Although there are exceptions, most people do not enjoy public speaking. Many people, in fact, admit to being totally terrified of standing in front of an audience, large or small, and being the focus of everyone’s attention.
Even the most accomplished speakers, however, often experience speech anxiety; yet unlike individuals who suffer from full-blown panic attacks, these speakers have learned certain tricks of the trade that help them deal with nervousness. As a result, they appear poised, relaxed, and confident.
Speech Anxiety is Normal
Nervousness is normal for someone delivering a speech or presentation. In fact, 76 percent of people surveyed report feeling “very uncomfortable” when giving a speech or formal presentation (Principles). But then, delivering a speech is stressful, and since it is, the human body reacts as it would to any other traumatic situation: it produces excess adrenaline, which causes the heart to accelerate, skin to perspire, hands to tremble, and knees to knock. Some people even come close to fainting.
Anxiety, however, can be either positive or negative. It’s negative when it debilitates speakers to the point they cannot function. They stumble over or forget lines, fidget so much it becomes distracting, or even freeze up entirely. On the other hand, anxiety is positive when that extra shot of adrenaline infuses a speaker with power, animation, and enthusiasm. (Lucas)
Converting Negative Speech Anxiety into Positive Energy
First and foremost, speakers should think positive. Almost everyone is familiar with the concept behind the philosophy of positive thinking: If one thinks one will succeed, one will succeed. In order to apply this concept to public speaking, speakers must vanquish negativism and embrace positivism. They must tell themselves (and believe it) that they are well prepared, the audience wants to hear what they have to say, they will deliver an interesting speech, and they will project an air of confidence.
Going hand-in-hand with positive thinking is the theory of creative visualization: If one can imagine something as real, it will become real. Therefore, a week or several days before a speech is to be delivered, speakers should begin visualizing themselves strolling confidently to the lectern, making eye contact with audience members, speaking assertively, projecting their voices, and getting their points across clearly with both self-assurance and authority.
Additional Tips for Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking
- Be well prepared: Do not wait until the night before or, worse, an hour before a speech or presentation is to be delivered in order to compose or create that speech or presentation. Do so well in advance of the delivery date.
- Practice, Practice, Practice: The old adage “Practice makes perfect” applies to most things people undertake to learn in life, from riding a bicycle to playing a piano to delivering a speech. That is why speakers should practice before the date of their speech or presentation (then practice some more), because the more they practice, the more adept they will become, and with adeptness comes confidence.
- Be well rested: Do not stay up all night before delivering a speech or presentation because when people are sleep-deprived, they are not at their best either physically or mentally.
- Work on the introduction: After the first 30 seconds, a speaker’s anxiety level begins to decrease significantly, so if speakers have a well-prepared introduction, they will be more relaxed from that point forward.
- Utilize visual aids: Visual aids, for example, PowerPoint slideshows, divert attention from the speakers, which results in the speakers feeling less self-conscious and, therefore, less nervous.
Using positive thinking and creative visualization and/or following all the tips above will not miraculously lead to a complete cessation of all anxiety. Remember, nervousness is normal. These methods will, however, help control anxiety, which will enable one to concentrate upon the audience and deliver a successful speech or presentation.
Lucas, S.The Art of Public Speaking: Sixth Edition; Boston: McGraw Hill. 1998.
Survey Statistics retrieved July 19, 2009 from “Principles of Public Speaking: Blueprint for Speaking Success”.
Carol Rzadkiewicz - Carol Rzadkiewicz has taught college English for over 14 years and is the author of three published novels and numerous short stories.
