How To Overcome Fear Of Public Speaking

Do you have a fear of public speaking? If so, you aren’t alone.

The fear of public speaking, otherwise known as, “glossophobia”, is one of the most common of fears. Research shows that 75% of individuals suffer from speech anxiety.

For someone who suffers from this fear, the idea of getting up in front of a group of people can be terrifying. I can relate, because I used to struggle with extreme shyness and social anxiety for many years. The good news is that I was able to overcome my fear, and so can you.

Are you ready to learn how to overcome fear of public speaking and boost your confidence? In the words of W. Clement Stone, “Thinking will not overcome fear, but action will.”

Watch the video below:

(Click here to watch on YouTube)

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Your fear of public speaking doesn't have to control your life.

Oftentimes, it's the fear of fear itself that holds us back, more than the act of speaking. In my experience, the best way to overcome fear of any kind is by facing it. Stanford neuroscientist Philippe Goldin, who specializes in anxiety disorders believes that exposure is, hands down, the most successful way to deal with phobias, anxiety disorders, and fears of any sort.

Let's explore 4 ways that you can overcome your fear of public speaking.

1. Take Baby Steps

You don’t have to overcome all of your fear at once. Instead, take baby steps. If you have a fear of public speaking get comfortable with a small group of people first, rather than speaking to a large crowd.

For example, maybe you could attend a Toastmasters event once a week. This is a safe, supportive environment where there is no judgment or rejection. Once you get rewarded and encouraged by your peers, you will build up your confidence over time.

2. Practice Mindfulness

When people experience fear of public speaking, oftentimes there is a host of limiting beliefs that underlie their fear. It’s common to catastrophize and ruminate about the actual experience before it's even happened.

Preparing in advance for a speech is important, but try practicing some mindfulness exercises beforehand, like deep breathing or meditation. Mindfulness trains your brain to stay calm and clear. By taking some long, deep breaths and pausing regularly, you will feel more in control of your speech. There is no better way to calm your nerves and reduce performance anxiety.

3. Visualize Your Success

Research has revealed that mental practices for visualizing your success are almost effective as true physical practice. A great mental rehearsal strategy for minimizing your fear of public speaking is to visualize yourself delivering a successful talk or presentation.

Seeing is believing. Close your eyes and picture yourself moving throughout the room, speaking clearly, and having fun. When you visualize the result that you want, it will boost your confidence, creating the momentum that you need to overcome your fear.

4. Reward Yourself

Any time that you take a risk, give yourself a reward because what gets rewarded, gets repeated. Every time that you give a presentation, do something nice for yourself. This will create a positive mental association between speaking and the feeling of pleasure.

As a result, you will be motivated to speak more and achieve bigger goals related to public speaking. Soon enough, your fear of public speaking will fade away.

Anybody can overcome their fear of public speaking.

Public speaking is a skill. It’s important to remember that great public speakers aren’t born. Rather, most of them have trained themselves to perform at their best, through consistent preparation, persistence, and practice.

In the words of Mark Twain, “There are two types of speakers: those that are nervous and those that are liars.” The world's greatest speakers still get nervous. Don’t beat yourself up. Just be proactive, feel the fear, and do it anyways! Are you ready to transform your fear into fuel?