Tag Archive: stage fright


Overcoming Shyness For Public Speaking

Filed Under: Fear
Jun.27, 2010

Many people feel shy or fear public speaking, but they can use several approaches to help overcome these emotions. Beginning with organization, outlines, practice and more practice, a strong voice, and confidence will help create a clear and well presented speech.

Public speakers should start with a few basics steps. Focusing on a topic, assessing how much time is allotted, what props are needed, and any other details are important in the planning phase. There will be a big difference between a speech that is 2 minutes in length and in front of 8 peers and a speech that is at least 20 minutes and requires a slide show and written materials to be handed out to the audience. The location of the presentation is an important consideration, as well as if there will be a podium, a microphone, and how many people will attend.

The people who are attending, the audience, are a main ingredient of the speech, and their needs or expectations should be addressed. Understanding the audience will help direct the presentation to them and help establish a relationship with them as well. This relationship will also help make the presentation feel more like a conversation than an overwhelming speech.

The organization of the speech and attention given to the audience will build a foundation on which an outline for the speech can be created. A very simple format of Introduction, Points A, B, C, and more, as well as a Conclusion can be used, similar to formats used to write research reports. This outline keeps the presenter focused on each smaller, specific topic, and helps to diminish the sense that this is one large, overwhelming presentation.

It can sometimes actually be more effective for shy speakers not to memorize a speech word for word because it can be too easy to forget just one word, and that can undo everything and make the speaker feel completely lost. Using the outline approach helps to break the speech down into smaller sections that are easier to remember. Speakers should also not write the speech down and then read it aloud. The audience usually finds nothing more boring than a speech that is read to them as if they are listening to a book in audio form. There is little room for a connection to be made between the presenter and the audience this way, and a good connection can make the presenter feel more at ease when he has established a relationship with the audience.

Public speakers should also pay attention to their voices, both the volume and the tone. People who sound nervous are often speaking too quietly. This is where establishing the basic plan is important and the awareness of the presentation location and any audio devices used. If a shy presenter wants to feel more confident, he should practice sounding confident, even if he doesn’t feel that way. Experimenting with different volume levels and tones can improve the presentation and build confidence. If the speaker can add excitement and or animation to the presentation, it is likely to add to the authority of the presentation and enhance the information presented.

While there is no one easy strategy for overcoming shyness, there are several things people can do to alleviate some of the stress and make the experience more rewarding. Planning, preparing, connecting with the audience, and rehearsing in confident vocal varieties will help move a presenter from a quiet, read speech to a confident, conversational presentation.

Improving Public Speaking Wanting to actually stop your nervousness related to speaking on stage? Then go to www.HowToStopFearOfPublicSpeaking.com for more information and download plenty of FREE resources about fear of speaking in public. Overcoming The Fear Of Public Speaking

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Reduce The Fear Of Public Speaking

Filed Under: Fear
Jun.11, 2010

The fear of public speaking can affect people of all backgrounds and for many reasons. Often these reasons are based on unknowns and uncontrollable circumstances – the fear of mistakes and not having control. These fears of public speaking cross into all professions, across all cultural and sociological barriers. Understanding that this is not an unusual fear can actually help to overcome these anxious feelings.

There are numerous reasons behind the fear of public speaking, but they often result in the same emotions. The anxiety can reach levels where a person might have a dry mouth, shaking hands or voice, sweaty palms, and feel physically ill. All of these symptoms can make speaking publicly a task that becomes overwhelming for some.

Speakers can take several steps when overcoming the fears associated with public speaking. The first, and one of the most important factors to consider, is the audience. The audience is an integral part of a presentation. Without the audience there is no speech that is heard, just as an audience without a presenter is just a crowd of people. The two are partners in the event and the speaker needs to look to the audience as a positive member of the team.

Those who fear public speaking often fear the reactions of the audience. There might be questions such as: Will the audience accept me? Will the audience believe my message? Will the audience laugh at me or pity me if I make a mistake? Questions such as these and not feeling confident in the answers adds to the anxiety for the presenter.

In actuality, the audience can also be the best source of positive support. In general, the audience wants the speaker to succeed and is looking forward to the shared experience. Many of the members of the audience are already in support of the speaker because it takes the pressure off of themselves and they are grateful that a qualified individual will be before them.

Connecting with the audience is important, and the speaker can do this by finding a message to send home with the audience, sharing a laugh with them, or even just making true eye contact with them. Some messages shared with the audience might be insightful information about a topic, or even just the shared passion of it. Focusing on positive outcomes and interactions will foster confidence and enhance the presentation.

The audience is a key component, but once they have been examined and accounted for, the speaker can focus on creating the presentation. A speaker who is passionate about or an expert of a topic can often just use an outline for a speech instead of a carefully worded script. By using the outline the speaker enhances their authority and builds on the issues of respect and trust.

If the presentation requires or the speaker relies upon a predetermined and detailed speech, it is a good idea to practice the lines in front of the mirror or a small audience. The more eye contact, if even with just a few audience members, the more effective the words will be.

The fear of public speaking can stem from a fear of imperfection and being self-conscious. Remembering to connect with the audience, looking to them as a partner, and getting comfortable with the topic will promote confidence and help combat the fear of public speaking.

Confidence Public Speaking Looking to be able to overcome your fear of public speaking? Then have a look at www.HowToStopFearOfPublicSpeaking.com for more information and download loads of FREE resources about fear of speaking in public. Fears Of Public Speaking

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Ways To Ease The Fear Of Public Speaking

Filed Under: Fear
May.27, 2010

The fear of public speaking can be an enormous obstacle for people throughout various stages in their lives. For some it involves trembling hands and voices, and for others it is so severe it actually prevents them from being able to give a speech or presentation. There are several tactics, however, that people can use to calm their fears and speak publicly without feeling faint.

The first thing to remember is to remain positive. The anxiety is only amplified by negative internal conversations and emotions. Some people will worry about their minds drawing a blank during a presentation, stumbling over words, and more. It is important for the speaker to make every effort to think positive thoughts, such as how much value the presentation will bring to the audience.

Focusing on the positive can be done by writing in a journal about the upcoming presentation. The speaker can write about how the presentation came to be, such as an employer requesting the presentation or a committee selecting the presenter. Being asked to give a presentation should be taken as a sign of respect and faith in the speaker?s knowledge. This background information can give confidence to the speaker and validate his qualifications for being chosen.

The speaker can also use the journal to record positive outcomes that might come from the presentation. These can be valuable pieces of information given to the audience, or feedback afterward about impacts. This part of the journal can serve as a script for the speaker and it can sometimes help the speaker to feel more in control of the situation when a plan has been made.

The journal should also be used to write down personal goals about the presentation, even the small ones. These goals might be positively influencing the audiences, making eye contact with the first and last rows in the audience, and more. The goals should be positive and reinforce the script. The speaker can use this part of the journal to keep himself focused on the end result.

The journal provides the foundation for creating positive internal dialogue, and there are more approaches a speaker can take to overcome a fear of public speaking. It may seem redundant, but practice, practice, and more practice will be one of the best combatants of the fear. The more comfortable a person is with the material, the less likely he will be to fear forgetting or stumbling through the presentation.

An effective way to rehearse for a presentation is to write the presentation notes on note cards that are color-coded according to topic. If the speaker has four main points on a given topic, the notes can be written so that each point uses a certain colored card. This will help keep the speaker focused and can be helpful if during the presentation the speaker gets momentarily lost or off track. Numbering the cards can also be done so that if they are dropped they are easily sorted.

The speaker should find as many opportunities as possible to practice the presentation in front of the mirror, while exercising, or in front of friends and family. Practicing the presentation in a secure environment will help make the speaker more comfortable with the information. The speaker can also provide feedback forms to audience members and ask for ideas for improvement.

During the actual presentation the speaker should remember that the audience is there as a partner, not an adversary. Instead of trying the old advice of imagining the audience naked, the speaker can look for a few friendly faces with whom to make eye contact. If eye contact is something that causes stress for the speaker, even looking just above the eyes of an audience member toward the hairline can give the appearance that the speaker is connecting.

It can be overwhelming to give a presentation to a large audience, but the fear of public speaking can be overcome by beginning with positive thinking. Recording thoughts and goals in a journal, practicing with friends and family, and focusing on the value of the information shared will aid in turning those fears into successes.

Improving Public Speaking Aiming to be able to deal with your fear of public speaking? Then take a look at www.HowToStopFearOfPublicSpeaking.com for more info and download plenty of FREE resources about fear of speaking in public. Public Speaking Nervousness

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