Fear of public speaking, known as Glossophobia, ranks high on the list of common fears. In some rankings, it even takes the second spot, just after the fear of flying. Surprisingly, more people admit to fearing public speaking over the fear of death itself. This speaks volumes about the anxiety associated with addressing an audience, whether large or small.
So, what is it about public speaking that strikes fear into the hearts of so many? It often boils down to fear of the unknown. Public speaking is not something most people do frequently, so they are unsure of what to expect. There’s also the fear of embarrassment, a lack of confidence, and the terrifying prospect of forgetting what to say, leaving you standing in the spotlight with a blank mind.
The symptoms of Glossophobia can range from sweaty hands, a racing heart, shaky legs, a flushed face, nausea, to even being tongue-tied – physically unable to utter a word. However, a bit of nervousness can actually benefit a public speaker. It can be harnessed into adrenaline, which can add charisma, energy, and sparkle to a speech. Successful speakers have mastered the art of controlling their fears and nerves.
So, how can you turn your fear of public speaking into a source of energy and charisma for your next speech? Here are some practical steps to help you conquer Glossophobia:
1. Adjust Your Attitude: Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Instead of dwelling on fears of being laughed at or making a fool of yourself, focus on the excitement of the opportunity. Mentally visualize a stop sign whenever nervousness creeps in. Tell yourself that you’re not nervous; you’re excited, confident, and capable. This shift in mindset can help break the cycle of fear.
2. Gain Experience: The more you speak in public, the more you build your confidence and reduce the fear of the unknown. Start with small opportunities, like introducing someone at a meeting or delivering a vote of thanks. Each time you speak, you chip away at the barrier of the unknown.
3. Practice and Prepare: “Practice makes perfect” is a mantra you’ll hear often at public speaking workshops. The more you practice and prepare, the less room there is for things to go wrong. Knowing your subject thoroughly boosts your self-assurance. Don’t worry about notes; use them if needed, but learn to use them discreetly so they support rather than hinder your connection with the audience.
4. Seek Training: Consider attending public speaking workshops or reading books on the subject. Putting what you learn into practice is essential – public speaking is a skill best learned by doing.
It’s important to note that these tips are not just theoretical; they’ve been tried and tested. Many successful speakers, including those at Trischel, have overcome their fear of public speaking and now love the art of addressing an audience. If they can do it, so can you. The key is to take that first step towards conquering Glossophobia.
While these tips are a great starting point, there are many more tricks and techniques you can learn and apply. Consider joining organizations like Toastmasters International, which provide opportunities to refine and practice your public speaking skills.
Everyone has their own fears, and conquering them is a journey. Just like public speaking, taking that first step is often the most challenging part. So, if you’re looking to overcome your fear of public speaking, remember that with the right attitude and practice, you can turn this fear into a source of strength and confidence.
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Trish Springsteen
Get Known Be Seen Specialist, Personal Branding Strategist
Australia’s Leading Expert in Empowering Introverts
Multi International Award Winning Mentor
Speaker, Coach
International Award Winning Best Selling Author
Host Get Known Be Seen WebTV
I Believe in You until You Believe in Yourself
Clients work with Trish because they know she can help them have the confidence and self-belief to make speaking easy. Trish typically works with small business owners, introverts, authors and advocates helping them to promote their business to be visible. Stand out and make it easy for your clients to find you.
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