How to Overcome A Fear of Public Speaking

If you need to give a speech in public, it may fill you with dread. Speaking in front of crowds is not an easy thing to do. In fact, it is estimated that 73% of people have a fear of giving speeches. 

Whether you need to give a speech at a wedding or you’re presenting for work, the fear is the same. What if it all goes wrong? What if you say the wrong thing? 

There are ways of overcoming public speaking, though, and you don’t have to struggle with the anxiety. 

In this article, we’ll take a look at how you can get past the fear of speaking in front of crowds. 

Be Prepared

The first step in overcoming a fear of public speaking is to be prepared. The more prepared you are, the less you will appear nervous. Read through your speech until you feel as though you know it and are comfortable with it. 

Learn to Put Your Body Into a Calm State 

Being calm will help you to deliver the best speech possible. There are plenty of deep breathing techniques that you can use to put your body into a calm state before you give your speech. Take long, deep breaths before you head out in front of the crowd. 

Challenge What You Believe About Public Speaking

You may think that you’re not good enough or that you won’t be able to speak loudly or clearly enough. These negative statements can be turned on their heads with cognitive reframing. 

Often, these negative thoughts are not supported by any facts of experience. By challenging these thoughts and replacing them with more supportive statements, you can overcome your fears and become a more confident public speaker.

Focus On Communication 

You may see public speaking as a performance and that you need to deliver your speech with charisma. While this may help your delivery, the fundamental truth is that public speaking is about communication. Focus on getting the message across. 

Learn to slow down and speak clearly and focus on how you communicate over the performative aspects of delivering your speech. 

Look For More Opportunities to Speak 

Practice helps you to overcome your fears. The more you speak in public, the easier it will get. Try and find as many opportunities to speak in public as possible. You never know, you may start to enjoy giving speeches.

Get Advice From Other Public Speakers 

Do you know anyone else who speaks in public? Getting advice from public speakers is one of the best ways of learning how to overcome your fears. A professional speaker may be able to give you a few invaluable pointers that will directly benefit you in your public speaking. 

Public Speaking Needn’t Be Scary 

While public speaking may be daunting, if you follow these tips, it can make things easier. 

Alternatively, you could always hire a keynote speaker to provide a speech for you. Get in touch to find out more.