Public speaking is said to be the biggest fear reported by many American adults, topping flying,

financial ruin, sickness, and even death.

You may have heard the joke that some people would prefer to be in their own coffins than give
a eulogy at a funeral. While this may be an exaggeration, many would agree.

Most of us feel a degree of nervous apprehension when preparing to speak up or perform in front
of a group. But those who are filled with feelings of dread and panic in such a situation—or
anywhere the person might be center of attention—may be suffering from a form of social
anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia).

The fear of public speaking or performance, often called stage fright, exacts a huge toll on self-
confidence and self-esteem and causes some people to leave school or a job or pass up a
promotion. Many, including seasoned professional performers, suffer in silent terror. And
because they feel embarrassed, people try to keep their fear a secret, even from a spouse or other
close family members or friends.
Taking Steps to Overcome Your Fear
Learning to improve your speaking or performance skills is good, but it’s generally not enough
to substantially reduce your fear. You must address and revise any negative perceptions, beliefs,
thoughts, images, and predictions related to public speaking or performing. And it’s often helpful
to uncover the deeper fears related to being seen and heard by others, showing vulnerability, and
being considered less than perfect. Learning to accept yourself and not feeling that you have to
prove yourself to others is at the root of healing.

It is recommended that you learn skills to reduce and manage your fear and anxiety and not
resort to using medication or natural products alone. It’s also critical to learn cognitive-
behavioral methods to stop the cycle of avoiding fearful situations. Avoidance may give you
immediate relief, but it reinforces your fear in the long run.

Some people also choose medication or natural remedies to help reduce their symptoms of
performance anxiety. Talk with your physician to find the most appropriate treatment for you.

If you are willing stop avoiding your fears and learn new skills to reduce and manage them, you
will develop an empowering belief and trust in yourself. In facing your fear, it becomes possible
to overcome performance anxiety and find comfort and ease in expressing yourself in front of
others.

Try these 10 tips to reduce your stage fright:

1. Shift the focus from yourself and your fear to your true purpose—contributing something of
value to your audience.
2. Stop scaring yourself with thoughts about what might go wrong. Instead, focus your attention
on thoughts and images that are calming and reassuring.
3. Refuse to think thoughts that create self-doubt and low confidence.
4. Practice ways to calm and relax your mind and body, such as deep breathing, relaxation
exercises, yoga, and meditation.
5. Exercise, eat well, and practice other healthful lifestyle habits. Try to limit caffeine, sugar,
and alcohol as much as possible.
6. Visualize your success: Always focus on your strength and ability to handle challenging
situations.
7. Prepare your material in advance and read it aloud to hear your voice.
8. Make connections with your audience: Smile and greet people, thinking of them as friends
rather than enemies.
9. Stand or sit in a self-assured, confident posture. Remain warm and open and make eye
contact.
10. Give up trying to be perfect and know that it is OK to make mistakes. Be natural, be yourself.

Read a chapter from the book that can help change your life: Fearless Speaking.

10 Practical Approaches to Dealing with Fear of

Public Speaking
Learning to love speaking in public may seem like a distant goal. But it's actually closer
than you think. As a first step, remind yourself that the topic you’re passionate about is
most likely of interest to listeners. And they are listening, not thinking about you and
your nerves (or even your speaking skills). Here are 10 “quick fixes” that you can use for
even more practical approaches when stage fright comes to call.
 [1] Gary Genard, Fearless Speaking (Arlington, MA: Cedar & Maitland Press, 2014),
217, citing Karen Kangas Dwyer, Conquer Your Speechfright (Fort Worth: Harcourt
Brace, 1998), 3-12, per McCroskey, 1993, and Richmond & McCroskey, 1995.

You should follow me on Twitter here.

Tags: stage fright,speech anxiety,fear of public speaking,glossophobia,public
speaking confidence,speak with confidence,overcome fear of public
speaking,eliminate stage fright,The Genard Method,Dr. Gary Genard\

There are many causes of stage fright but the most common is that the individual lacks self
confidence. Being unprepared and forgetting the lines are good reasons for the anxiety. Some
individuals fear that they look witless and that they would gain the antagonism of the audience.

vercoming the Fear of Public Speaking

Most people report that giving a speech is their greatest fear. And yet the ability to give a speech is one of the
most valued business skills today.

Try these 10 tips to get over your nervousness and to develop confidence while speaking.

1. Expect to be nervous.
Even experienced speakers get nervous. Don’t try to eliminate your jitters. Turn them into energy you can use
to boost your delivery.

2. Prepare.
Know what you are going to say – and why you want to say it.

3. Practice.
Speak to supportive audiences in small forums where less is at stake – at a staff meeting or a PTA meeting.
Join Toastmasters or take a Dale Carnegie course. Work with a coach.
4. Breathe.
In the thirty seconds before you begin speaking, take three slow, deep breaths through your nose, filling your
belly. As you breathe out, say silently to yourself, “Relax.”

5. Rehearse.
Stand up and walk around as you practice out loud. Don’t memorize your speech or practice it word for word.
Talk it through, point by point. Imagine you’re explaining your main ideas to a friend.

6. Focus on your audience.

Stage fright is rooted in self-preoccupation. (“How am I doing?” “Am I making any sense?”) Stop focusing on
yourself. Focus, instead, on your audience. (“How are you?” “Are you getting this?” “Can you hear me?”)

7. Simplify.
Most speakers try to do too much in a speech. Then they worry about leaving something out or losing their
train of thought. Aim, instead, to communicate one basic idea. Keep it short and simple.

8. Visualize success.
Practice relaxation techniques in the days before your presentation. Lie down or sit comfortably in a quiet
place. Breathe slowly. Close your eyes. Imagine your upcoming speaking engagement. Picture yourself
speaking with confidence.

9. Connect with your audience.

Make the audience your allies. Talk to individuals before your presentation to get to know them. Look them in
the eye as you speak to them, one person at a time. When your audience sides with you, your job as a speaker
becomes easier.

10. Act confident.

People won’t see how nervous you are. (They can’t tell if your palms are sweating or your knees are knocking
or your heart is pounding.) So don’t tell them. Smile. Stick your chest out. Look confident, even if you don’t
feel it.
We can't all deliver the next Gettysburg Address, but there are several small
things you can do prior to your next big presentation that will help calm your
nerves and set you up for optimal oration.

1. Practice. Naturally, you'll want to rehearse your presentation multiple

times. While it can be difficult for those with packed schedules to spare time to
practice, it's essential if you want to deliver a rousing presentation. If you
really want to sound great, write out your speech rather than taking chances
winging it.

Try to practice where you'll be delivering your talk. Some acting strategists
suggest rehearsing lines in various positions-standing up, sitting down, with
arms open wide, on one leg, while sitting on the toilet, etc. (OK, that last one
may be optional.) The more you mix up your position and setting, the more
comfortable you'll feel with your speech. Also try recording your presentation
and playing it back to evaluate which areas need work. Listening to recordings
of your past talks can clue you in to bad habits you may be unaware of, as
well as inspiring the age-old question: "Is that what I really sound like?"

2. Transform Nervous Energy Into Enthusiasm. It may sound strange, but

I'll often down an energy drink and blast hip-hop music in my earphones
before presenting. Why? It pumps me up and helps me turn jitters into
focused enthusiasm. Studies have shown that an enthusiastic speech can win
out over an eloquent one, and since I'm not exactly the Winston Churchill of
presenters, I make sure that I'm as enthusiastic and energetic as possible
before going on stage. Of course, individuals respond differently to caffeine
overload, so know your own body before guzzling those monster energy
drinks.

3. Attend Other Speeches. If you're giving a talk as part of a larger series, try
to attend some of the earlier talks by other presenters. This shows respect for
your fellow presenters while also giving you a chance to feel out the audience.
What's the mood of the crowd? Are folks in the mood to laugh or are they a bit
more stiff? Are the presentations more strategic or tactical in nature? Another
speaker may also say something that you can play off of later in your own
presentation.

4. Arrive Early. It's always best to allow yourself plenty of time to settle in
before your talk. Extra time ensures you won't be late (even if Google Maps
shuts down) and gives you plenty of time to get adapted to your presentation
space.

5. Adjust to Your Surroundings. The more adjusted to your environment

you are, the more comfortable you'll feel. Make sure to spend some in the
room where you will be delivering your presentation. If possible, practice with
the microphone and lighting, make sure you understand the seating, and be
aware of any distractions potentially posed by the venue (e.g., a noisy road
outside).

6. Meet and Greet. Do your best to chat with people before your presentation.
Talking with audiences makes you seem more likeable and approachable.
Ask event attendees questions and take in their responses. They may even
give you some inspiration to weave into your talk.

7. Use Positive Visualization. Whether or not you consider yourself a master

of Zen, know that plenty of studies have proven the effectiveness of positive
visualization. When we imagine a positive outcome to a scenario in our mind,
it's more likely to play out the way we envision.

Instead of thinking "I'm going to be terrible out there" and visualizing yourself
throwing up mid-presentation, imagine yourself getting tons of laughs while
presenting with the enthusiasm of Jimmy Fallon and the poise of Audrey
Hepburn (the charm of George Clooney wouldn't hurt either). Positive
thoughts can be incredibly effective-give them a shot.

8. Take Deep Breaths. The go-to advice for jitters has truth to it. When we're
nervous, our muscles tighten-you may even catch yourself holding your
breath. Instead, go ahead and take those deep breaths to get oxygen to your
brain and relax your body.

9. Smile. Smiling increases endorphins, replacing anxiety with calm and

making you feel good about your presentation. Smiling also exhibits
confidence and enthusiasm to the crowd. Just don't overdue it-no one enjoys
the maniacal clown look.

10. Exercise. Exercise earlier in the day prior to your presentation to boost
endorphins, which will help alleviate anxiety. Better pre-register for that
Zumba class!

11. Work on Your Pauses. When you're nervous, it's easy to speed up your
speech and end up talking too fast, which in turn causes you to run out of
breath, get more nervous, and panic! Ahh!

Don't be afraid to slow down and use pauses in your speech. Pausing can be
used to emphasize certain points and to help your talk feel more
conversational. If you feel yourself losing control of your pacing, just take a
nice pause and keep cool.

12. Use a Power Stance. Practicing confident body language is another way
to boost your pre-presentation jitters. When your body is physically
demonstrating confidence, your mind will follow suit. While you don't want to
be jutting out your chest in an alpha gorilla pose all afternoon (somebody
enjoyed Dawn of the Planet of the Apes a bit too much), studies have shown
that using power stances a few minutes before giving a talk (or heading to a
nerve-racking interview) creates a lasting sense of confidence and assurance.
Whatever you do, don't sit-sitting is passive. Standing or walking a bit will help
you harness those stomach bats (isn't that more appropriate than butterflies?).
Before you go on stage, strike your best Power Ranger stance and hold your
head high!
 13. Drink Water. Dry mouth is a common result of anxiety. Prevent
cottonmouth blues by staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water before
your talk (just don't forget to hit the bathroom before starting). Keep a bottle of
water at arm's reach while presenting in case you get dry mouth while chatting
up a storm. It also provides a solid object to hurl at potential hecklers. (That'll
show 'em.)

14. Join Toastmasters. Toastmaster clubs are groups across the country
(and the world) dedicated to helping members improve their public speaking
skills. Groups get together during lunch or after work to take turns delivering
short talks on a chosen topic. The more you present, the better you'll be, so
consider joining a Toastmaster club to become a top-notch orator. Just don't
forget, it's BYOB (Bring Your Own Bread).

15. Don't Fight the Fear. Accept your fear rather than trying to fight it. Getting
yourself worked up by wondering if people will notice your nervousness will
only intensify your anxiety. Remember, those jitters aren't all bad-harness that
nervous energy and transform it into positive enthusiasm and you'll be golden.
We salute you, O Captain! My Captain!

Performance Anxiety Symptoms

 Racing pulse and rapid breathing.
 Dry mouth and tight throat.
 Trembling hands, knees, lips, and voice.
 Sweaty and cold hands.
 Nausea and an uneasy feeling in your stomach.
 Vision changes.
there are four different parts of stage fright: Anticipation is expectation of negative and
unrealistic images of the performance. Avoidance is the desire to avoid doing the task. Panic
and an

xiety are the symptoms experienced before the presentation in front of an audience.

There are many causes of stage fright but the most common is that the individual lacks self
confidence. Being unprepared and forgetting the lines are good reasons for the anxiety. Some
individuals fear that they look witless and that they would gain the antagonism of the audience.

the National Institute of Mental Health reports that public speaking anxiety, or glossophobia,
affects about 73% of the population.Feb 20, 2017