The fear of public speaking is as common to man as the sun is as common during the day. In fact, a survey recently carried out showed that most people dread public speaking; which is a result of the fear of standing out.
Stage fright itself is a common factor affecting almost every public speaker, especially those going through the process for the first few times. Eventually as time goes by and several speeches later, fear and stage fright just comes to pass like the smoke in the wind.
Well, in this article; I will be sharing with you some common and effective means to overcoming your fear of public speaking and deal with stage fright. These tips are easy to apply and the result is instant; so if you are ready to learn how to overcome your fear of public speaking while on stage, please read on.
10 Action Tips to Overcoming your Fear of Public Speaking Instantly
1. Face your fears
Nobody is perfect when it comes to public speaking, thus it is nothing but normal for anyone to entertain a feeling of fear; so accept fear and allow it to pass. Overcoming the fear of public speaking begins with an acknowledgement of the existence of your fears. It’s very important to understand that fear will only go away if you understand how it affects you; and you formulate steps to conquer it. Don’t run from your fears; face it.
2. Create positive images in your mind
If you are new to the game of public speaking; you can try focusing on images and thoughts that will help you relax and develop a positive mental attitude. If you feel tension building inside as you approach the podium, you can just take your mind down memory lane and recall an event that made you laugh; this will ease the tension and eliminate your fears.
3. Free your mind
Before engaging in any public speaking event, try getting rid of negative thoughts and issues bothering you. Overcoming your fear of public speaking might prove to be impossible if your mind is clouded with negative thoughts and problems.
You can a free your mind by trying to calm yourself and gaining a firm foothold of any situation by using deep and gentle breathing exercises to help you gain composure. Watching a movie or discussing with friends can also help free your mind a little bit.
4. Lighten your spirit with positive affirmations
Positive affirmation is probably my best strategy for overcoming the fear of public speaking. You can attempt using positive biofeedback by telling yourself that you can overcome fear; and that you can take control of the situation can go a long way to help you overcome your fears for public speaking.
You can also use supportive and self encouraging pep talk to boost your morale and self esteem. High self esteem is very essential to the process of overcoming your fear of public speaking because it will make you more confident about dealing with the anxiety of the situation or your fear.
5. Be focused; concentrate
Never ever lose track of reality, never let go of your consciousness. Concentrating on the importance of the task at hand can make you break through your fears. When you have a public speaking engagement; let go of other external issues. Try focusing on the task ahead; this will help you gauge how well you are adapting to any situation that you are in.
6. Find your inner strength
If you are going to forget any of these ten action steps for overcoming your fear of public speaking, never forget this because it’s the best antidote to fear. Why are you in the game of public speaking? The answer to this single question can be the breakthrough you need to overcome your fear of public speaking.
That’s why I always emphasize the need to have a “Why” for any project or venture you are undertaking because it can turn out to be your greatest source of motivation. Why do you think some successful public speaker close their eyes for few seconds before mounting the podium? They are simply trying to draw their inner strength.
I usually tell my protégés that the best way to overcome the fear of public speaking is to call upon your inner strength. What are you good at? The answer to this question might be your inner strength. If you are good at storytelling, use it in your speeches. If you are good at telling jokes, use it. Anything you know you are gifted at; use it. Dwell on your strengths and make it the driving force that will push you to try out anything new and to conquer your fears.
7. Take baby steps
I know you are zealous to overcome your fear of public speaking but I will advice you take things one at a time. Do not take on situations too seriously or you could lose focus and lose track of what helps you draw your strength towards achieving your desired goals. Rome was not built in a day; so don’t try to overcome your fears for public speaking overnight, it’s a gradual process.
A practical way to take baby steps is to start small. Now how do you start small? In answer to that question, I will suggest you read the article below.
21 Ways to Improve your Public Speaking Skills in 21 Days or Less
8. Be prepared
Always be prepared ahead of time, avoid hasty preparation and fire brigade approach to things. Hasty preparations results to cramming and cramming is one of the contributing factors that can foster fear from within, although there are those who believe that cramming does carry some benefits. But in public speaking, the disadvantages of cramming far outweigh its advantages.
9. Boost your self esteem
Always harbor and develop a good sense of self esteem, even if sometimes you do not feel confident about yourself. Self esteem is the key to influencing others so make it a point to always have a high degree of self esteem; it will help you overcome your fears.
Now how do you boost your self esteem? You can boost your self esteem by using positive affirmations; carrying a mindset that you are a gifted, unique being can also boost your self esteem. Another factor that will affect your level of self esteem is your appearance. Dress as you want to be addressed; dress to impress. If you want to send out the aura of your professionalism; then dress like a professional.
10. Monitor your performance
Before going public with your public speaking skills, it’s advisable you work on yourself indoors and gauge your performance. How about trying out your skills in front of a mirror? Or making a speech in front of your family and friends? The two situations above are practical ways you can test and evaluate your public speaking skills without making a mess of yourself.
When standing in front of a crowd and delivering your message; carry the assumption that there are judges and members of a panel out to scrutinize and grade you on your performance. Imagine the crowd to be family and friends out to help you achieve your dreams and overcome your fears. After making a speech, ask a friend or somebody you are comfortable with about your performance. This will help you work on your weak spots.
These are the ten important steps to overcoming your fear of public speaking; and as long as you make good use of them, you’ll be surprised to see that your fear of public speaking will become a thing of the past.
Written by Ajaero Tony Martins
