Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
By Nick Hampshire
As scary as death?
For many people, public speaking is.
Here's how to overcome it.
Why is public speaking the number one fear for most people?
Even though many think they won't ever need it, we all have to speak publicly at some point. At work, at a wedding, for a job interview, dare I say it, at a funeral - none of us can escape it! Yet why does it feel so overwhelming and suffocating to so many?
After years of public speaking and, in more recent years, coaching it, I've learned it certainly doesn't have to stay that way. By learning some key tools and mindset shifts, we can grow our confidence and overcome the fear that stands in our way. A fear that gets in the way of sharing our personal story or something of real value to others. Something that may indeed go on to change somebody's life. Our story and what we have to say are powerful, and others deserve to hear it.
Here are five tips for more confident and less fearful public speaking that I have learned and used over the years.
1
Reframing
Our framing changes everything. See every speaking opportunity as a chance to improve and to learn. Lead with a mindset that is making you a little better and more confident every time you step up to speak. Look at the framing you're using.
For example, "I get to speak and share my ideas to help others", instead of "I have to speak and everyone will be judging me". Whatever the wording is for you, create a positive and empowering frame.
Focus on each time as an opportunity for learning and growth. It's absolutely normal to feel a little nervous. No one expects or wants perfection, so don't set your bar unrealistically high.
Aim for progress over perfection.
2
Low Exposure
Like training for a marathon, we can't just go from the sofa to running 26.2 miles. That will injure us. We start small and build up the miles little by little each week. We then make some small adjustments until, over time, we become physically ready for the event.
The same applies in public speaking. You can't go from zero to hero right away. This would paralyze anyone with fear and uncertainty. The trick is a little exposure at a time. This will show you that your worst predictions won't come true. It then expands your tolerance until the event isn't such a big deal.
- Practice speaking in all situations.
- At home or in the office with family, friends, colleagues. Start with one person.
- Build up your confidence and ability. Be patient and expose yourself gently.
4
Practice
You don't rise to expectations, you fall to the level of your preparation. The same goes for public speaking. For all the wonderful tactics and tools you're learning, you have to put them into practice. Over and over again. It's by far the best way to improve. Perhaps the only way, really. Practicing as much as you can will require some added courage to put yourself out there more.
It is also important to remember that all practice isn't made equal. There's a difference between the bathroom mirror and in front of real people. Seek opportunities to practice - with others. Find a group to practice (Toastmasters is perfect, for example) or practice in front of a group of friends or colleagues before your all-important pitch or presentation. Find the opportunities to practice and remember mistakes are the gateway to improvement.
This will not only enhance your ability to speak in public, but your confidence too, whilst making your nerves feel more manageable, sending a clear message to the brain that you're practiced and prepared.
5
Service
Ultimately, public speaking is all about serving your audience. Whoever they may be, you are there to offer them value. They aren't looking for perfection, and they don't care about how well you "perform". They only care about your message and the value you can offer them through it. Nothing else. In fact, if you do make a few errors or mess up a bit, it will make you even more relatable. On top of that, if you own those errors, you'll come across even more authentic. This only builds the connection further. After all, your audience is human beings just like you with the same fears and doubts. Something important to keep in mind is that you are not speaking IN public, you are speaking WITH the public. You are sharing value and service with them.
Click image to discover how to place your premium ad in The Coaches' Chronicle
Ways To Stay Involvedβ¦
Subscribe to The Coaches' Chronicle
Click on the image above and make sure to subscribe to π»ππ πͺππππππ' πͺππππππππ for free so you don't miss any future issues!
Submit An Article For Review
Click on the image above to submit your article. The deadline for submissions is the first Friday of the month preceding the release of the next issue.
