Fear of Public Speaking
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anonymous Asks ...
I am terrified to speak in public. I have done it a few times as an adult but only after having a bunch of drinks to calm down or lose my fear. I have to give a conference presentation in a month and I am terrified, and since I don't think getting half cut before my presentation would win me any points with my supervisors. I have to figure out a way to do this sober. I've got 36 days. What do I do?
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Jill Palmer Says ...
Public speaking is one of the most common fears. It's probably true that everyone else speaking at the conference is also fearful to some degree. What's the fear about? People won't like you? You'll mess up and embarrass yourself? You'll freeze? Whatever the fear is, the goal is to stop your adrenaline from flowing too much so you can keep your wits about you. The fastest way to control adrenaline is deep breaths. I would recommend practicing your presentation in front of friends or coworkers so you are more confident with the material and potential questions that might come up. I would also practice deep breathing so you get good at it before the conference. Deep breathing happens from your diaphragm and not your chest.
We're good at what we practice doing. If you can do mini - public speaking engagements before the conference, you'll get better at managing the fear. Make sense?
I wish you the best of luck!
