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Briget Appiah > Personal Development > Smash The Fear Of Public Speaking With This Tip.

Smash The Fear Of Public Speaking With This Tip.

A guy doing public speaking
Photo by Dr Josiah Sarpong on Unsplash

Fear of public speaking looks like a nightmare that keeps haunting you. You have got an oral presentation to make but the thought of it alone gives you so much anxiety. Fear makes you human and sometimes pushes you to achieve your goals but it becomes problematic if it distracts you from daily activities.

Your body responds to public speaking anxiety by experiencing sweaty hands and feet, faster heartbeat, shivering, and shortness of breath. These stem from many factors. One of the factors is the fear of being judged. You think you will make mistakes in your delivery and the audience will laugh or change their opinions about you.

Social Anxiety Disorder can trigger the fear of speaking in public. This is a mental health disorder that persistently makes you scared of social situations like talking in meetings, starting a conversation, being observed in public, and meeting new people. You may want to avoid most social situations to make you comfortable but this does not solve the problem.

With the right strategies and support, you can shake off the fears and show your presentation prowess to the world.

How to overcome the fears of public speaking

Preparation! Preparation! Preparation!

This is the foundation of any great communication. You expose yourself to the things you fear when you prepare.

Psychologists call this Exposure Therapy and it’s one of the best ways to confront your fears. This gives you power and confidence over your thoughts and words.

Prepare adequately by:

  • Knowing your audience
  • Researching your topic
  • Practicing by recording yourself, talking in front of the mirror or a friend before the actual presentation

Also, people with Social Anxiety Disorder must see a mental health professional for extra help.

You are capable. Face the fears and do the things that can make you grow and bring you opportunities. Do it now!

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