The fear of public speaking can be an enormous obstacle for people throughout various stages in their lives. For some it involves trembling hands and voices, and for others it is so severe it actually prevents them from being able to give a speech or presentation. There are several tactics, however, that people can use to calm their fears and speak publicly without feeling faint.
A first step toward overcoming the fear of public speaking is to remain positive. Negative internal dialogue and emotions will only amplify the anxiety. People might worry about forgetting lines, misspeaking, or rambling on without making sense. To overcome these anxious feelings it is important for the speaker to make all efforts to create positive internal thoughts, such as the value of the information that the presentation will provide the audience.
A journal is an effective way to focus on the positive by recording thoughts about the upcoming presentation. The speaker can use the journal to record how he or she came to be asked to speak or present. Often these situations come from being respected and viewed as an expert in a field. Recording information about the background can validate for the speaker why he was chosen for this task and help build confidence.
The speaker can also record positive envisioned outcomes of the presentation in the journal. This is akin to a script by which the speaker hopes to adhere and it can include possible audience reactions, feedback, and insightful information gained.
The journal is also a place for the speaker to record personal goals for the presentation, including making eye contact, having a positive review written about the presentation, or even just hearing one positive remark afterward. Recording these goals will give the speaker a source to revisit that will help him focus on the results.
The journal provides the foundation for creating positive internal dialogue, and there are more approaches a speaker can take to overcome a fear of public speaking. It may seem redundant, but practice, practice, and more practice will be one of the best combatants of the fear. The more comfortable a person is with the material, the less likely he will be to fear forgetting or stumbling through the presentation.
Rehearsing effectively might include writing notes for the presentation on color-coded note cards. Each topic of the presentation can have a different color and doing so can provide a visual reminder for the speaker of where in the presentation he is at any given time. Some speakers also like to number the cards so that if they are dropped they are easily sorted again.
The speaker should find as many opportunities as possible to practice the presentation in front of the mirror, while exercising, or in front of friends and family. Practicing the presentation in a secure environment will help make the speaker more comfortable with the information. The speaker can also provide feedback forms to audience members and ask for ideas for improvement.
When it is time for the actual presentation, it is key for the speaker to remember that the audience is a partner in the event. There is no need to try to distract with the advice of imagining the audience naked because the speaker can look to the audience as a supportive group. Even if eye contact makes the speaker uncomfortable, looking at the tops of heads of audience members can give the appearance that a connection is being made between the speaker and everyone else in the room.
The fear of public speaking can seem overwhelming, but the important steps of preparing, through writing in a journal and practicing well, can compensate for these fears. Remaining positive and focusing on the benefits of the presentation are keys to building confidence in speaking ability.
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