Factors for Public Speaking Anxiety

In a survey done by Dr. Laurie Rozakis, author of Idiots Guide to Public Speaking, it was found that most people have public speaking anxiety. Public speaking is the number one fear among Americans, --and according to Dr. Rozakis death only came in sixth.

Even the most experienced speaker gets anxious when speaking in public. However, this public speaking anxiety can be controlled so that you can use your fear to your advantage. This topic teaches us why people are nervous when speaking in front of a crowd and how you can conquer your fear.

Fear of the Audience

People are afraid of rejection by their audience. Thus, many are terrified of speaking in public for fear of being criticized by the crowd for how they look or how they deliver their speech. On the contrary, audiences are very understanding about the speaker's problem with stage fright. You become more nervous when your fear of the audience increases.

Below are some strategies that can help you overcome your fear of the audience.

• Choose a topic that you like and you are familiar with. The more comfortable you are about your chosen topic, the more confident you are in facing your audience.
  
  
• Concentrate on your topic. Focus on your topic and not on yourself. When you start to think of your subject matter and not yourself, your fear of public speaking will likely decrease.
  
  
• Say to yourself: "I am the BOSS." Trust in your capability of delivering your speech. Showing that you are in charge decreases your fear and increases your confidence in facing the situation.
  
  
• Don't think of your audience as a threat. Bridge the gap between your audience and yourself. Analyze carefully to establish rapport. You should consider age, gender and their level of expertise. Remember to analyze your audience.

Fear of Failure

There are two ways to win over your fear of failure.

• Picture yourself succeeding. If you think that you will stutter in front of many people, chances are you will stutter. But if you visualize yourself delivering your speech well, then, you will.
  
  
• Face your fear. You cannot overcome your fear unless you show it and admit that you are afraid of it.

Fear That Your Speech is a Bad Speech

• Write well. Take time to write your speech. Review it and rewrite if necessary. If you are confident with your speech, the less terrified you will be about public speaking.
  
  
• Practice and ask for suggestions on how you can improve your speech. Ask a friend of relative to act as your audience. Once you have delivered your topic, ask for their feedback. Don't be afraid to hear what they will say. Their feedback can give you insight on what is good or bad in your speech.

If you master your subject, realize that most of your fears are imagined and practice, practice, practice; you will present a speech that will knock them dead. And there is no feeling that compares to the feeling you get after delivering a great speech.

The Champions Edge for serious speakers