More than 75% of people in the United States have experienced a fear of public speaking at one point or another.
Public speaking is often feared by people because they put themselves in a vulnerable position, having to present a topic in front of others.
If you have a speech coming up or want to prepare yourself for the inevitable, there are a few tips to help you along the way.
Continue reading to discover the best secrets that help combat your fear of public speaking!
Practice Your Speech
If you want to learn how to overcome a fear of public speaking, you must first realize that practice is necessary.
Memorizing your speech can become an issue if you stumble or are asked a question during the real thing. Work on small sections at a time and try to learn your material the best that you can.
The more prepared that you feel for your speech, the more confidence you will have in yourself to present. Many people recommend practicing in front of a mirror or around people that aren’t fully engaged in what you are discussing.
Get Help From Family & Friends
One of the best ways to get over your fear of public speaking is by practicing your presentation in front of family and friends.
Family and friends that you feel comfortable with will be able to give you constructive criticism. This way, you can present your work without getting laughed at in the face.
Practicing with people you know can also help you overcome your fear by giving you more confidence in yourself. You will be able to give a presentation with ease. Try to avoid people that nit-pick everything and will overthink your work though!
Do Thorough Research
Familiarizing yourself with what you want to say is important, but you must also understand what you are speaking about.
If you want to nail your presentation, follow these steps and do your research. Questions will likely be asked during your speech that might throw you off guard. Knowing the topic as well as you can will help give you a sense of control.
Don’t spend too much time becoming an expert though. Take a look at your audience and know have an idea of their knowledge of the topic as well. To strike the right balance, focus on honing your expertise without delving too deep. While preparing for a TED Talk, it’s crucial to gauge your audience’s familiarity with the topic, allowing you to tailor your presentation accordingly. By finding that sweet spot between extensive research and audience awareness, you can confidently deliver a captivating talk that resonates with everyone in the room.
Utilize Technology
Did you know that there are online public speaking simulations and chat rooms to help you get over your fears?
Many people get paid to listen to you speak and even supply feedback. These online resources can help you prepare if your friends and family are unable to help.
Doing a presentation through a simulation will help you prepare, especially if your public speaking will be done via the internet.
Do You Have a Fear of Public Speaking?
Having a fear of public speaking can dramatically affect your work, school, and social life.
By utilizing the tips above, you can conquer that fear and build confidence in yourself. Technology and friends and family can help you prepare for public speaking but the practice is also important.
Do your best to prepare for presentation day by repeating your speech, rather than trying to memorize it. This will allow you to give a speech that flows.
Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about public speaking and feeling more confident!
