Factors That Cause Public Speaking Anxiety
In a survey done by Dr. Laurie Rozakis, author of Idiots Guide
to Public Speaking, it was found that many people are scared to
speak before a group. It is the number one fear among Americans,
"--and the number 6 is fear of death," according to Dr. Rozakis.
Even the most experienced speaker gets anxious when speaking in
public. However, this fear can be controlled so that you can put
your fear to your advantage. This topic teaches us why people
are nervous when speaking in front of a crowd and how you can
conquer your fear.
FEAR OF THE AUDIENCE
People are afraid of rejection by their audience. Thus, many are
terrified of speaking in public for fear of being criticized by
the crowd for how they look or how they deliver their speech. On
the contrary, audiences are very understanding about the
speaker's problem with stage fright. You become more nervous
when your fear of the audience increases.
Below are some strategies that can help you overcome your fear
of the audience.
> Choose a topic that you like and you are familiar with. The
more comfortable you are about your chosen topic, the more
confident you are in facing your audience.
> Concentrate on your topic. Focus on your topic and not on
yourself. When you start to think of your subject matter and not
yourself, your fear of speaking will likely decrease.
> Say to yourself: "I am the BOSS." Trust in your capability of
delivering your speech. Showing that you are in charge decreases
your fear and increases your confidence in facing the situation.
> Don't think of your audience as a threat. Bridge the gap
between your audience and yourself. Analyze carefully to
establish rapport. You should consider age, gender and their
level of expertise. Remember to analyze your audience.
FEAR OF FAILURE
There are two ways to win over your fear of failure.
> Picture yourself succeeding. If you think that you will
stutter in front of many people, chances are you will stutter.
But if you visualize yourself delivering your speech well, then,
you will.
> Face your fear. You cannot overcome your fear unless you show
it and admit that you are afraid of it.
FEAR THAT YOUR SPEECH IS A BAD SPEECH
> Write well. Take time to write your speech. Review it and
rewrite if necessary. If you are confident with your speech, the
less terrified you will be about speaking in public.
> Practice and ask for suggestions on how you can improve your
speech. Ask a friend of relative to act as your audience. Once
you have delivered your topic, ask for their feedback. Don't be
afraid to hear about what they will say. Their feedback can give
you insight on what is good or bad in your speech.