How To Overcome Fear Of Public Speaking
Renny Yagosesky defines stage fright as the organism’s psychophysical response, usually intense, that arises as a consequence of catastrophic anticipatory thoughts about the real or imagined situation of public speaking.
From this definition, we can draw a clear first conclusion: we are afraid because we visualize failure, sometimes because we remember past events, and at other times simply because we imagine them.
However, it can also happen that stage fright is a simple environmental issue. We hear about stage fright so many times, there are so many books, articles, videos and courses on how to overcome the fear of public speaking… this is such a popular topic that it seems normal to feel this fear.
On the other hand, if you lived in an environment where people speak fearlessly under any circumstances, including improvising speeches (short or not-so-brief), comfortably expressing themselves and telling you the wonders of giving lectures or classes, everything would be very different . Most likely, anyone who had contact with such a person would be willing to taste the taste of success at the end of a presentation, for example.
If you’ve never done it, don’t be afraid
If you’ve never spoken in public and have to face this situation, it’s best to pay attention to people who like to do it. Notice how they move, how good they feel, how secure they are. And above all focus on the applause at the end, on the audience’s interest face.
Now, put yourself in your skin and visualize. What do you feel?
If you’ve failed in the past, learn from your mistakes
The fact that you have had a negative situation in the past does not mean that it always has to be that way. The first thing you have to do is think about what happened; not in the result, but in your attitude before, during and after the event.
Draw your conclusions, laugh at yourself and reset your mind. Think positive, and put yourself in the shoes of a successful speaker, feel the applause and warmth of people.
Some positive ideas to face the audience
– PEOPLE WILL NOT GO TO SEE YOU SUFFERING, BUT TO ENJOY YOUR SPEECH.
People have a lot to do to go to speak ill of a speaker. What we all seek is to learn, enjoy, share ideas.
Give your audience what they want: it’s what you want. Why waste time on negative thoughts?
– REHEAR, TRAIN, PRACTICE
Visualizing is all well and good, but that doesn’t mean you’re going to leave everything to luck. Practice, train, rehearse…. Call it what you.
But how to speak is learned by speaking…. who do I get tired of repeating the same speech over and over again?
It is not necessary; in fact, it’s almost inadvisable. Fill a room with toys or papers painted with faces and talk to them. If you get it wrong… great! You already have an excellent opportunity to improvise, an essential ability to develop in public.
And, of course, record yourself and analyze what you do. This is something that gives many people a horrible panic. It doesn’t matter, record yourself and watch the videos when you feel you’ve done well. You may have to repeat it many times, but it doesn’t matter. This will help you gain confidence and improve a lot.
– DON’T LET ANYONE TELL YOU YOU CAN’T
Run away from these toxic people dedicated to throwing their own problems at you. Focus on the people who encourage you, support you and trust your possibilities.
Are you the one who sabotages yourself? So maybe it’s time to throw out the trash. Let go of negative thoughts and learn to love yourself.
How to master and control the situation
You’ve seen yourself, rehearsed, filled with positive energy and practiced some more. You are ready to go out and triumph.
But still, you feel a little tremor in your legs or you notice a kind of cold sweat all over your body. Well, maybe you’re a little nervous, but you might also be feeling a lot of emotion. Try to channel your energies and do the following:
– SPEAK WITH PASSION AND DELIGHT YOUR AUDIENCE
People will be much more interested in what you say and will be involved in the speech. The positive energy you give off will feed you during the lecture.
– DIVIDE YOUR SPEECH INTO EASY TO DIFFERENTIATED PARTS
This will help you to face each part independently, memorize the speech and feel that you are successfully evolving. In addition, your audience will also find it easier to listen.
– BREATHE DEEPLY
Breathing techniques are essential for public speaking, as well as for relaxing and concentrating. Practice diaphragmatic breathing before starting to speak, mindful of what you are doing. You will oxygenate your body and feel calmer.
– HAVE A GLASS OF WATER
Don’t forget to drink a glass of water calmly. This will send your brain a message of reassurance. Also, have water within reach while talking. You can take a sip from time to time, enjoying the passage between one session and another, or while someone asks a question.
– WHENEVER YOU CAN, ENJOY THE TECHNOLOGY
That doesn’t mean you should take your written speech in a presentation and read it all, of course not. It’s about relying on technology to make your speech easier, whether through slides that help you structure the conversation, photos that make what you say more graphic or any other element that makes things easier for you and helps the audience to better capture the message.
– ARRIVE IN ADVANCE TO THE PLACE OF THE ACT
So, in addition to calmly exploring the room and seeing yourself in this context, you’ll be able to prove that everything you need is ok: lights, electrical connections, computer equipment, etc.
