time to deliver the speech I just breathe deeply overcome the fear that is a natural part of the human makeup and launch into the delivery.
If you’d rather be one of the people listening to the speech instead of one of the people delivering the speech, you’re not the only one. A fear of speaking has long been recognized by researchers. In fact some researchers consider public speaking anxiety the number one fear of most people.
How does that fear manifest itself in most people? The following is a list of the biggest ways that fear of speaking in front of an audience exhibits itself:
– Elevated heartbeat
– Shaky knees and voice
– Dry mouth
– Sweaty palms
– Adding useless words and sounds
Public speaking has often been referred to as one of the most powerful forms of communication. A mastery of this art can help you obtain many goals. When you master the skill of speaking calmly in front of an audience, you can quickly get ahead in your personal and professional life.
How can you combat that fear of public speaking that so many people face? What can you do if you’d rather fight a bear than take a podium in front of a crowd? What it is that is life-changing about this anxiety? It’s being able to comprehend that this fear is completely normal to a certain extent.
With the knowledge that something you feel is a normal reaction you can then learn how to effectively deal with it. If you know that the fear is simply your body’s normal fight or flight response kicking in you will learn how to adapt to it. You will know that the symptoms enumerated above are a form of energy. You must use that energy and re-direct it to your audience. Using the energy to create excitement and enthusiasm for your topic and presentation will enhance your public speaking skill. Be ready for the surge of energy and embrace it.
As with anything in life, the more you practice something the better you will be at it. You must go out and look for opportunities to speak. Find a local ToastMaster’s Club or something equivalent. The more public speaking opportunities you have, the quicker your confidence will develop and you will be running up to the podium instead of shying away from it.