Make 2021 the Year For Less Public Speaking Fear

Hands up who gets presenting jitters? I do! And I know I’m not alone. Fear of public speaking, AKA Glossophobia, impacts 77% of Americans. Having personally suffered from this crippling problem, I know we're all capable of managing our fears. This two-part article series provides six helpful tips (and in perfect time for the new year).

Commit to Change

Step one to overcoming your fears: Avoid complacency. Know that others notice when we speak well and strong communication skills lead to deals and promotions. Note too: More than half of Fortune 500 companies now host in-house Toastmasters groups to help coach teammates to communicate better. Leaders no longer consider communication a soft skill — communicating well breeds success. If you're feeling you want shift in this area, then, sign up for change! Let's go!

Learn From Those You Admire

Overcoming anxiety over public speaking takes time; but finding a speaker whose style you enjoy offers ideas on what to target and cultivate in your own style. Watch how the presenter moves, paces, speaks, and structures their presentation. Then, emulate that style (and approach) and make it your own. (Please note: I'm not suggesting you become inauthentic. Be yourself. But watch someone whose style you like and dissect why you like it. This step provides clues on how you want to present.)

I once suffered from terrible public speaking anxiety and considered abandoning my professor (and consulting) career. The classic symptoms mortified me: Pounding chest, croaky voice, and shaking hands. As I pushed through, I found comfort in watching BBC News Anchor Katty Kay—my shero—whose style, confidence, and energy I adore. Particularly, I watched this video where she makes terrific use of data up top, deliberate pausing, and breathless executive energy. When I present to a high-stakes client or a new team, I circumnavigate panic and pretend I’m Kay instead. This visualization technique (and understanding my fears) works every time.

Understand the Root of Your Fear

To manage your fear in a lasting and powerful way, I recommend exploring with a coach what sits behind your fear. Coach Shirzad Chamine, author of Positive Intelligence, believes the root of any negative emotion becomes fear based. The root of any positive emotion becomes rooted in love.

So, what's your fear when you present? Fear of poverty? Falling back? Losing acceptance? Ridicule from others? Fear of not belonging? Fear of embarrassment? Fear of not being prepared? When we know what's driving the fear, we can accept vs. resist and replace fear with love. Love for your courage. Love for being wonderful enough already where others want you to present. Love for exploration and learning. Love for getting out of your comfort zone.

Using this same Positive Intelligence methodology, you might look for a gift, opportunity, or knowledge from this challenge. What's this anxiety around speaking to others here to teach you? What might an ease and flow approach look and feel like vs. pushing and resisting? How might you call the bluff to any lies your inner Judge tells you?

Now you've three tips for overcoming any lingering discomfort you feel with public speaking: Understanding what causes the fear, finding a speaker whose style you like for clues on your own desired style, and committing to change. You've got this!

More blogs on how to write and speak in ways that others want to listen live here.