BASIC TIPS TO OVERCOME THE FEAR OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
Many fear public speaking Even more than death itself, But there is nothing to fear. Speaking is one way to share the wisdom That lies within us. Speak your truth Share your wisdom The world lies in wait for it. -Marina Volandes Many of us struggle with public-speaking anxiety syndrome. When asked what makes them nervous, invariably they respond with the same answers: “I don’t like being watched.”, “I don’t like the eyes on me.”,” I don’t like being in the spotlight.” ; and it follows that when they get up to speak, nearly all of them initially avoid making eye contact with the audience. Fear of public speaking is a common form of anxiety. It can range from slight nervousness to paralyzing fear and panic. Many people with this fear avoid public speaking situations altogether, or they suffer through them with shaking hands and a quavering voice. Nervousness or anxiety in certain situations is normal, and public speaking is no exception. However, with preparation and persistence, you can overcome your fear. Performance anxiety can also negatively affect your self-esteem and self-confidence. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to control your emotions and reduce performance anxiety. The following tips can help you handle your stage fright. Put them into practice and see how you evolve as a confident orator. Know your Topic. The better you understand what you're talking about, the less likely you'll make a mistake or get off track. Take some time to consider what questions the audience may ask and have your responses ready. The content of your performance is a powerful thing. Speeches have the ability to change the world. Concentrate on your content and you’ll avoid getting trapped in a negative state of mind. Get Organized. Carefully plan out the information you want to present, including any props, audio or visual aids. The more organized you are, the less nervous you'll be. Use an outline on a small card to stay on track. Practice is the Key to Success. Practice your complete speech several times. Do it with people you're comfortable with and ask for feedback. It may also be helpful to practice with a few people with whom you're less familiar. Consider making a video of your presentation so that you can watch it and see opportunities for improvement. Visualize your Success. Imagine that your presentation will go well. Positive thoughts can help decrease some of your negativity. Close your eyes, take a deep breath and visualize the audience clapping and cheering. Never focus on what could go wrong. Do some Deep Breathing. This can be very calming. Take two or more deep, slow breaths before you get up and walk to the podium to deliver your speech. Connect with the Audience. Once on stage, greet people with a smile, find friendly faces in the crowd and focus on those positive connections. Think of those people like your friend rather than your enemy. Don't Fear the Moment of Silence. If you lose track of what you're saying or start to feel nervous and your mind goes blank, it may seem like you've been silent for an eternity. In reality, it's probably only a few seconds. Even if it's longer, it's likely your audience won't mind a pause to consider what you've been saying. Just take a few slow, deep breaths. Recognize your Success. After your speech or presentation, give yourself a pat on the back. It may not have been perfect, but chances are you're far more critical of yourself than your audience is. See if any of your specific worries actually occurred. Everyone makes mistakes. Look at any mistakes you made as an opportunity to improve your skills. During childhood, we form attitudes that can last a lifetime. So, if a student, you are willing to stop avoiding their fears and learn new skills to reduce and manage them, you will develop an empowering belief and trust in yourself. In facing your fear, it becomes possible to overcome performance anxiety and find comfort and ease in expressing yourself in front of others. Remember, F.E.A.R. has two meanings- Forget Everything And Run OR Face Everything And Rise…. The choice is yours….. Related Links Related Blogs
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March 2022
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