How To Overcome The Fear Of Public Speaking

By Pete Connelly

It has been said that in past surveys the number one fear for people is the fear of public speaking, the number three fear is dying; well does that evidence mean that people would rather die than speak in public. Whether the surveys are correct or not there is little doubt that for most people speaking in public is a real fear, something they would try to avoid at all costs.

If you are one of those people do not despair, help is at hand, please read on.

I think the first thing to recognise is that you are not alone other people have felt like you, you are not, weak, dumb or any other self limiting believe you may conjure up to heap on yourself. Yes, you do feel this almost paralysing fear about speaking in public, it doesn't matter what it is, a family gathering or wedding, maybe a presentation at work to colleagues or a school oral examination its their waiting and how will you overcome this fear of public speaking.

To start off the process realise that the time prior to speaking is study time not worry time, yes you will feel anxious but now is not the time, remember an anxious mind with not see clearly. Preparation is a major part of the plan.

So first things first, what are you to speak about, now is the time to learn your subject whatever that is, understand your topic, become familiar with the detail, set yourself up to win.

Having done that any story, presentation, talk will have three parts, they are

1/ The start or opening

2/ The middle, the meat in the sandwich so to speak

3/ The end. Conclusion, closing again whatever you want to call it

You can now set it out in a way that best fits with you, some people will have bullet points on 3x5 card, other may write it out in full, maybe power point is other peoples preferred solution to presenting. What ever you feel most comfortable with or least uncomfortable with you do it that way.

The next step is always to run through it, for timing, your feel for the talk and of course practice, these little steps are simple not rocket science and followed will position you well for the day.

The Day arrives, make no mistake here however well prepared you are you will feel nervous, anxious mouth dry all physical as well as emotional symptoms, that's a sign you are alive and normal. I always like to get in the room, get the feel and then whatever the size of the room, in my mind I try to see it as me lounge at home, a few friends present and nothing to fear.

If it is there are other speakers and they seem calm and collected don't do the comparison game, your insides with their outsides. It's not a fair comparison, focus on you, your breathing, your inner conversation, you are prepared, and you know your topic and now its time.

The fear of public speaking is now about to be truly tested, fear is at its greatest and guess what before you know it it's all over, it went quickly you cant remember all you said but you have done it, well done.

Peters is a leading motivational speaker and inspirational trainer.

His success is built on using 25 years of deep rooted fears and failures as stepping stones on a Journey from fear to faith which produced great results.... Today his deep passion and purpose is in helping others see themselves bigger than their current circumstances.

His website http://www.fear-to-faith.com is a valuable resource to overcome fear and move forward with possibility thinking

Peter currently has a free download of the highly successful Think And Grow Rich available for a limited time

Grab your copy today while its still free!

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