This post is the next part of How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking (Part I), with another 6 effective tips to conquer your fear of public speaking once and for all.
But, first of all, I recommend you to read or refresh the original post.
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And here is the continuation of the list of How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking:
1. Free yourself from the anxiety caused by the fear of failure
The fear of failure is probably the main cause of your anxiety when trying to speak in public. You don’t want to seem stupid in front of all these people; you don’t want to screw it up in front of your boss or your teacher; you don’t want to disappoint your audience; and so on. What you really want is to be perfect; you want people to respect you, to love you for your speaking skills and unique knowledge. Let me say you something, perfection is just impossible, above all if you are not an expert on what you do and you have not mastered your speech. So, don’t worry if your early speeches are not going exactly as you dreamed. Don’t worry to make some mistakes when you speak in public. Mistakes are normal and even desirable because we always can learn something valuable from them. Things don’t always happen as planned. The only way to overcome a fear is facing it with courage. Don’t worry too much about the result of your speech. Relax and keep your own mind as clear as possible focusing on the main points of the speech. Be confident and try your best.
2. Relax yourself before the speech
How to control nerves before the speech? Here some tips to relax and avoid nerves.
Ask yourself: What’s the worst that could happen?
Imagine the worst scenario possible. It’s not so bad. Then, once you’ve imagined the worst scenario possible you have to think what you would do to deal with the consequence. What? You get fired? Well, I don’t think you can get fired because your speech, but if you get fired for it you always can get another job, don’t you? Maybe you can find a better one. Or even better, you can start your own business. Is your audience laughing at you? I don’t think your audience do that, but if someone does don’t worry, relax, make a pause of 5 seconds and concentrate to deliver your main message as much clear as possible.
Be positive. visualize yourself giving the speech and doing it great. Optimistic thoughts will help you to boost your confidence. So, develop a positive mental attitude before your speeches and you will feel better.
Relax your body doing some exercises before the speech: stretch your muscles: legs, arms and mouth.
Take deep breaths, close your eyes and try to calm down. The breath can do wonders. Breathing exercises are an ideal way to relieve stress.
3. Avoid those situations that make you feel nervous
Don’t be late to deliver the speech. Why? Because being late and feeling rushed will make you feel nervous.
Test your equipment and be prepared to any unexpected event.
Please, don’t apologize when you make a mistake or when you feel nervous. People don’t want to hear any excuses, they just want to learn from you. So, instead of giving apologies try to focus on your message and deliver it as clear as possible.
4. Avoid negative thoughts
They lead to negative emotions and with a negative mood you are more likely to get nervous and screw it up.
5. Act as you’d like to feel
Act confidently and the audience will think that you are confident. Besides, if you act confidently you will eventually become more confident.
6. Be yourself
People love transparency and those who are genuine and authentic. If you seem artificial and unnatural your audience will feel tricked.
“Always do what you are afraid to do.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Written by: David Cantone
My Twitter: @DavidCantone
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Now, I’m looking to you for some wisdom:
Use the comments section of this post as a forum to post your own experiences, opinions and thoughts on this subject.
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