If you have ever seen someone get up on stage and give a mesmerizing presentation, chances are there is a part of you that wishes you could do the same. The truth is that many people want to be able to share their voice with the world , but so little do as they fear failure or ridicule.
Having the ability to speak in public is like having a super power which will make you a great leader because it truly gives you a tremendous amount of confidence. Not only will you have overcome such a terrible fear, but the accolades you will receive from your peers will fill you with a sense of accomplishment and achievement that will give you a sense of fulfillment that feels like you have just climbed Mt. Everest.
If you have ever wanted to step out on stage and give an oral presentation but did not do so because of your fear, then there are a few methods that can help you address these. The methods for overcoming public speaking phobia are plentiful. Some you may have even found moderately effective.
However, there’s a good chance you still continue to have phobias about speaking in public. The good news is, there are simple little ‘tricks’ and ‘secrets’ you probably haven’t heard about. Here are three simple methods you can use to be better prepared for your speech which will help you alleviate some of your fears:
1. Prepare Your Speech
“One way to blast through and begin overcoming public speaking phobia associated with your speech is to flip your emotions around 180 degrees and instead of feeling nervous, feel excited about your topic” says Emily Miller, editor of a website called Keynote Speaker. You’ve undoubtedly got something really cool and important to say. I highly recommend picking a subject you enjoy and be sure to speak on topics you know well.
2. Appreciate Your Audience
Another great step to overcoming public speaking phobia is to think the best of your audiences. Assume they are friendly. Assume they want to hear what you have to say and that they want you to succeed. If you want your audiences to like you, like them first. Learn to love your audiences and they will return the favor.
3. Reinterpret Your Past “Failures”
Many people have public speaking phobias because of a humiliating speaking engagements of the past. Such an event can be a bit traumatizing; especially without any help to get over it. One powerful thing you can do to begin overcoming public speaking phobia towards any future speaking engagements is learn to “reinterpret” your past.
According to Sam Miller of the Coaching Institute, it’s important to use your failures as a stepping stone toward your goals rather than a hinderance. This just basically means you need to look at your past experience in a way that allows you to gain an advantage from it. Sure, it may have been humiliating at the time, but think of how much you learned. Think about how much better it will be this time around, how much better you will be this time around. The worst is behind you.
I’m confident if you apply the above secrets, you’ll be well on your way to overcoming public speaking phobia. If you’re interested in learning more about overcoming your public speaking phobia, we recommend checking out one of the most powerful public speaking training courses in the world.
