Fearful Public Speaker

You're not alone. We all know the importance of public speaking. Public speaking is considered the greatest fear a person can have, even greater than the fear of death. Yet, many people are able to master their terror of speaking in front of a group.  Research shows that a significant factor in people being promoted at work is the ability to express one's self in public or at a meeting, concisely and effectively, no matter how large the gathering.

Don't berate yourself for what you cannot do, or for what strikes terror in your soul. Think instead about the times you have told a joke or a meaningful story to a group of friends. These are examples of public speaking, and they are positive experiences you can build on. Practice is what helps people get better at speaking in front of people. Some people take courses or classes in speech communication, drama, and theater to increase confidence and strengthen skills. Also, throughout the country, Toastmasters International holds regular meetings where ordinary people gather to strengthen their public speaking and communication skills. Their information line is 1.800.993.7732.

The courses, workshops, and even Toastmasters provide ideas and tips related to everything from losing your thoughts to dry mouth to shaking uncontrollably. Every physical response you can mention has a cause and a solution. Remember — this skill can be learned. For example, actors with stage fright are coached to transform their feelings of fear into excitement and anticipation. They learn to harness their fear and use it to galvanize themselves into performing at their absolute best.

The following points may also give you some specific ideas to keep in mind as you plan your talks.

• Come up with three or four important messages or headlines that you would like your audience to understand, use, and/or be inspired by.
• Keep your talk simple; remember, you know much more about your subject than they do — and, being overloaded with information can be a burden.
• Weave stories — personal or made-up ones — through your talk to illustrate points and heighten interest.
• Try out some of your stories, jokes, and ideas on friends.
• Practice your presentation formally in front of a mirror or to a group of friends.
• As teachers have been saying for years about framing your talk:
  • Tell 'em what you're gonna tell 'em.
  • Tell 'em.
  • Tell 'em what you told 'em.
• Before you begin, ask your audience members for their names, and find out their goals and experiences as they relate to your presentation.
• Focus on eye contact with your attendees — looking just over the tops of their heads or at their noses will work, too.
• Speak a little more loudly than you think is necessary — talking to the person farthest away from you can help you maintain appropriate volume.
• Slow down, smile, and breathe.
• Allow time for questions and answers.

Another option to think about is hypnosis. Hypnosis involves the guidance of the individual by a qualified health care provider, who suggests that this person experience changes in perception, sensation, subjective experience, emotion, thought, and/or behavior. In this case, hypnosis can help to allow some people to overcome their fear of public speaking through various techniques, including relaxation and visualization.

Yet another choice is a visit to your primary care provider to discuss the possible use of medication to help overcome your fear. Drugs called "beta-blockers" are non-habit forming, inexpensive, and can stop the huge rush of adrenaline that occurs with anxiety right before a speech. When taken prior to a performance situation, beta-blockers can help to reduce the physical symptoms related to performance anxiety, including palpitations, hyperventilation, trembling lips, and sweating palms. Also, many anxious speakers and performers prefer beta-blockers to other drugs because they allow them to remain mentally alert, which is not always the case with all medications used to treat anxiety.

As with almost any medication, however, drug interactions and unwanted side effects could potentially occur. Make sure your health care provider is aware of any pre-existing medical issues you may have — beta-blockers can worsen some conditions, such as depression. Nevertheless, when prescribed by a health care provider, beta-blockers are considered to be a safe and effective aid for those who want speak out and not freak out.  If you are a student at Columbia, you can make an appointment with a health care provider by logging on to Open Communicator or by calling 4-2284.

A few brave steps, some practice and you'll be a speaking pro before you realize.  Talk on...

Alice

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