One of the biggest fears in the minds most people today is public speaking. Often times just talking about standing up in front of hundreds, dozens or even just a few people and simply speaking makes the palms of many people sweat. It is odd isn't it? It is odd that humans by nature are social beings, but still the idea of speaking to a larger number of people that we don't necessarily know scares us to death. It's almost sad really. Sad or not, it is reality. The bit of hope that comes out of this however, is people can get past it. If that weren't the case there would be almost no speakers or leaders anywhere. The trick is to learn to conquer your fear of speaking in public.

The best way to defeat this fear is to realize that you won't ever, not be nervous about speaking. There will almost always be butterflies in your stomach simply because you are merely performing for people. Ask any athlete or performer, no matter how big or small the event there are always a little bit of nerves that creep onto the scene. This does not mean that you are afraid, just nervous and there is a huge difference. Your next step is comfort ability. You probably won't be comfortable standing up and speaking for a while, but the key is to be comfortable with everything else around you that you can be. If you are comfortable with the things that you can control, there is less to be nervous about and this is how performers can do it. They know they've trained and practiced and they know the act or game they are about to put on. Those are all things they aren't nervous about.

The easiest thing for you to control is your information. You need to know what it is that you are going to speak about inside and out. You should actually study the information beyond the means of the speech that you are about to give. Why? Because once you know what you are talking about and understand it beyond the context of the speech, you will be over prepared and the topic matter won't make you nervous. You will know and understand why you are saying what you are saying and if anyone challenges or questions you, you know the answers. This is a similar concept to schooling. In first grade you are nervous to take a math test. Once you have graduated high school, taking that same math test isn't as nerve-racking. You know the material that will be there far beyond what is needed and everything become easier.

You need to not only know what you are going to say, but how it is that you will say it. This means that you must practice. I know it seems like common sense, but people don't do it. You don't need to practice in front of a mirror if you don't want to, but at least say the speech out loud a couple of times before you have to get out there and have to talk. If you have problems, write down exactly what you want to say and how you want to say it. This allows you to hear and arrange the words in a way that flows, makes sense and closes nicely. You don't want to find yourself rambling on and on. This will also help you lay out difficult ideas and concepts in easier formats before you are standing in front of a couple dozen people. It is hard to think on the spot when you are already nervous, so do all of your thinking before you get out there. Be comfortable with everything that you can control, and don't worry about the things that you can't control.