Counter-Attack the Symptoms of Speaking Fear

Glossophobia is the official word for those who suffer from speaking fear. What happens during an episode is the body goes through an involuntary “fight or flight” response, which accelerates adrenalin. When adrenalin increases the heart rate speeds up, pupils dilate, the mouth dries, the back and neck muscles stiffen, hearing is heightened, and you began to take bigger gulps of oxygen. The fear is real and the effects of the fear are real. Studies have shown that speaking fear rates right up there with the fear of death.

Now for the good news. The good news is that you are not alone and over 95% of public speakers experience some form of public speaking anxiety. They have all conquer the symptoms that come with speaking anxiety and so can you. What is necessary to counter-attack the symptoms of speaking fear and gain confidence in any oral presentation is a strategy.

1.       Stop trying to be perfect.

Even the most successful public speakers will trip up and have a slip of the tongue. Either they recover and continue speaking or they will laugh off the error and if you notice the audience will join in the laughter. Your human and humans make mistakes. If you make a mistake, it’s okay – just keep going.

2.       Be yourself.

You are individual with your own personality. If you are serious, don’t try to force humor. If you are outgoing, don’t try to feign a solemn demeanor. Anything outside your authentic personality is going to come off as fake. Unless you are trained in theatre arts, you’re not going to fool your audience. Also trying to come off as something that you’re not, is a good way to trip yourself up.

3.      Get excited over your topic.

The people of your audience are there to listen to you and they want to hear what you have to say. Know your subject and think of different ways to improve it. Even if you find topic boring, find something interesting that you can add to it. Give the people what they came there for.

4.       Visualize and focus on positive thoughts.

For every negative thought or fear that tries to creep up, knock it down with a positive self-affirming thought. Focus on how competent you are; be thankful for the trusted opportunity to speak to others. Stop seeing the audience as the enemy. Instead view them as your friends, friendly accomplices all sharing one goal.

5.       When you’re up and speaking search out the friendly faces.

Have you ever noticed that while public speakers addresses the whole audience with their eyes, there are certain parts of the room that their eyes frequently land? In every audience there is a friendly face or faces, one that will smile when you smile. One who will give encouraging nods letting you know that they are listening and they are with you.

Speaking fear comes in various degrees and people will have to find the methods that work for them. Some require a little more work than others and that’s okay. There are many people who receive prescribed anti-anxiety drugs to combat speaking fears. If you feel that your fears are severe, then please consult your doctor and discuss what options are available to you. Also available is Toastmasters International, a non-profit organization that helps individuals increase skills of communication and public speaking. Toastmasters International is highly successful for many people and has local chapters in 103 countries.

You don’t have to let your speaking fear rule you, there are many options to help you conquer your fears and succeed.