2 of 46

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

in your stomach....just teach them to fly in formation.

5. Visualize success-Visualization works. Pat Riley, the NBA championship coach, had his team practice shooting free throws under two different circumstances. One group practiced shooting free throws in the gym and the other group sat in a room and visualized successfully making free throw shots. When the group reconvened and shot free throws together, guess who performed better? The group who had practiced visualization. Again, you have nothing to use. Once you've written your speech and you know the venue, imagine yourself giving an outstanding presentation.

6. Focus on your message- Have you ever felt so strongly about something that you couldn't remain silent? Consider that feeling when you think about public speaking. Make your message more important than your fear. Yes, you are afraid, but what you have to say is so important that it supercedes your fear.

7. The audience won't notice your fear - Sweaty palms or shaking hands are external symptoms of your fear of public speaking. You are internally terrified and it is starting to make you shake and sweat. You want to run out of the room so the audience won't see how terrified you are, This experience is often referred to as the "fear and flight" syndrome. Instead of running, you stand your ground. Know that unless you point out your physical symptoms of fear, your audience will never notice.

In closing, good luck with your public speaking experience. If you are afraid, seek opportunities to speak. The more you practice, the more you will overcome your fear.

Learn more about this author, Renee Brokaw.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about How to overcome the fear of public speaking?
We want to hear your view. Write now!