Introduction

Do you feel the butterflies in your stomach, your hands shaking and your heart racing when you have to speak in front of a crowd? You are not alone. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, affects around 75% of the population. However, public speaking is a crucial skill that can help you succeed in many areas of life. In this blog post, we will explore what public speaking is, why it matters, and how you can overcome your fear and become a confident speaker.

Public speaking is the act of delivering a speech or presentation to an audience. It can happen in various settings, from a formal conference to a casual gathering with friends. Public speaking can serve several purposes, such as informing, persuading, entertaining, or inspiring the listeners. It requires good communication skills, including clarity, confidence, coherence, and charisma. Moreover, public speaking can enhance your personal and professional development by boosting your self-esteem, expanding your network, and advancing your career prospects.

Fresh graduates can particularly benefit from having public speaking skills. As they enter the job market, they may face interviews, networking events, and presentations that require them to showcase their abilities and personality. By being able to speak fluently and convincingly, they can stand out from the competition and leave a positive impression on potential employers. Quoting Sharon Sayler, a communication coach, "Your ability to communicate with confidence and clarity is essential to career success."

Overcome the Fear

So, how can you overcome the fear of public speaking and speak like a pro? Here are some tips:

Prepare thoroughly: Make sure you know your topic, your audience, and your purpose. Research, rehearse, and revise your speech until you feel comfortable with it. Visualise yourself delivering a successful talk and focus on the positive outcomes.

Start small: Begin by speaking to a friendly audience, such as your family, friends, or colleagues. Gradually increase the size and formality of your audience and challenge yourself to speak in different contexts.

Focus on the message: Instead of focusing on your fear, focus on the message you want to convey. Remember that you are sharing information or ideas that are important to you.

Use supportive techniques: Deep breathing, relaxation, positive self-talk, and visualisation can help you reduce anxiety and boost confidence. Also, use props, visual aids, and humour to engage the audience and convey your message effectively.

Seek feedback: Ask for feedback from trusted sources, such as a mentor, a coach, or an objective listener. Analyse your strengths and weaknesses, and work on improving them. Learn from your mistakes, and don't take negative feedback personally.

Public speaking is an important skill that can open doors to new opportunities. While glossophobia is a common fear, it can be overcome with practice and preparation. As Mark Twain once said, "It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a good impromptu speech." So don't be afraid to put in the time and effort to hone your public speaking skills. With persistence, you can learn to speak like a pro and overcome your fears.

Next Steps

Check out our affordable Advanced Employability Course to help you be ready for your next workplace and learn more about public speaking.