Do you get nervous when you think about giving a presentation in front of a group? Many people do, and it can be a paralyzing fear. However, with the right preparation and mindset, you can overcome your fear of public speaking and be successful. In this blog post, we will discuss what is the fear of public speaking, why we feel this way, and learn some tips to overcome your fears.
Contents
What Does Fear Of Public Speaking Mean?
Fear of Public Speaking means having a fear of being in front of an audience. It can range from slight nervousness to paralyzing fear and panic. It is cited as the most commonly reported fear amongst human beings. The perception of a possible threat, for example, the fear of being judged or laughed at, activates the body’s fight-or-flight response.
Reasons For Experiencing Fear Of Public Speaking
There are many reasons why someone might have a fear of public speaking. It could be that they have low self-esteem, are introverted, or have had a bad experience in the past.
Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem is one of the main reasons for the fear of public speaking. If you don’t think highly of yourself, then it’s likely that you will be worried about what other people think of you. This can be a vicious cycle, as the more nervous you are, the worse your presentation will be, and the more negative feedback you’ll get.
Nervousness
This is the most common cause of fear and anxiety. When we get nervous, our heart rate increases, we start to sweat, and our mind races. This can make it difficult to focus on what we want to say and deliver a great presentation.
Stage fright
Many people feel stage fright when they think about giving a presentation. This is because they are worried about how they will be perceived by the audience. Will they laugh at me? What if I make a mistake? These thoughts can be paralyzing and make it difficult to give a great presentation.
Anxiety
Anxiety can also be a cause of fear of public speaking. When we are anxious, we may worry about what could go wrong or how we will be perceived by the audience. The particular fear of speaking in front of people is known as glossophobia.
Past experiences
If you have had a bad experience in the past, such as being laughed at or forgetting your lines, this can also contribute to your apprehensions and may hold you back from trying.
Tips to Overcome The Fear of Public Speaking
Now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons why people have a fear of public speaking, let’s talk about some tips to overcome this fear.
Practice
One of the best ways to overcome your fear is through practice. The more you do it, the easier it will become. You can start by giving speeches to your friends or family, or record yourself speaking.
Know your material
If you know your material inside and out, you will be less likely to get nervous and make mistakes. Be sure to practice your presentation several times before delivering it. Focus on learning it instead of memorizing your presentation, so that you have room for improvisations.
Visualize success
Another way to overcome your fear is to visualize yourself giving a great presentation. See yourself being confident and delivering the speech flawlessly. This will help increase your confidence when you actually give the presentation.
Focus on the audience
Once you’re up in front of the group, try to focus on the audience and not on yourself. This will help you relax and feel more comfortable speaking. Have active eye contact with your audience and avoid looking at the floor or walls.
Breathe
Practice breathing and grounding exercises to keep yourself calm. Take slow, deep breaths and practice saying positive affirmations. Five-finger breathing technique is a calming and therapeutic hack practiced to ensure mindful breathing.
Get help
If you’re finding it difficult to overcome your fear of public speaking, there’s no shame in seeking professional help. A therapist can help you work through your fears and give you tools to deal with them. Exposure Therapy is the most commonly practiced approach to handle this fear.
Conclusion
Fear of public speaking is a common fear that can have a negative impact on your life.However, giving a great presentation doesn’t have to be scary. By following these tips, you can overcome your fear and deliver a successful speech. Just remember to breathe, focus on the audience, and visualize success, and you’ll be giving amazing presentations in no time!
A Word From Therapy Mantra
Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.
At TherapyMantra, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
