It's no secret that many struggle with the fear of speaking publicly—approximately 75% of people experience Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking or speech anxiety. While you may not be able to conquer the fear entirely, there are many approaches to make the experience less daunting.
And let’s be real—no one has been able to overcome their phobia by picturing a crowd in their underwear. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of practical tips to alleviate some of the pressure that comes with public speaking.
Be prepared.
Being well prepared is the foundation of a successful presentation. Having a clear understanding of the topic on which you will speak will reduce the chance of drawing a blank on stage. Establish what topic points need to be touched on prior to the event. It helps to understand who your audience is and what they are hoping to gain from the presentation.
Life gets busy and it’s easy to procrastinate on something that scares you. However, waiting until the last minute will only add to the stress. By giving yourself adequate time to prepare for a public speaking engagement, you will be able to build confidence gradually. Whether this is the largest talk of your career or something you’ve done multiple times, be sure to set aside the proper time to lay the groundwork.
Don't be caught off guard by not knowing what the event setup will require. Will you need slides? Will there be a teleprompter? Being aware of the environment you're walking into will limit any last-minute changes and unnecessary stress.
Practice makes progress.
There are many different ways to practice prior to getting in front of a crowd. Try recording yourself and noting any changes that can be made when rewatching. Practicing in front of a mirror is a classic for a reason, it works! If you really want to put your relationships to the test, ask friends and family to listen — and dare we say, allow critiques?
When practicing, don’t add pressure to reach perfection, focus on consistency. If you've committed to rehearsing, the hard work will pay off when everything flows smoothly on stage. Set realistic expectations and ease into becoming the fearless and eloquent speaker you hope to become.
Slow down, and don't fear a moment of silence.
Due to fear—and a strong desire to leave the stage as soon as possible—anxious speakers tend to speak faster while presenting. Make a conscious effort to resist the urge to rush through the talk. By doing so, the chances of stumbling over your words will be reduced. If you do happen to fumble, take a moment to regather your thoughts and then continue when you are ready.
Utilize the ability of changing the tone of your voice throughout the speech. Pausing to create suspense is the perfect way to keep your audience engaged. No matter the topic at hand, speaking slowly and articulating clearly will add sophistication. Steering clear of sounding monotone will create a better listening experience for your audience and have you sounding like a pro.
Remember that you are human.
Have patience with yourself and acknowledge that so many others can relate to your fear.
Simple things can be done in the time leading up to the presentation to shake some nerves. This can be through meditation, drinking a glass of water, or listening to calming music. If none of these work for you, keep searching for what will bring you peace before taking the stage.
Mistakes happen to even the most seasoned public speakers. Accept that something might not go according to plan and that the outcome will still be successful. Chances are, your audience won’t even notice a small mishap.
Public speaking engagements may never feel effortless for you, but as you become more experienced and confident, you are sure to become more comfortable in front of a crowd. Remember to always give yourself enough time to prepare and practice. You just might surprise yourself and find a new passion for public speaking.
Interested in getting out there and speaking? (Practice makes perfect!) Get in touch!
