Public speaking is consistently ranked among people's worst fears. In fact, one in five people has severe speech anxiety, according to the communication department at the University Center Rochester in Minnesota. Many people with this condition avoid public speaking altogether instead of trying to overcome their anxiety. If you suffer from speech anxiety, learning to handle your fears may not be as difficult as you think.
Step 1
Analyze your fears. Figure out what it is about public speaking that causes the most anxiety for you. Separate realistic fears, like forgetting your material, from unrealistic fears, like having the audience boo you off stage. Then think of specific things you could do to minimize these fears.
Step 2
Put your focus on your speech. Many people make the mistake of focusing more on what the audience will think rather than the presentation itself. By focusing on tangible content instead of intangible thoughts or feelings, you'll feel more empowered and in control of the situation.
Step 3
Know your topic. The more confident you are in your knowledge about the subject being presented, the more confident you will be about the presentation. Do not try to "wing it" or cut corners. Instead, learn as much as you can about the subject you are presenting.
Step 4
Study the art of public speaking. Although it's useful to read tips and tricks that may help you give an effective speech, it may be even more useful to watch as many live speeches or presentations as you can. Watch both successful and unsuccessful speeches until you have a good idea of what an effective speaker looks like.
Step 5
Fake it. Once you get a good understanding of how effective speakers act, pretend to be like them. Begin by practicing this persona in front of your family and friends, and work your way up to larger or unfamiliar crowds as you feel more comfortable.
Step 6
Make use of props or aids. Incorporating handouts, visual aids or a slide show presentation may help you stay on track and keep you focused. See if any physical items can be used to hide your nervousness. For example, if you are worried about your papers or note cards shaking in your hands, set them on a podium or table instead.
Step 7
Control your anxiety symptoms. A rapid heartbeat or shortness of breath can be managed by doing deep breathing exercises, while visualizing yourself in a relaxing environment may control trembling or calm frazzled nerves. Speak at a slightly louder volume than you typically would use and take in more air to prevent your voice from shaking, suggests the Speaking Center at the University of Southern Mississippi.
Step 8
Take small steps toward realistic goals. It is unrealistic to think you can go from having severe speech anxiety to effortlessly speaking in front of millions overnight. Instead, come up with a small, achievable goal like being able to give a speech in front of your friends without getting nervous. Once you accomplish that, set the bar a little higher until you reach the overall goal of completely overcoming your speech anxiety.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice, practice, practice. Being an effective public speaker really is a learned skill. The more often you do it, the better you will become.
- As tempting as it may be, refrain from simply reading your speech or presentation. Your speech will be not nearly as interesting or effective if you do.
