How to Overcome Fear When Public Speaking

Just the other day in my blog I entailed one embarrassing moment of my teenage years while public speaking. Granted I have many, many more! Instead of dwelling on those painful moments, I choose to count each as a learning experience as I realize there is an underlying reason that my body considers public speaking as a threat. Though many cannot relate to my specific experience(s), the majority of us experience butterflies in our stomach prior to, during, and after public speaking. Why is that? I am not a physician or a psychologist and really do not have the time or energy to research why, but I do have simple suggestions to help someone in combating the all too familiar fear when public speaking.

1. Prepare for known speaking obligations in advance! Research you topic in depth, that you may feel comfortable and relate to the material. For a final draft, use index cards with bullet points. The bullet points will be easier to read and serve as a guide while presenting.

2. Now that you have your presentation on index cards, practice! Utilize a trusty mirror to speak your mind (what is on index cards that is!) and practice how to execute your voice, demeanor, body language, gestures and stance. Effective practice should begin two-three days pre-presentation and at least three times a day. I am a living witness that this is a true confidence booster. Furthermore, it helps with memorization.

3. During the actual presentation begin with an icebreaker of some sort. Be it a joke, anecdote, or re-enactment. I suggest you get an honest opinion from a familiar member or friend prior to your engagement. Everyone is set at ease when this is effective and you will feel less apt to be scrutinized.

4. Lastly, breathe! I find that when taking breaths in between word phrases, your pace and thought process flow in harmony in order to fulfill the task at hand. I am not encouraging repetitive sighing. Some may think you're disgruntled in that case! You should incorporate the proper breathing during your practice.

By profession I public speak everyday. I am a teacher. However, I still get very nervous in certain instances before onlookers. I do a lot of praying and trusting God as well as employing these simple suggestions. I hope that someone has found them sound and maybe even helpful. I suggest you compliment this article with that of an expert on how to overcome fear when public speaking by visiting here.