6 Simple Ways to Appear Assured & Dramatically Reduce Fear of Public Speaking
Do you suffer from the fear of public speaking? You’re
not alone! In fact, speaking in public is not only one
of people’s biggest fears, it’s also the fear shared
by a majority of people around the world. No one wants
to get up in front of others and suffer under their
scrutiny while stumbling through a speech and trying
to keep sweaty palms dry.
In spite of this all-encompassing fear, it’s surprising
that presentation skills, including public speaking
skills, are crucial "must-haves" for the person who
wants to advance in their career. Opportunities to speak
in public are business-building and career-boosting
situations that can’t be ignored. From sales presentations
to annual meetings, and from Chamber of Commerce events
to trade shows, there will be a lot of opportunities
in your career to get up in front of an audience and
speak.
Will you let the fear of public speaking keep you from succeeding?
Don't let the fear of public speaking eliminate the many opportunities
to succeed at work. There are several ways that you
can overcome your public speaking phobia. One of those
ways is to simply pretend that you are confident.
That's right - feign self-assurance! Why? People see the exterior:
someone that has a smile on his face and can hear your
clear, strong voice speaking knowledgably and engagingly
about a topic won't be aware of your knocking knees
or pounding heart.
How can you act more confident? Here are 6 simple ways:
1. Offer to speak when the opportunities present themselves.
Other people share your fear of public speaking and
that keeps them from presenting. That leaves a vacuum...
that you can fill!
2. Smile when called upon. Don’t frown or shake your
head. Stride confidently up to the stage, shake the
hand of the person who introduced you, face the audience
and make eye contact.
3. Breathe! Inhale and exhale to help calm yourself
down.
4. Remember that even though you’re scared to be up
there, most people can’t even make it that far!
5. Be prepared. Know what you want to say before you
have to say it. This requires doing some homework and
practice, but the confidence & credibility it will
give you will be unmatched.
6. Before going up to the front, look around the room
for a couple friendly faces of people. When you take
the stage, look for their faces again and make eye contact.
Those faces smiling back at you, will help to give you
the confidence, assurance and support that you need
to begin speaking.
Many people will agree, the hardest thing
is getting started. Planning and practicing the moments
immediately before speaking and the first few minutes
into your speech are the hardest. Being aware of these
simple facts can give you the security you need to take
a leap of faith to overcome the fear of public speaking
one speech at a time.
Want to use articles by Deborah Torres Patel on your
blog, website, newsletter or ezine?
We are happy for you to do so, just include this
paragraph at the end... |
This
article is supplied courtesy of Deborah Torres Patel
- an internationally acclaimed expert on self
expression and the fine arts of voice &
communication. For more articles like this for your
own publications, blog or website, or to receive
ongoing tips & subscribe for complimentary online
voice, presentation & public speaking training sign
up at
www.ExpressingYou.com. To discover how to
eliminate, overcome or dramatically reduce your fear
of public speaking in 5 minutes or
less...guaranteed, go to
www.FearlessInFive.com. |
|