Why Is The Fear Of Public Speaking Such A Big Hairy Monster?

Why are we so terrified of being seen and heard?

At least 50% of the people who attend Speak for Success workshops cite managing fear and anxiety their number one reason for taking the class.

How does fear protect us?

Fear helps us by keeping us alert to physical dangers—but at the same time, when there really isn't imminent danger, it keeps us back from expressing ourselves fully.

It takes courage to stand at the front of the room and give a speech. We can’t hide when we are the center of attention.

Eleanor Roosevelt knew what she was talking about when she said:

You gain strength, courage and confidence in every
experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face…
You must do the thing that you think you cannot do.

What has fear held you back from doing?

I’m reminded of a scene in the movie The Valley of Elah where Tommy Lee Jones plays an army veteran. Tommy Lee’s character is telling the story of David and Goliath to a young boy named David. Tommy Lee says that "David had the courage to look fear in the face—he didn’t retreat even though he was just a small boy. He took aim with his slingshot and hit big Goliath in the head and killed him with the stone. David had the courage to do what others were too afraid to do."

Now, back to public speaking

The only way to gain confidence to give presentations is to give presentations. There isn’t a short cut that will give you the same experience and success. And, there are huge gifts you’ll receive from facing your fear.

Consider this:

What would walking through your fear enable
you to do in your life that you aren’t doing now?

It could help to look at fear in this way:

F - False
E - Evidence
A - Appearing
R - Real

(I don't remember where I heard this but I love it!)

Here are a few things you can do to slay the monster and ease yourself into speaking to groups:

* speak up and make suggestions at meetings
* give a speech to a low risk audience (students, friends,
your kids)
* talk about something you are excited about
* volunteer to be part of a committee or board
* make a list of the rewards you’ll receive from facing your fear

Remember this:

You speak with people every day in conversations and probably don’t feel anxious or fearful.
Since you already do it, it’s only natural that you be able to speak to a group comfortably.

From one who has slayed her own fear monsters, here's what I know:

Facing your fear and slaying this big hairy monster will allow you to feel much more confident and have a much greater impact on others.

I know that you can do it!

Article Source: http://www.search4allinfo.com

Dana Bristol-Smith is the founder of Speak for Success, an organization that works with companies that want their people to communicate with confidence and credibility. To receive a monthly article from Dana, sign up for her free Ezine at www.speakforsuccess.com

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