Fear of Public Speaking

Getting up in front of a crowd and giving a presentation can be one of the most terrifying feelings ever! According to a survey, people fear public speaking more than death! Sometimes it can’t be avoided though, especially if its part of your job. In this weeks video I want to give you some tips that have helped me overcome the anxiety I feel when I have to get up in front of a group.

Public Speaking Tips

It takes time to overcome any fear. The best thing to do is to keep doing it! The more you do anything in life the more comfortable and at ease you feel. Don’t give up! As you begin your public speaking journey keep these tips in mind to help you feel more confident and grounded.

Give yourself a pep talk

Make sure to ditch any negative self-talk. That’s only going to make you more nervous and insecure. You need to find a way to pump yourself up! Think of all the reasons you were chosen to do this in the first place. Or why you chose to do this. Remind yourself that you have the skills and qualifications to pull this off. You’re the expert here! Allow that sense of confidence to give you a boost.

Practice reframing

It really helps to reframe the situation. Try and shift your focus to why you’re doing it in the first place. Ask yourself what your intention is in giving this talk/presentation. It’s not all about eye contact and memorization. It’s also about teaching others. Don’t let the experience be so much about you – it’s easier to freak out more that way if you do. Let it be about the people who are learning from you.

Prepare and Practice

This one might seem like a no-brainer but the more prepared you are the more confident you will feel! So save yourself double the anxiety by preparing what you want to say in a format that flows easily, and make sure you practice! Either in front of a small group, your best friend, your mom, or just in front of a mirror. Saying it out loud instead of just in your head changes everything!

Centre yourself

It’s really important to find ways to centre yourself. This will look different for everyone. Maybe it means taking a few deep breaths, meditating, shaking it out, or pumping yourself up with your favourite song! Whatever works for you. Just try and find your happy place so you feel energized and good right before you go out there and kill it!

Remember – It’s normal to feel a nervous – nerves aren’t a bad thing. It’s just a matter of not getting into your own head too much with doubts. Stay positive and don’t let the negative self talk creep in!

If you enjoyed this video you may also like The Key to Success

Want this summer to be the start of an amazing year ahead?! CLICK HERE to check out #theyearofme program!