Are you someone who gets anxious just thinking about standing in front of a crowd and speaking your mind? If so, then you’re not alone. Fear of public speaking is widespread: one study found that 75% of people suffer from ‘glossophobia’ – the formal term for fear of public speaking.
Public speaking can be terrifying, whether it’s the prospect of producing coherent sentences in front of unfamiliar faces or the underlying feelings of being judged by those around us. In this blog post, we’ll explore ways to overcome this fear and learn how to enjoy delivering speeches in any social setting – no matter how daunting! Read on for helpful tips and advice to tackle glossophobia head-on.
Why Is Overcoming Public Fear Important?
Overcoming your fear of public speaking is an important skill to possess in many areas of life. Whether it be giving a presentation at work, engaging in a debate during an academic course, or even giving a toast at a family gathering – being able to express yourself confidently in front of an audience is invaluable.
Additionally, speaking in public can help build confidence and give you the opportunity to be heard — both of which are incredibly important when succeeding in life.
Why People Fear Speaking Publicly
1. Fear of Judgement
Many people feel nervous speaking in front of a crowd because they are worried about what others think. We tend to judge ourselves harshly, making us extra self-conscious about our public speaking abilities.
2. Fear of Failure
It’s normal to feel anxious about how well you will perform. Making mistakes or stammering are common fears associated with public speaking and can lead to anxiety.
3. Fear of the Unknown Sometimes, just the unknown element of what will happen can be intimidating. For example, you may not know who is in the audience or what questions they might ask, which could lead to feeling overwhelmed and unprepared
How to Overcome Fear of Public Speaking
1. Start Small
Start with a small audience and take baby steps towards larger goals. For example, practice giving a speech to your family or friends before trying it in front of a larger crowd.
2. Practice Effective Presentation Skills
Practicing your speech is key to overcoming public speaking anxiety. Run through it a few times before the event, and even record yourself practicing. This will help you get comfortable with the material and know what to expect, giving you more confidence.
3. Take Breathing Breaks
Take a few moments to pause and take deep breaths before speaking. This will help you stay calm, relaxed, and focused on the task.
4. Channel Your Anxiety
Turn your nervousness into excitement and use it as motivation to perform well. Make sure you have a positive mindset and focus on the task ahead.
5. Try Hypnosis
Hypnosis is an effective way of tackling public speaking anxiety. Hypnotherapy can help to reprogramme your subconscious mind, making it easier to overcome your fear and perform better.
At the Hypnosis and Therapy Centre, Caitríona and Fiachra can help you overcome your anxiety about public speaking so that you may talk freely and without worry. We can help you develop the confidence and mindset needed to face any public speaking challenge through Hypnosis. If you’d like more information on our hypnosis services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Public speaking can refer to presenting at work, hopping on Zoom calls, giving a speech at a wedding or even just speaking in front of a small group of friends. No matter how big the group, how often you speak or how severe your anxiety or panic attacks are around it, we can help.
Hypnotherapy at the Hypnosis and Therapy Centre
As a multi-award winning clinic, we have worked with countless people on a vast range of issues such as chronic pain, PTSD, migraines, insomnia, tinnitus, OCD, anxiety and many other medically-diagnosed issues. Some of our clients have spent thousands on experts and consultations, being held back in their careers and their lives for many years. They are in disbelief how seemingly easy the process is.
Get in contact below if you want to eliminate your fear of public speaking and feel more confident in any situation.