Would You Rather Jump Out of an Airplane Than Speak?

Did you know for some people the fear of speaking is so intense, they would rather jump out of an airplane than get up in front of a group of people to speak? May sound crazy but it’s true. Many people have some fear of speaking, even the rich and famous. It’s a well known fact that Barbra Streisand rarely sings to large audiences because of her fear. For some people the fear of speaking is so strong that, although they would like to speak, they back away from speaking opportunities.

I can remember when I was being trained as a workshop leader, the night before the training class I would lay awake anxious that I would make a fool of myself in front of the group. There were times I would say to myself, “This is not a good idea.” However, my desire to be a speaker was stronger than the fear and as I learned techniques, and practiced, my speaking skills greatly improved and the fear diminished.

There’s nothing wrong about being a little nervous before you speak. A little bit of adrenalin is good because it keeps you alert, focused, and energized as you speak. However, if you find your heart beating rapidly from nervousness and your hands sweaty, there are ways to calm your nerves.

Here are six tips to help you overcome the fear of speaking.

1. Do Your Homework. You can reduce your anxiety by thoroughly researching the topic, planning what you want to say, and rehearsing your speech several times over.
   
   
2. Write Out the Speech before You Rehearse. Write your speech in sufficient detail so that fear doesn’t slow you down. If that means writing out the entire speech, then write out the entire speech. As time goes on, try reducing the amount of support you give yourself, until you’re just using basic notes and can be conversational. Remember, the audience came to see you speak, not see you buried in your notes.
   
   
3. Prepare and Practice. Nothing is more important to your success than preparation. It will eliminate 80-90% of your nervousness if you’re well prepared. Make sure to rehearse the ideas in your presentation at least four times through. Also, practice it in the mirror. You want to see yourself speaking. You can also record it on tape, and listen to it as you drive.
   
   
4. Do a “Tech” Check. Beforehand, create a Checklist of the Logistics, Meeting Space, Materials, and Equipment Needs. Then arrive early enough to check out the equipment, the room temperature, the room layout, and generally get comfortable with your surroundings.
   
   
5. Know Your Audience. Your audience is the reason you’re there. They’re there to learn from you. Take the time to find out all you can about your audience. Who are they? Why are they there? What are their needs, interests, and concerns? Arrive early enough before your presentation, to meet some of the members of the audience. This will help alleviate some of your nervousness by meeting a few and introducing yourself to them. By meeting and chatting with a few of the people beforehand, you can seek those friendly faces out and direct your eye contact to them during your presentation.
   
   
6. Visualize Yourself Being Successful. Whenever you find yourself thinking about the event, create a scenario to which you return, again and again, seeing yourself succeeding brilliantly. Make it as specific as possible. You are the expert. There have been times before I speak, when I have thought to myself, “Will I do a good job?” ”Will they like me?” ”Will I make a difference?” If you’ve had similar thoughts, always remember you are the expert. No matter how nervous you feel, you still know more than your audience does. They’re there to learn from you. Reprogram those negative thoughts and create positive affirmations. Write it out and say it to yourself, “I will do a good job, “No matter what I may think, they will see me as the expert,” “They will like me.”
   

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