How do I deal with my fear of public speaking? ?

Question

It is hampering my progress at work. I feel like I am stuck with some disease having no cure. My cheeks tremble and so does my voice and yes my hands. I just see no way out of this h**l.

Answer 1

Find out if there is a Toastmasters Club at work or somewhere close. This group helps with training people for public speaking in a fun atmosphere

http://www.toastmasters.org/websiteApps/

Answer 2

I feel your pain. I'm sorry- I'm just like you. Things that have helped me in the past are to think honestly about what the people in your group are thinking about you. What do you think about when someone's giving a speech? Whenever someone's giving a speech to a group that I'm in, unless it's something that really engages me (which is pretty hard to do), I'm all ears for about 30 seconds, then 5 minutes later I'm snapping back to reality realizing I haven't paid an ounce of attention to the speaker.

When's the last time you thought a public speaker was idiotic? Well, our president is a prime example, but in your personal life? There hasn't been a single incidence where I thought a speaker was a complete and utter idiot. People won't think you're dumb. They'll either think your speech was very interesting, or they haven't been paying any attention at all.

Try to give yourself a confidence boost before you have to talk to the group. The reason I get so nervous is because I build it up and build it up in my head and when I get up there it feels like life or death when in reality, it's just using simple conversation, one of the basic tools in our human existence.

I know it's so difficult, but try not to make it such a big deal and things will begin to get easier. I promise. It won't be a breeze, but give yourself a pat on the back for getting through with it because it's not an easy thing to accomplish. (What is it, more Americans are afraid of public speaking than death? That's saying something!) Good luck and you'll do fine!  

Answer 3

Practice performing your speech in front of your family or friends.  You're going to do fine.  

Try some relaxation exercises, and when you're giving your speech keep those in mind and apply some of the techniques that are appropriate.

Answer 4

I used to have a really bad problem with public speaking.

Then I had to take a class that involved report writing and public speaking, It was a small class and I knew everyone well. I talked about a random subject that had interested me recently (I had just purchased a dog halti collar and actually had it on me for some reason) and had the whole classes attention. It really boosted my confidence- nobody had any complaints about my speech and I was asked quite a few questions which I could answer easily. I had to do a few more speeches for the class but I always chose subjects I was very passionate about and now I dont have the problem at all.

Why dont you try gathering your family and friends together once a week and give them an oral presentation- talk about something that you enjoy and ask them for their feedback.

Answer 5

very easy. you don't. being nervous keeps you alert. enjoy the feeling . it is but natural to feel nervous in front of other people. do not think about them, just think about yourself. believe in yourself and what you had to say. if your audience can sense your confidence and if they see that you walk the talk, then you wont have to force them to believe you or like you or listen to you, it would come naturally.

Answer 6

practice in a mirror

Answer 7

when you fear the public it means that you are shy, simply coz u unsure of yourself, first you  should practice in the mirrow, by yourself, then see if you have some friends, and you could do it in front of them. the worse eneme we have is ourself.  You could do it.  You will be fine. I believe in you!  Go get them !!!

Answer 8

just believe in yourself and have confidence in yourself..

it should take away any nerves..Good luck!

Answer 9

DO NOT MEMORIZE!!!!!!  I think you should definitely know the material.  If you memorize you are bound to "hiccup" and when you do, you are lost...and finished!  If you know the material very well, you cannot go wrong.  

1.) know the materiel

2.) know the material

3.) make a simple outline (NOT WORD FOR WORD) to refresh your memory as to what you want to talk about.

4.) don't say umm, pick your finger nails, tap the podeium, or look at the cieling.

5.) know the material

6.) don't memorize.

The key, is to be prepared, not memorize word for word, sentence for sentence.