The number 1 fear is public speaking. Number 2 is death. Does that really mean that most people would rather be in the coffin than giving the eulogy?
    - Jerry Seinfeld.

The human mind is a wonderful thing – it starts working the minute you're born and never stops until you get up to speak in public.
    - Roscoe Drummond

 

How Spoken Impact can help you reduce your public speaking anxiety

Having a fear of public speaking is a very real problem and it can occur at anytime. We have developed a unique program that explains the psychology behind our fears and the physiology that drives many of our symptoms. In this program we introduce you to the three phases of fear and how to break the cycle. We discuss the 15 ways that have been most helpful to us and our clients to overcoming public speaking anxiety. This program is one of the Executive Public Speaking Development modules. To find out more call us at 952-697-3560.

Ask the Public Speaking Coach

Dear Public Speaking Coach,

I'm supposed to give a presentation next week to our management team about a project I led. I’m pretty good talking informally with people, but when I have to stand up in front of everyone, I’m terrible. I forget everything I want to say. I feel incredibly stupid and I know I look like a complete idiot.

The only thing that works for me is to stand behind the podium and read the power point slides. Is there any help out there for me?

Desperately,
Andy

Dear Andy,

Your first step is to replace your negative thoughts about how you appear with positive ones. Do what professional athletes do: mentally prepare to be a winner. Start by writing down positive thoughts about your talk and how the audience will react. Then choose one of those positive statements to repeat to yourself as a mantra in the minutes before you get up to speak.

Next, bring notes with you to glance at so you don't have to rely on power point to remember what you want to say. Rehearse your talk out loud several times before you give it and memorize your opening. The smoother your opening is, the smoother your entire presentation will be.

Dear Public Speaking Coach,

Last week my boss asked me to deliver a presentation to an important client. I worked very hard on it and felt good about what I was going to say, but when I got up to speak, my legs started to shake so much I thought I was going to fall down. Then my heart started to beat so loudly I was sure people could hear it.

Somehow I made it through, but I was absolutely humiliated by my own body! I felt like I’d been taken over by an evil alien. Is there anything I can do to gain back control of my body the next time I'm asked to present?

Feeling out of control,
Carol

Dear Carol,

The evil alien is none other than your own anxiety. Relaxation techniques can help you take control of your anxiety before it takes control of you. Before you get up to speak, take several deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling out of your belly and not your chest. Flex your toes and fingers. Roll your neck and stretch your legs. Visualize an activity you enjoy.

It will also help you relax if you ease into your talk by connecting with your audience first. Share a humorous anecdote or reference something you have in common with them.

Another way to overcome fear is to speak often so you create numbness through familiarity. The best way to do that is to join Toastmasters. You can find a club at www.Toastmasters.org.