Many people are scared by the idea of being a lonely speaker in front of an audience. It is interesting that they are often self-confident people who are smart, funny, successful and able to formulate their ideas in a group or panel discussion. So, how to get rid of the irrational fear of public speaking? Bill Wackermann on Fastcompany.com advises to face the most frequent forms of fear in the following positive ways.
Are you afraid that you all will be judged by everyone?
Then you should know that most people are only interested in themselves. While you think they follow every word you say, they are more likely to think what they will do when your speech ends or read e-mails. Think about it when you speak and you will feel much less bound.
Do you think you have to be perfect?
Then repeat to yourself that no one is perfect and accept it as a plain fact. People will accept you as you are if you believe in yourself. Then you do not have to be afraid to make mistakes and show yourself as a human being.
Are you afraid that you will freeze and will not know how to go on?
In this case, bet on the technical side of the speech. You can learn the speech by heart and not focus on the eye contact in the first phase. The beginning is always the hardest part of the speech, so you should be well prepared for it. Once you've mastered the beginning, you will feel much more comfortable and the speech will follow naturally.
-Kk-