We have all heard that tired cliché that most people would rather die than give a speech. Actually the studies were about people ranking their fears*. I think this says more about how people respond to research studies than what people would actually do given the choice. Even if you were terrified of speaking, would you really take a bullet versus give a speech? I doubt it.

*Global Study of Fears

1. Fear of public speaking (Glossophobia)
2. Fear of death (Necrophobia)
3. Fear of spiders (Arachnophobia)
4. Fear of darkness (Achluophobia, Scotophobia or Myctophobia)
5. Fear of heights (Acrophobia)
6. Fear of people or social situations (Sociophobia)
7. Fear of flying (Aerophobia)
8. Fear of open spaces (Agoraphobia)
9. Fear of thunder and lightning (Brontophobia)
10. Fear of confined spaces (Claustrophobia)

Inevitably, there comes a time in most people’s lives where they need and/or want to make a presentation or give a speech. In fact, it can be a powerful means of communicating to others. The prevalence of online video messaging has added to the likelihood of a majority of regular folk needing to learn how to make presentations. A blog post is not going to teach you how to be a great presenter, but here are three ways to get over public speaking fears:

1. Do it. The more opportunities you take to speak in public, the easier it will become. If you avoid speaking your fears and resistance grows. Take tiny steps. Stand to introduce yourself or ask questions at meetings or gatherings. Perform random acts of kindness by complimenting strangers in group settings. Compliments take the focus away from you and are well received so there is no fear of rejection. “My, your children are so inquisitive. You must be a great parent.” Imagine the reaction to that at a community event or family outing.

2. Deconstruct. Address why you have the fear. Don’t ignore it; get into it. Did you have a bad experience or do you think people will judge you? Perhaps someone critiqued you because you said “um” or you blushed when pushed to make a comment. Grab that niggling little feeling and face it. Write it down, then burn or shred the paper. It is only there because you let it lurk around rather than stomp on it and move on. More about buried demons in my next post — Outing Your Evil Twin.

3. Learn how. Good public speaking is rarely a natural-given ability. Learning to do it well comes from courses, books, practice and observing others. I recently gave a speech where the audience knew I had to cut about 30 minutes from my presentation as the speaker before me went over time. One of the first questions came from someone who wanted to know how I decided what to delete and how I was able to do it on the fly. Another great way to learn — ask questions.

There are so many benefits to building your talents in the public speaking arena. Here are just some to ponder:

- more recognition for you and your ideas at work, school or home — getting noticed
- motivating people to support your point of view — persuading others, generating action
- sharing of information that can help people — doing good by spreading beneficial info

And then there are those wedding or memorial services where you really want to express your feelings in honour of the people involved. How great would it be to deliver a speech that gave people special insights and would be remembered fondly, forever?

One of my favourite books on the subject is Do Not Go Naked into Your Next Presentation by Ron Hoff. This little book is loaded with tips or as the subheading of the book describes: Nifty Little Nuggets to Quiet the Nerves and Please the Crowd. For those who are more experienced and would like to get on the speaker circuit, pick up or download Anne Bruce’s book, Speak for a Living. She starts her book with a self-assessment toolkit to see if you have what it takes to speak for a living.

Let me know if you have other great books or courses on public speaking to recommend.