Public Speaking Fear

Fear of public speaking may well be the foremost common phobia of all. Phobias are irrational fears that can easily become debilitating. Untreated phobias can develop into a full-blown panic disorder. A panic disorder can be very disorienting and could include some or all of the following symptoms:

• fast pulse.

• Chest pain or tightness.

• Feeling faint or dizzy.

• Breathing problems.

• Stomach upset.

• Headaches.

• Numbness or tingling.

Fear is a normal emotional response to a perceived threat. Fear that interferes with normal life is irrational fear. Public speaking is not dangerous yet fear of it can be intense. Fear of looking silly or sounding foolish is more often the cause.

Fear of public speaking afflicts many people. Individuals who must speak publicly as part of their profession often feel stress before a speech. Teachers, college instructors, fund raisers, businessmen, sales persons, and politicians all experience fear of public speaking at some time in their careers. Speakers often will lose their voices right before a big speech. Physical symptoms can scare people out of giving the planned speech.

Self-help strategies for managing fear of public speaking can be very effective. Popular methods for managing the fear include:.

• Take time to arrange. Write your speech on note cards in advance. Arrange your response to problems in advance. Be ready for common questions and review your topic thoroughly beforehand. Rehearse your responses to anticipated questions.

• Practice a lot. Practice makes perfect is as true of public speaking as it's of many other things in life. Record your speech on an audiocassette player. Review your recorded speech and listen for areas that need improvement. Practice your speech in front of your friends or your family.

• Have a back-up plan. Have a ‘plan B’ in case last minute changes occur. Bring slides with you or an alternate speech. Ask about rescheduling your speech. Having a back-up can keep you from worrying about mishaps so you'll focus on giving a good speech.

• Make your audience less intimidating. A selection of ways will help you do this. Find a face that looks friendly and try talking to only one person. Focusing your attention just above the heads of your audience is another option. Audiences will not know you're not looking them in the eye.

• Relax before the speech. Avoid preparing and fretting up until the last minute. Taking a little break before the speech will do more to clear your head.

Take a public speaking class if you must speak on a daily basis as part of your job. A third option is to join a public speaking community group like Toastmasters. Assemble a support group of other public speakers to cheer you on.

Speaking in public might even become fun and exciting once you learn to tame your fears!