You think you fear public speaking. That's common enough – a typical survey shows that 72-75% of people feel somewhat uncomfortable about being in the spotlight.
But do you believe that all these millions of people experience the same type of fear? Do you have the same symptoms? Get the same dark thoughts? Do your worst-case scenarios match?
Most likely, no.
There are numerous underlying fears that fall under the umbrella "public speaking fear" term. But before we delve into it, do a little exercise with me:
Imagine yourself on stage in front of a few dozen people. Answer the following questions in as many details as possible:
- What's the first word that popped in your head when you imagined this?
- How would a situation like this make you feel?
- What would be your worst nightmare in this situation?
- What do you think people would think about you?
Answering these questions is likely to reveal what's something that you actually dread when it comes to public speaking. Typically, it will be one of the Big 5:
Fear of Humiliation
You get on stage and do something embarrassing. Maybe you forget your words, or stutter, or fall down, or maybe even can't hold your bladder. Whatever it is, people laugh at you, or boo you, or somehow else make you feel utterly humiliated.
Fear of Judgement
You can't stop tormenting yourself over what other people may think about you. Usually, you fear them negatively perceiving either your appearance (look ugly/sound funny) or intelligence (say something stupid). In both cases, you fear their opinion of you won't be flattering.
Fear of Making a Mistake
Everything goes well but then you make a tongue slip, or your voice breaks, or you confuse your lines, or mispronounce someone's name. Something that will make you lose your footing and spoil the rest of your talk.
Fear of Being Ostracised
You consider it a rather likely outcome that your stage performance could make you an outcast. Whether it's your point of view, or a poor performance, or an unintentional offence – something will go wrong, and your social circle won't tolerate that.
Fear of Hearing a "No"
Every public talk has a goal or an expected outcome, so you fear you won't achieve it. Depending on the situation, it can be manifested as more of a fear of rejection or failure.
Does it sound like you?
The fear of public speaking can take multiple forms but the good news is – a handful of practical tips and exercises can help you battle it on stage.
Here are 6 things you could try to tame your anxiety:
- Practice, practice, practice. New = dangerous for your brain, so the more familiar you're with the situation, the calmer you will be.
- Find a friendly face in the audience. When you feel the nerves rush, look at someone who's been nodding along or smiling to feel reassured.
- Imagine the worst-worst case scenarios. Then, work out a plan of getting out of it with minimal damage. What you'd do and say, a joke to relieve tension, or whatever else could be appropriate.
- Rehearse with friends/family/colleagues. Understand what impression you make and how you could improve it.
- Come prepared. Have little memo cards with clues. Check the room's setup. Send reminders to the audience. Check your clothes and face. Drink some water.
- Smile! First, it's hard to dislike a person who's smiling at you. Second, you'll appear more confident. Third, you'll trick your brain into feeling less anxious.
It may take a bit of time and repetition to completely get rid of the fears associated with public speaking, but the sooner you start, the sooner you'll realise that taking the spotlight can be a rather enjoyable activity!