According to most studies, people’s number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that seem right? That means to the average person, if you have to go to a funeral, you’re better off in the casket than doing the eulogy. – Jerry Seinfeld
According to The Book of Lists, the fear of public speaking ranks highest among all fears of the American people. Public Speaking even tends to rank higher than death and serious diseases. Death has been listed at number 5 on the list. About 15% of Americans experience a dramatic fear of public speaking. It is stated that people have even turned down jobs and college students have dropped classes because of their fear of public speaking. Fear can be a powerful motivator when it comes to leadership, but many can’t get over being front and center.
Psychologists and experts believe that the fear of public speaking comes from how one is publicly viewed and how the “show off” aspect of your personality was viewed and treated as a child. The psychologists and experts also cite a number of childhood occurrences that attribute to the fear of public speaking. The examples include a bad experience standing in front of an audience as a child such as freezing up when reciting something important or being discouraged from performing in front of others. And unfortunately these instances can’t be erased. The best solution to combating regret and bad memories is to just try it again and do the best you can. Fear is a form of energy and it’s best to direct your fear as energy to rise to the occasion.
What are some of the says that one can get over their fear of public speaking?
Practice. By organizing your thoughts logically and practicing your cadence and thoughts, it will become second nature and will also remove any pre jitters and anxiety that one may experience before a presentation. Additionally, by practicing, you will appear more sure and confident about the subject. You will appear as you are speaking from the heart and are comfortable with what you are discussing.
Know your audience and connect to them and you will be great!
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