How does one conquer their fear of public speaking?

Answer 1

Hopefully I can help with this one. I have had trouble with public speaking (and vocal solos... as a music student in college, this was particularly hard for the same reasons) and I have finally reached a point where I can comfortably speak in front of an audience.

Picturing the audience naked simply doesn't work, and I'm sure that you figured this out for yourself. No one (who is nervous) has the mental capacity to picture the audience in their underwear, let alone to experience some relief from it!

This is what I do. Think about when you listen to a person speak in public.
1) Does it really even phase you if they screw up?
2) Would you know if they changed their speech?
3) Would you run out and tell everyone that you know about it?

Of course not! Your fear (and mine) are borne out of one thing: the worst case scenario. Think about what is the worst case scenario. In a solo, the worst thing that could happen would be for me to forget the words and stand in front of the audience silently. So, I do two things. I memorize my words like crazy and practice, practice, practice, and then I rehearse what I will do if I forget the words so that I will be prepared for the wrost case scenario.

In speaking, this is a bit easier, because there are few situations where you are not allowed to have your notes in front of you. So what is the worst case scenario? Probably that you will get lost in your notes and lose your place. In order to avoid this, do two things: rehearse your speech ad nauseum until it is practically memorized, and practice what you will do if the worst case scenario happens. (My suggestion? Bring a cup of water and a pitcher or soemthing similar. That way, you can stretch the time by pouring yourself a glass of water and you can rifle through your papers as you drink it. Another idea? Number your pages in large, black numbers in the upper right-hand corner. You can't miss them).

Well, I hope that something here is helpful. Don't be afraid to tell your audience that you're not very comfortable speaking in public, and that they should bear with you. Make a joke out if it, and they will identify with you completely. Just remember the worst case scenario. And for you, maybe it is something as simple as tripping across the stage. If so? Wear comfortable shoes. :)

Good Luck!

Answer 2

It's a common fear. Believe it or not, I teach and sometimes I still have a fear of public speaking. You can't really get over your fear but you can adjust yourself when you fear it. Things people are afraid of are messing up the speech or forgetting and looking stupid, also you are afraid of what people may think of you. No matter what, there are always people that will look bored, resentful, look at you stupid, or just not even look at you when you speak. When this happens you can control your reactions by smiling, or even walking closer to them. Practicing your speech builds confidence, but if you forget, you forget. You are only human. In grad school I couldn't not pronounce one word. I tried to say it 5 times and looked like a complete jackass spitting the word out. I finally just made a joke and said " you know what I am trying to say, just forget it!" and the class laughed.

So it's okay if you screw up on your speech. At the end you are still alive. I guess the only remedy is preparation. But you can "wing it" or make something up if you forget about something.

Answer 3

Like most fears, you have to confront it and try your hand at public speaking. This does not mean your first time up you are handling a press conference, but start small. There are also classes that are well worth it that you can take and will help you handle a crowd and be a better public speaker.

Answer 4

By engaging an experienced Public Speaking coach. For 35 years I trained Business Executives and Professional People in Public Speaking Skills and Personal Development. Fear is lack of confidence, lack of confidence is lack of training. If you are trained well you will learn to handle every situation and command positive attention of your audience.

Answer 5

I think public speaking is like acting. When you get stage fright the only real way to conquer it is to just go on stage and get it over with. Speaking infront of any audience large or small can be intimidating but you will find that soon you will grow comfortable with it.

Answer 6

In high school I was in an Army ROTC program and one of the requirements when I was a freshman was to give a one hour class in front of my fellow cadets. First know your subject and imagine yourself being asked different questions pertaining to that area.
Next practice speaking by yourself in a room and most important practice looking people in the eye when you speak.I also had to do the same thing my senior year as a requirement for graduation. All you need is to practice. Don't stand behind the lecturn,practice moving around and don't turn your back on your audience. Face them throughout your lecture. But remember most important of all,know your subject.

Answer 7

In your mind create an invisble curtain between you and the audience. Don't look at anyone, just look at the back wall while you are speaking. If you wear glasses have them on whether you are far sighted or near sighted. Once you get started the fear will subside. It's those first few moments thats hard to get past.

Answer 8

Just start with a quick joke, and realize that what you have to say to the audience is why they came. People don't waste their time, they go to hear a speaker because they are interested in the subject the speaker is offering. It's a breeze....Look at the noses of people and you will get through it easily. When you look at a person's nose they can't tell you are not looking right at them.....you will have a room full of noses and you will get right through your speech.


Good Luck to you. Have confidence in you and the knowledge you have to offer.

Answer 9

I've been involved in public speaking for years and I still get nervous. Here's what helps me.

-Try to condense everything into three points or fewer. There's something about threes that people can remember.
-Keep things simple. They will forget most of what you say.
-Smile and try to make contact with three or four people scattered about the room. You'll know them when you see them.

Good luck! You can do it.

Answer 10

By ignoring everyone in the room and just speaking to the wall behind the audience. It helps to move your head too, it looks like you're making eye contact. I just memorize the speech and deliver it to the wall.