How do i manage fear in public adressing ?I?

Question

I was brought up by a step family that was full of hate since i was a little boy, hence i developed fear of speaking in public.It has affected my life so much. Somebody help me to solve the problem. Iam 50 years old.

Answer 1

Join Toastmasters International. It is an organization that centers around public speaking and leadership skills. Many of those who join do so just for the purpose of overcoming such a phobia.
Each club consists of about 10 or 20 members - there are no upper limits, but few clubs I have encountered have very many above 20 (most have less).
When you join, you receive a manual that describes 10 speech projects and tells you what aspect of speaking to focus on in each one.
An average group's meeting consists of some sort of opening activity. This will vary from club to club, but some examples are: Reciting the "Pledge of Allegiance"
Someone telling a joke
Someone imparting an inspirational anecdote
etc.
Then the "Toastmaster" for that evening introduces the first speaker - who is a member of the group presenting a speech on any subject he or she chooses.
(The speeches are generally between 5 and 7 minutes long)
The other members are encouraged to write the speaker a brief note (just a couple of sentences) about what they thought of the speech - negativity is not allowed.
Depending on the club's format and meeting time, there are anywhere from 2 to 5 speeches per meeting (2 or 3 is usual).
This is followed by what they call "table Topics" where members are called upon at random by the "Table Topics master" and given an impromptu topic on which they speak for 1 to 2 minutes.
Then comes the "Evaluation" portion of the meeting.
For every 5 to 7 minute speech, earlier, there was a
pre-appointed "Evaluator". This is a person who evaluates the speech and how well it was delivered. Again, no negativity is allowed. The evaluation is usually done on what we call the "sandwich" method. First, the evaluator describes some things he/she thought were really good about the speech, then suggests some areas where the speech or its delivery could be improved and finally, more positive comments about it.
After that, some clubs cast ballots for the "Best Speaker" of the meeting, the "Best Evaluator" and the "Best Table Topic". (If you came into the club with a phobia about speaking, imagine the joy and elation you will feel the first time you win such an award!)

One thing all the Toastmaster clubs I have ever been associated with have had in common is a friendly, encouraging and supportive atmosphere in which it is easy to overcome negative feelings about speaking in front of a group.

Answer 2

When standing in front of a crowd, I find it helpful to focus on one or two individuals - that way it seems more like a private conversation than a speech. Plus, if you're giving a speech, rehearse it in front of a mirror beforehand. Emulate what a confident person looks like when giving a speech - stand up straight, use hand gestures, look at people in the eye (or yourself, if you're looking in the mirror).

I know that this is hard, but try to not think about what other people are thinking. This leads to second-guessing yourself - I used to always be petrified of embarrassing myself in public. I "cured" myself by taking a speech class. It was hell to go through, because every week I would have to speak in front of my class, but by the end I felt confident in my abilities to speak in public. Confidence is key - building it up can help you overcome your fears.

Remember - you can overcome your past. Your family does not have to dictate what you will be in the future.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Public speaking is actually one of the most common phobias. If you are considering a career that requires you to do public speaking then I would suggest seeking oppotunities with smaller audiences and then work your way up. If you need to give a presentation in a class or a meeting at work then I would say practice heavily and then just go for it.

Answer 4

I too have the same fears - but think how great you are to address something of importance and that your sharing it with interested parties. You'll be fine - think of fun times and good thoughts before your presentation. Getting in a positive environment prior to the event seems to lesson a lot sometimes all tension. Have fun! enjoy life ! your responsible for your future from this moment on and it'll be great if you let it!!!