I am terrified of public speaking, but my new job requires it, what should I do?

Question

It is only about 2% of the job, and the other parts of the job are far more important. I had to teach a computer class about 15 years ago, and a doctor gave me some valium (or similar) it helped quite a bit, but instead of being nervous, I was just very shy.

Should I tell my boss? Take lots of drugs again? What? Please help?

Answer 1

One thing that helped me was that I handled it as though I were an actor learning a script.

To prepare myself, I gave my class to an empty room, exactly as I would if people were there. I did this several times, until I was really comfortable with what I had to say, and how I wanted to say it.

When the day came that I walked into a room of about thirty people, I almost couldn't breathe. I told myself that I was merely playing a role, and that I knew my subject well enough to deal with any questions. I took a few deep breaths, and started my presentation. It went incredibly well. So well, in fact, that it was much easier the next time, and the next . . .

Answer 2

I think if it's part of a new job you should take some confidence boosting classes or some other type of public speaking class. You may want to at least mention to your boss that you have a mild phobia to public speaking. Maybe your work will even pay for one of these classes for you (many employers do). I say you should start the speach with a small joke to loosen you and your audience up before tackling the topic you have to speak on. Always write point form on some cue cards in case you get nervous and forget things. I would stay away from the drugs.

Answer 3

Practice practice practice in the mirror, in a recorder and then listen, in front of friends. And, go take a private public speaking class through community college or a university. I did and it really did help. There is always Toastmasters which is a social group that helps people developing speaking skills and very successful.

Taking medication short term might help but also dulls the brains and with a new job you need to be "on your toes."

Did you know about the public speaking when you decided to accept the job? You may want to warn your boss you have concerns but that could mean you don't make probation if you don't get around the issue.

Answer 4

If you use drugs to cope you will never learn how to cope with such situations. Lots of people get nervous public speaking etc. Just use mind over matter, I know easier said than done. You don't wanna run the risk of your body becoming dependent on the drugs and suffering unpleasant withdrawals although you say it is only 2% of your job so maybe it would only be very occasional use of these drugs but still you won't overcome your fears if everytime you get a fear you use drugs.

Answer 5

find a Toastmasters group in your area. It is easy to locate one on Yahoo. Toastmasters groups meet once a week, you give a short five to 10 minute speech about once a month after 10 speeches you are a certified toast master. It is inexpensive. You can find a group that is suited to your personality. The process is very supportive. Everyone there understands how difficult public speaking can be, because they all started out just like you,fearful of speaking in public.it is one of the best self confidence building programs I have ever taken.

Answer 6

Practicing is good. In front of the mirror, make cards, or videotape yourself. Getting there a few minutes earlier before any one else does helps too. So you see each one coming in instead of walking in to a crowded room. Making some jokes can break the ice. And while talking, focus on a few ppl's faces so you feel a connection. Or asking them to come up and share a similar experience works. Or have each person introduce themselves will make you feel more fimiliar w/them. Asking them what they expect to get out of this can help you be more focused. Get them involved so you don't feel like you have to fill the space w/just you talking. Or have everyone sit in a circle or you speak closer you don't feel like there's a distance. I wouldn't take more drugs than your doc suggests. Only cuz you don't want to feel jittery or talk to fast, etc. Take a big breath before you start. Have something in your hand like a stress ball can help until you feel more comfortable. I had a professer who had a ball in his hand everyday. He said it helps with the lectures whenever he gets new students. Sitting down instead of standing can help. Good luck!

Answer 7

You have a number of choices that you can follow. Here are a few of them:

(1) Learn to speak in public

(2) Quit and find another job

(3) Discuss with your employers to modify your job so as to minimise or avoid speaking in public

Of the options, my suggestion is that you learn to overcome your shyness. This will broaden your ability to deal with life situations and be a generally good thing.

Answer 8

Take the bull by the horns and tackle it. Only 2% of the job entails public speaking, that is easy. the most important part of the job 98% is within your talent, so why let the job slip through your fingers. Do it once and you will find that you were terrifed of nothing It is just your imagination

Answer 9

Write your topic down and speak in front of a mirror and video tape the session. Watch the video and listen to your words while being critical of the presentation. If you feel that your presentation wasn't good enough, try it until you feel comfortable. If that doesn't work, gather a small audience of family or friends - whom you feel comfortable with - two or three - and ask them what they thought, and tell them to be as objective as possible. Learn from the criticism.

Answer 10

I used to have the same issue at my job, but I kept the confidence on repetitiously practicing with the co-workers on how to build up speaking with the public. With their inputs on my lecture made me feel secure and not as nervous.
Do not resort with the drug it will only make you depend on Valium and respond with the audience with not a clear mind.