Give a Speech To How Many People? How to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking

The fear of public speaking can be immobilizing for those who suffer with this condition. Contrary to popular belief, individuals are not born with a fear of speaking in front of others; it is actually a learned response. As such, individuals possess the ability to unlearn this fear and to become effective public speakers. The following speaking tips can gradually help one to alleviate their fear of public speaking and the anxiety that normally comes as well.

One has heard from the time of childhood that practice makes perfect. Well, it applies all through life. Preparing in advance for speaking engagements is crucial to success. First, one should understand his or her audience. This can help the individual in choosing the appropriate subject for the speech and also whether it is okay to open with a joke; if so, the type of joke that would be appropriate and enough to loosen the room.

If it is possible, meet some of the people who will be in the audience before the speech; it is much easier to speak to people that one already feels that he or she knows. The more that one prepares for the speech beforehand, the more relaxed he or she will feel for the speech itself.

Envisioning a positive outcome really can work wonders. Creating a vivid mental picture and practicing deep breathing exercises are both ways to help calm one's nerves before speaking to the public. Staying focused on this mental picture is crucial. Many times, if one envisions a poor time, he or she has a poor time.

The opposite can also be true. Don't be afraid to tell one's self that he or she is great and will do a shining job. By staying positive, his or her audience will feed on his or her positive energy and the speech can be a success.

Be persistent in one's goals to overcome the fear of public speaking. Once the first step has been taken, the best way to continue improving one's public speaking skills is by continuing to speak in public. Develop a short speech that one can commit to memory and then give that speech as often as possible. The more that one speaks in public in a relaxed manner, the better he or she will get at it.

As stated earlier, the fear of speaking in public can certainly be immobilizing, but it does not have to be that way. Practice and be persistent; but, most of all, be positive and one will be able to give a speech to any sized group effortlessly. It really is not as bad as you think, using the above techniques can produce a stress free speech and make you a hit before your audience.

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