The fear of public speaking (also known as glossophobia) is a phenomenon that affects millions of people globally. It primarily stems from the anxiety that we may fail and is encouraged by myths and misconceptions we grow up with. Sometimes, a negative experience in childhood can continue into adulthood, holding you back from becoming a better speaker. For many, anxiety about public speaking can lead to shaky hands and knees, blocked throats, and quavering voices. In extreme cases, it can also cause the speaker to forget their speech. However, you can conquer your fear of public speaking and become a better public speaker with practice.

How to Become a Better Public Speaker

The fear of public speaking has been classified as a social anxiety disorder and is quite common. It affects about 75% of the population, and around 15 million people deal with it daily. Common symptoms of glossophobia include rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, hyperventilating, trembling, and muscle tension. Therefore, you have to learn how to deal with the fear of public speaking if you experience it.

Exploit The Fear

Even the best public speakers experience some kind of discomfort and anxiety when they have to speak publicly. Therefore, when you have those sensations before a presentation, know they are not signs that you will fail. On the contrary, you can exploit those nerves and have a powerful presentation. The adrenaline coursing through you can alert you to speak with power and force.

Therefore, to ace public speaking, you must prepare thoroughly. Make a note that you can study. You can start practicing your speech when you are confident that you are familiar with the note. You can do this in front of a mirror or record your speech each time you rehearse. That way, you can channel your energy into giving a great presentation when the time comes.

Know Your Demographic

Another step to ace public speaking is to know your audience before the day. Find out their sex, age, class, career, and other distinguishing information before giving your speech. This way, you can prepare the right speech using the right jargon, language, level of information, and motivational statements. Consequently, you will be able to engage your audience properly and get the right reactions.

You should also ensure that your material is well organized so you don’t struggle with your presentation. Public speaking depends on your coordination, so properly arranging your speech and materials will help you. Set an outline for your speech and stick to it. Ensure that the material is aligned with your audience’s demographic so you can grab their attention and stay organized.

Grab Your Audience’s Attention From The Beginning

You have to grab your audience’s attention in the first 30 seconds of your speech. Start with an opening that hooks them immediately and keeps them engaged throughout your delivery. You can use an anecdote, a relevant quotation, or a shocking statistic to grab their attention. Note that you must also keep them engaged during the presentation. Don’t be monotonous, and don’t read from your notes.

As you speak, watch out for their reactions. Communication is not one-way; you can still get feedback if your audience won’t talk. Study their faces, gestures, and other body language to determine whether you engage them. You can use humor to make your public speaking lighthearted and revive the room if you lose it. Finally, conclude your speech with a strong hook that your audience will remember.

Be Authentic

The fear of public speaking can keep you jittery and make you attempt to go out of character. However, you have to be authentic and stay true to yourself. When you stay true to yourself, the audience has a better chance of knowing you. They will be able to relate with you and trust you better than if you maintained a false persona. You can share personal anecdotes or anything that gives your public speaking a personal touch. Use gestures like you would at any other time, but wisely.

Use Audiovisual Aids Properly

Visual aids can enhance your presentation during public speaking. They can take the attention and, therefore, the pressure off you and keep your audience engaged. However, these aids, visual or audio, must not distract your audience. They should aid your public speaking, not take center stage.

There is always room for growth in public speaking. The more you practice, the better you will get. No one is a natural-born speaker; everyone with good public speaking skills honed their skills to be a great speaker. Therefore, if you follow the tips in this article, you can improve and overcome your fear of public speaking.

#Clique, have you ever had to speak in public? How was the experience? Let us know the tips that helped you do great at it in the comments.