by Autherine B. Smith

Created on: August 02, 2009

The secret to overcoming your fear of public speaking is to listen to good speakers, become familiar with good speech, and learn to breathe deeply when you speak in public. I recommend listening to live speakers. However, listening to speakers on television and in film can be equally effective.

Do everything you can to choose speakers you would like to emulate. No one can see as clearly as you the image of the accomplished speaker you'd like to become. If, for example, you are a law student dreaming of becoming a prosecutor, make a concerted effort to listen to Manhattan's long tenured District Attorney, the legendary Robert M. Morgenthau, a masterful litigator and public speaker.

If you are uncertain of your area of interests, faith institutions are fertile grounds for excellent speakers. In Philadelphia, a handful of rabbis as well as Baptist ministers are well known for their inspirational speaking. Visit their institutions or watch them on your local public access stations.

Good speakers are also well read. Having a command of your subject matter will give you an added boost of confidence.

A spark of confidence is a key ingredient in a good speech. You can build your confidence with practice. When you practice your speech, practice your breathing techniques as well. Breathing deeply forces you to slow down and invites you to pause, which can demonstrate a powerful effect. It gives your audience time to take in what you've said and to respond with their approval. Shallow breathing while speaking gives your speech a dimension of anxiety and may heighten your pitch. A lower pitched voice is more pleasing to the listener's ear. Practice controlling your pitch.

The practice and rehearsal step is the most exhaustive part of overcoming your fear of public speaking. Yet, it is the step that will pay the greatest dividends.

Find someone in your circle of family and friends who can support your goal of becoming a good speaker. Include her in your "dress rehearsals".

In the actual speaking environment, it is important to find a person in the audience to use as your 'focus point'. This person can be near or far away from you. Perhaps, you will choose the person with the easiest smile. You may choose the man who resembles your father or the woman with the beautiful red hair. I like to choose the first person who gives me a nod of approval. The reason for your selection is not as important as the selection. Selecting a

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