RCL invests in new physical library at Fitzrovia campus

Highlights

• Public speaking, which is also called glossophobia, is a common fear. It comes from the fear of public speaking in front of a crowd.

• Good preparation helps to cut down on speech anxiety. It builds your confidence and organises your thoughts. 

• Learning breathing techniques can have a calming effect. It helps control your heart rate and eases problems like a dry mouth. 

• Visualising success before you speak can change your mindset. It helps you think about good outcomes and lowers public speaking anxiety. 

• Engage with your audience by making eye contact. Treat them as individuals. This creates a friendlier and less scary setting.  

Introduction 

The fear of public speaking is something many people feel, no matter who they are. Just thinking about standing in front of a crowd and giving a speech can cause a lot of worry.

However, being able to share your thoughts clearly in front of an audience is a useful skill. It can greatly affect your personal and work life. Don’t let the fear of public speaking stop you from achieving your goals. 

5 effective strategies to overcome your fear of public speaking 

Many people see public speaking as a hard job. It is good to remember that even expert speakers feel nervous sometimes. The secret is to learn how to handle those nerves. 

Instead of seeing public speaking as a big problem, think of it as a chance to grow and connect with others. By using simple strategies and changing how you think, you can turn this fear into a reason to feel more confident and powerful. 

1. Harness the power of preparation 

A major reason for speech anxiety is the fear of what you don’t know. This is why preparation is very important. When you take time to research, organise and practice your speech, you feel more in control. 

Start by really understanding your topic. Find the main points you want to talk about and create a clear message. Some presenters like to know what they are going to say, word for word. Others prefer to take a more flexible approach that allows for ad-libbing and spontaneity, while also having a solid outline they can refer back to and follow. 

If you expect there will be a “Q&A” section after your presentation, it is also advisable to consider what types of questions your audience will ask. Put yourself in their shoes and prepare answers that will provide a clearer picture of the topic. 

Practice giving your speech out loud several times. Pay attention to your speed, tone and how you use your body while speaking. One of the very best ways to overcome nervousness is to record yourself during these practice sessions using a smartphone or tablet. Watching these recordings back will give you an unfiltered look at what your audience will see. 

It is not always easy to come “face to face” with your presenting skills in this way, but it is the best way to identify any adjustments you need to make and deliver the best presentation possible. Remember, each round of practice will make you more confident and ready for any public speaking situations. 

2. Embrace breathing techniques 

When we feel nervous, our bodies enter “fight or flight” mode. Our hearts race, our hands sweat, and we might feel a dry mouth. This reaction can make anxiety worse and hinder your ability to focus. 

This is where breathing techniques help us. By controlling our breathing, we can create a calming effect on our nervous system. Here is a simple and useful breathing exercise: 

• Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, filling your lungs. 

• Hold your breath for a second. 

• Exhale slowly through your mouth. 

Do this a few times before speaking in public to help you find composure and feel centred. 

Remember to breathe throughout your presentation. This will also help you speak at a consistent pace. If you can feel your anxiety begin to bubble up, do not suppress or ignore this emotion. It is much better to pause, gather your thoughts and continue when you are ready to do so. 

3. Visualise success before taking the stage 

Our minds are very powerful. What we think about and believe can show up in our lives. Cognitive behavioural therapy teaches us to face negative thoughts and change them into positive ones. 

You can use this idea to help with public speaking anxiety. Instead of worrying about mistakes or what others may think, try to visualise success. See yourself giving a great and engaging speech. 

Imagine the audience listening, nodding in agreement and giving you applause when you finish. This kind of practice can lessen your anxiety. It helps prepare your mind for a positive experience. 

4. Engage with your audience as individuals, not as a crowd

Often, the hardest part of public speaking is seeing the audience as one large group. To change this, focus on connecting with individuals instead of the whole crowd.

Before you start speaking, make eye contact with different people in the audience and smile sincerely. While you speak, keep making eye contact with various audience members. Talk to them directly sometimes. 

This personal approach makes your speech feel friendlier. It turns a formal talk into a conversation. It also makes it feel less stressful, reminding you that you are just sharing your ideas with others. 

It can also be helpful to remember that your presentation is not for you – it is for the audience. Think about the topic at hand, identify the aspects you find the most fascinating and focus on how satisfying it will be to share these with your audience. Keeping this in mind can motivate you to deliver a presentation that is insightful and offers real value. 

5. Seek opportunities for practice and feedback 

Like any skill, public speaking improves with practice. The more you expose yourself to speaking situations, the less daunting they become. Actively seek opportunities to practice your public speaking skills, starting small and gradually increasing the scale as your confidence grows. 

Another crucial aspect of improvement is feedback. After each speaking engagement, reflect on your performance, identifying areas where you excelled and areas for growth. Ask trusted friends, colleagues or mentors for constructive criticism. 

Conclusion 

Public speaking anxiety is a fear that many people have. It can be overcome through practice and a change in mindset. Prepare yourself, use breathing techniques, and imagine your success. Connect with the people in your audience and ask for feedback to get better. Every time you speak is a chance to improve! By taking small steps and joining public speaking clubs, you can beat your fear. You will become a more confident speaker. Start today and see your skills grow! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How can I start improving my public speaking skills today? 

A good way to improve your public speaking is to begin with small steps. Try practising in front of a mirror. You can also record yourself or give a short talk to family or friends. Each time you are on that metaphorical podium, remember that adrenaline is a good thing. It shows that you are ready to make an impact. 

What are some common mistakes to avoid in public speaking? 

Mark Twain once said, “There are two types of speakers: those who are nervous and those who lie.” Do not let nervousness turn into rambling. Talk clearly and get to the point. Use pauses to help make your message stronger. 

How does visualisation help in overcoming the fear of public speaking? 

Visualisation is a strong way to overcome fear. When we make mental pictures of ourselves giving a successful speech with composure, we change how our brains think. This helps us see public speaking as something good, which lowers public speaking anxiety.