People of all backgrounds can suffer from the fear of public speaking. These fears are seen in all professions, cultures, and socioeconomic groups. Public speaking is often feared because of unknown and uncontrollable circumstances, or the fear of making mistakes in front of people or losing control of the situation. It is important to understand that the fear of public speaking is not unusual and there are things that can be done to reduce the anxiety.
While there are numerous reasons for fearing public speaking, they often have similar end results of negative emotions and sometimes actions. Some of these might include a dry mouth, shaking voice, or trembling hands. People with severe fear might also feel physically ill to the point of becoming unable to move forward.
There are several approaches a speaker can take to successfully combat the fears of public speaking. There is one important factor with which to begin: the audience. The audience and the speaker together make up the presentation, for without one, there is not the other. The chairs, lights, podiums, and handouts are all the extra details that are not required for the interaction to take place. Addressing the audience should be the first component a speaker looks to when preparing a presentation.
For many who fear public speaking the audience is the large unknown. Speakers might ask themselves questions such as: What will the audience think of me? Will the audience understand my message? Will the audience laugh at me? What will the audience do if I make a mistake? These questions and not knowing the answers can increase the anxiety of the speaker.
The audience, in actuality, is the partner in the experience and can be looked at for support. Generally the audience wants the presenter to succeed and wants to take part in the presentation. Many are actually probably relieved not to be the one presenting and will be quite supportive of anyone in that role.
Connecting with the audience is important, and the speaker can do this by finding a message to send home with the audience, sharing a laugh with them, or even just making true eye contact with them. Some messages shared with the audience might be insightful information about a topic, or even just the shared passion of it. Focusing on positive outcomes and interactions will foster confidence and enhance the presentation.
The audience is a key component, but once they have been examined and accounted for, the speaker can focus on creating the presentation. A speaker who is passionate about or an expert of a topic can often just use an outline for a speech instead of a carefully worded script. By using the outline the speaker enhances their authority and builds on the issues of respect and trust.
There are some situations that will call for presentations to be written and a formal speech to be delivered. Practicing these lines in front of a mirror or a close group of friends will allow the presenter to become comfortable with the language and increase eye contact.
The fear of public speaking can stem from a fear of imperfection and being self-conscious. Remembering to connect with the audience, looking to them as a partner, and getting comfortable with the topic will promote confidence and help combat the fear of public speaking.
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