Sweaty palms. Upset stomach. Dizziness. Shortness of breath. Rapid heartbeat. These might sound like symptoms of the flu, but if you have a fear of public speaking, chances are you know them all too well.
Fear of speaking in public is extremely common, says David Greenberg, author of Simply Speaking! The No-Sweat Way to Prepare and Deliver Presentations and member of the National Speakers Association (NSA).
"According to the Book of Lists , the number one fear of American adults is speaking in front of groups," says Greenberg, adding that fear of death ranks at number seven on the same list. Greenberg himself, who speaks several times a week to audiences of up to 1,000 people, admits he still feels nervous before each and every presentation.
Depending on which scientific studies you read, anywhere from 44% to 85% of people feel some level of anxiety or discomfort before speaking or performing in public, as do many professional performers, says Howard Gurr, PhD, a New York psychologist who treats professional musicians and singers for stage fright.
According to the experts, several factors contribute to the nerves many people feel at the sight of a podium and microphone, including fear of embarrassment, fear of failure, and fear of rejection.
"People just don't want to be on center stage," explains Marjorie Brody, author of Speaking is an Audience-Centered Sport .
The ironic thing is that a touch of stage fright can actually help you be a more effective speaker. You can use the fear of failure to promote your success, if you allow it to motivate instead of discourage you.
The experts offer these tips on how to conquer your fear of public speaking:
"The fact is, if you aren't perfect, your audience will relate to you better," says Greenberg.
RESOURCES:
The National Speakers Association
http://www.nsaspeaker.org/
Toastmasters International
http://www.toastmasters.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Management Centre
http://www.cmctraining.org/index.asp?sid=0
Presentation Training Center
http://www.presentationstraining.org/
References:
Brody M. Speaking Is an Audience-Centered Sport . Career Skills Press; 1999.
Greenberg D. Simply Speaking: The No-Sweat Way to Prepare & Deliver Presentations . Goldenleaf Publications; 2000.
National Speakers Association website. Available at: http://www.nsaspeaker.org .
Toastmasters International website. Available at: http://www.toastmasters.org .
Last reviewed February 2008 by Ryan Estévez, MD, PhD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.