How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking & Blow Audiences Away
From chairing an important business meeting to giving your debut public speaking presentation, the ability to talk confidently and eloquently is invaluable. But for people with Glossophobia, even the simplest of tasks can feel like they are standing on stage in front of thousands of expectant people. Regardless of severity, the fear of talking can limit your professional opportunities.
Contents:
- What is Glossophobia?
- What are Glossophobia symptoms?
- How to Overcome Glossophobia
- Why do we fear public speaking?
- How to Book an Experienced Public Speaker
What is Glossophobia?
Broadly described as a social phobia, Glossophobia can be debilitating to people’s educational, personal and professional lives. As 75% of people experience Glossophobia, it is one of the most common phobias worldwide and has even warranted a more colloquial term - stage fright.
Though many may feel nervous before a speech, those with Glossophobia experience heightened symptoms that prevent them from not just giving a successful address but, for some, even stepping on stage at all.
What are Glossophobia symptoms?
Glossophobia can cause a fight or flight response, which raises the adrenaline levels in the body. Despite this, not all phobic symptoms are visible, as many manifest in negative emotions. The following are visible and non-visible indications that someone experiences Glossophobia.
Internal Symptoms Of Glossophobia:
- Intense feelings of dread and despair
- Feeling unable to breathe
- Experiencing a dry mouth
- Nauseousness
- Having a dry mouth
External Symptoms Of Glossophobia:
- Trembling in their hands
- Speaking quietly or stuttering
- Verbal hesitations (“erm” or “like”)
- Being unable to project their voice
- Drinking lots of water
Source: Osmosis
How to Overcome Glossophobia
Treating and overcoming Glossophobia is a process that takes dedication, practice and time. One of the best ways to overcome your public speaking anxiety is to learn from the best by witnessing an experienced speaker present live.
It is common for business owners whose employees need a boost of confidence to hire a professional speaker, as they can offer their strategies for giving a calm, eloquent speech. Whether your company is customer-facing or relies on landing delicate business deals, it is in a business owner’s best interest to ensure their employees are confident enough to speak in front of a group.
How to Overcome Nervousness:
- Be prepared by knowing your material inside and out
- Practice, practice, practice - to the mirror, to your friends, aloud and in your head
- Video yourself practising so you can make improvements
- Research and understand your audience
- Slow down, even if you think you’re talking at the right pace
- Fight nerves by keeping yourself distracted
- Avoid a dry mouth by taking a glass of water
- Practice breathing methods to stay calm
- Back up your ideas with research from experts in the field
Source: Mayo Clinic
Keynote speakers like Les Brown, Carey Lohrenz, and Jeremy Schwartz prove the power of confident speaking. These outstanding keynote speakers captivate audiences with their charisma and expertise, proving to people with Glossophobia that public speaking is possible.
Why do we fear public speaking?
The fear of public speaking can be broken down into several reasons, stemming from bad experiences and a predisposed anxious personality. Understanding the cause of the phobia can give you an insight into how to overcome it:
Situation
Not every presentation is the same, and neither is every public speaker. Though a physics lecturer is most likely intellectual, they may stumble at the first hurdle when giving a speech on literature.
Consider how confident you are with the topic, as the root of your fear may not be self-esteem but a lack of knowledge. Speaking in front of an audience of business directors, sharing new ideas, talking in front of strangers, and your understanding of a topic are all factors that can trigger Glossophobia.
Experience
Public speakers aren’t born experts; they have spent years building experience and knowledge of how to give the best speech. If you are new to the circuit, your Glossophobia could reflect your lack of experience, especially if your first few presentations were met with a lukewarm response.
You most likely won’t receive a standing ovation for your first presentation, but by the 5th, 10th or 100th, you are more likely to be a pro. Tackle Glossophobia by developing the skills needed for public speaking and growing your confidence, speech by speech.
Book an Experienced Public Speaker
To book a motivational speaker to inspire confidence in your business, contact us by filling in our online contact form or calling a booking agent at 0207 0787 876.
