Do you avoid having to speak in public at all costs?I can totally relate to that fear because I experienced the exact same problem for many years.
If there was a way to avoid office meetings where I might be called upon to give my opinion or do a presentation, I absolutely made every excuse just so I did not have to face that moment of panic. Why would anyone want to embarrass themselves in front of an audience by giving a speech and in particular to your peers at work, let alone a large crowd?
I had a bad case of Public Speaking Fear; and unfortunately it consumed me and kept me from moving ahead in so many areas of my life.Fortunately I learned how to control the fears!
I had to find the answer to this problem and I'm sure you want to regain control over these horrible feeling as well. Would you be surprised to learn that it's not that difficult? Let's take a look.
If you can learn four key steps – you are well on your way!
Step 1: Knowledge
I'm sure you've heard this before but it really is critical to overcoming the fear of public speaking. Why?It's all about teaching.You need to know your subject better than your audience. They are there to learn something from you. You are the expert and in their eyes you have something they want.
That's a position of power; but you only gain that position of power by thoroughly knowing your subject.
Step 2: Practice
It's back to basics – practice, practice, practice. Why?When you thoroughly know your subject and you are completely comfortable with what you are going to say; then, and only then, can you gain the confidence needed to overcome a moment of Anxiety or Panic.When that shaking or trembling starts (and it will), you must know your subject and be so completely rehearsed that it will roll off your lips without having to stop and check notes or trying to remember what you were going to say.
Don't even think about ‘winging it' – that's a recipe for disaster.
Step 3: Relax
How can I possibly relax at a time like this?
So take a few deep breaths before you start. Tell yourself you are in control. Tell the Anxiety that you are not threatened because you have control over and complete knowledge of the subject and these people are lucky that you are here to teach them. Sounds a bit silly but no one knows what's in your mind – only you.At this point, all that matters is that you know your position of authority and relax.
Step 4: Humour
So what if something goes wrong?
Why do many professional speakers start their talk with a joke? To relax themselves and their audience. So be prepared – have a few "one-liners" or even a joke (make it quick and appropriate for your audience); and you can buy yourself time to recover from any moment of anxiety.Humour is the best medicine even in public speaking.
Just remember these four steps.It is possible to go from that moment of dread to never fearing public speaking again.Step by step – it can be done.
