How to Overcome Fear of Speaking in Public
If not dealt with fear of speaking can be real career killer. What causes fear of speaking in public and what are the steps to overcome it? Find all of this in the text below.
What causes fear of speaking in public
Responses of people having fear of public speaking are:
We do not want to stand in front of the audience because we are afraid of failure, shame, embarrassment, mental blockages, we do not believe in our success….
When we are concerned about the outcome of our speech at a meeting, we live in fear of what might happen at it. Regardless of his degree, fear is always a consequence of the expectation that things will go wrong.
Consequences
The consequences of such fear and evil forebodings are a feeling of uncomfortable tension, a strong urge to escape and physiological reactions such as a rapid heartbeat, muscle tension and, in general, the mobilization of the organism to escape or fight.
In contrast to these external reactions, everything that happens in our body is even more important: measurable chemical changes can in severe cases disrupt physical harmony and result in illness when fears are experienced on a daily basis. Fear penetrates our lives to some degree, and manifests itself ranging from milder fears to strong phobias and anxiety attacks.
The fear of public speaking is an exaggerated, unrealistic and uncontrollable fear. This feeling does not subside over a long period of time, it is unjustified and always forces you with all your might to avoid a situation that causes fear.
By avoiding, psychiatrists say, your fear becomes even more pronounced. When they do not have the strength to face their own fear and the reality that surrounds them, fear becomes an end in itself and begins to grow in your mind to impossible proportions.
How to overcome this fear?
Anxiety and Blockage
There are two types of people: those who are nervous and those who lie that they are not nervous. Stage fright is a normal physiological reaction of the organism to a new, stressful and unpredictable situation. Reduce anxiety by rehearsing and repeating the presentation, memorizing the introductory and concluding sentences. When I appeared in a situation of mental blockage, I managed by asking questions to the public (“What do you think about this, now the sentences?”) Or simply by asking a glass of water and getting on time.
Remember that stage fright is not an innate fear, but a learned one. As we have learned to have a stage fright, we can just as delight in it.
Preparation
More than 70% of the success of a public appearance lies in preparation!
The 6 mistakes in public appearance are:
– unclear goal
– there is no value for the audience
– unstructured
– too many details
– too long
– monotony and boredom
Follow the key rule: be short, passionate and give the audience the benefit of your attitude, opinion, topic…
Take a deep breath and smile
Take a deep breath and smile. This has a calming and positive effect on the audience, but also on your nervousness.
Positive thoughts before the performance
Repeat certain phrases to yourself:
” This is a successful and top-notch presentation. “,
“My concentration is so good, that my speech is no problem.”
“I feel great.”
“The presentation is incredibly easy.”
“People accept me very well.”
“My confidence grows, slowly but surely. “
Pay attention to how you talk about your fears
Before the performance, do not shake your hands and shout:
“I hate presentations and speeches. I’m terrified of that! I will pass out! ”
Why? When you talk about fear, not only do other people listen to you, but also your own subconscious mind. Just as you can influence your subconscious with positive statements, so you can imprint negative messages into it, so pay attention to the ways you talk about your fears. Remember that you are what you think you are!
Be natural
Don’t copy the gestures and facial expressions of a top speaker:
“Keep your hands like this, look there, move like this… “
It just burdens and deconcentrates you. Rather, tell the audience an interesting story your way. And one more thing! If you don’t believe what you’re saying, you’re not convincing and the audience will feel it and punish it.
