We have come across many individuals with the fear of public speaking. Wobbling legs, sweaty and trembling hands, and sheer nervousness -- these are just some of the indications of stage fear. This is common and it is just our body’s mechanism of preparing for fight or flight whenever we are facing a supposed threat.
The good news is that you have nothing to worry about. Many of the greatest public speakers have gone through this phase of extreme stage fright. Panic may strike anytime - when you deliver a speech in front of an audience, presenting a business pitch or even a job interview. So, how do you overcome your fear of public speaking if you wish to do better in your career? Well, let me help you get started.
Take a Look Back at History
Did you know that the study of
public speaking and the art of persuasion started way back, around 20 centuries ago, during the time of the ancient Greeks? Aristotle divided it into three segments - Ethos, Logos, and Pathos. Ethos means understanding your listeners, Logos translates to exemplifying your statements with solid facts, and Pathos signifies appealing to the emotions of your audience.
Practice and Pursue Perfection
For effective speaking, you need to develop a routine of practicing the speech before the big day. Prepare your material in advance and then spend at least an hour prior to delivering the presentation or pitch. You can stand before a mirror and read it aloud. Your speech should sound spontaneous, effortless, and free-flowing. Moreover, make it a point that you introduce your fundamental intention in the first few minutes and then, proceed from there to explain the topic in detail.
Groom Yourself
Stage fright is also an indication of low self-confidence and anxiety. So, we need to address the real issues first. Work on yourself and focus on your strengths. Don’t delve too much on what might go wrong and avoid indulging in self-doubt. Train to relax your mind by practicing yoga, deep breathing, and meditation. Improve your eating and lifestyle habits. Try visualizing your success in your mind.
Many public speaking experts advise enrolling in an improv class or signing up for public speaking training workshops to sharpen your prowess of giving real-time responses. Finally, the key to success lies in not overthinking it. Be yourself and be natural!
