Overcoming The Fear of Public Speaking

Jerry Seinfeld is well-known for saying:  "According to most studies, people's number one fear is public speaking. Number two is death. Death is number two. Does that sound right? This means to the average person, if you go to a funeral, you're better off in the casket than doing the eulogy."  Are you afraid of public speaking?  If you are, that fear may be holding you back from your greatness.

Excerpts from a 11/7/11 articles written by Nick Morgan for Forbes include these tips:

"1.  Redefine the fear as adrenaline, and therefore a good thing. 

 2.  Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse.  Rehearse a lot. 

 3.  Breathe deeply, from the belly.  Breathe slowly, and often. Breathing is good for you, your voice, and your composure.

 4.  Focus on the audience, not on yourself. 

 5.  Focus on an emotion that you want to convey to the audience. "

Breathing keeps you in the moment, a key factor in being your best self.  Focusing on the audience allows us to connect with what we can do to serve them, which takes us out of the place where we are ruled by our egos.  In terms of the emotion you want to convey, he suggests if it's anger, to revisit and allow your body to feel anger (or any other emotion) from a memory.

When I had a corporate job, I offered to speak any time they needed a volunteer.  I became the "go to" person for public speaking in my department.  I loved training and it became part of my job description.    Becoming comfortable with positive skills that currently make you uncomfortable can help you live your best life.

If possible, you might wish to introduce yourself to a few members of the audience.  Then, if you feel like you are being overcome by fear, you can look to them for encouragement.  Bringing your authentic self to the public speaking engagement is a must.  If the audience feels your sincerity, they will enjoy being part of hearing you speak your truth.  I always like to engage the audience, when possible, it's nice to have others involved in "taking the pulse" of what people are thinking.  

We all have our perfect moments, we all have our epic failures.  Knowing that it's OK to fail gives us the potential of learning new skills without paralyzingly fear.  Working through our fears gives us a better chance at success.

Have a great day!

Xo

Conni

Today's Mantra:  I intend to work through my fears to give myself the best chance at success.

Mantra for Every Day: I choose to send love to all; receiving love back multiplied in infinite proportions, creating and nurturing pathways of love.