Comedian and actor Jerry Seinfeld once said, “I saw a study that said speaking in front of a crowd is considered the number one fear of the average person. Number two was death. This means if you have to be at a funeral, the average person would rather be in the casket than doing the eulogy.”
If the idea of speaking in public scares you – you are not alone! Many people worry they don’t know what to say or they’ll stumble over their words. Others may imagine scenarios that would embarrass them such as passing out, sweaty palms, or tripping and falling.
If this sounds like you, keep reading for some great tips on how to overcome your fear of public speaking.
Prepare and Practice
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Think about your message and condense it down it to key points you want to share. Start with a one-sentence summary, then expand to a 30-second and 60-second overview. Write your ideas down, practice saying them out loud in front of a mirror, and smile when speaking. Practice until the words flow easily and feel natural. Then practice with a trusted friend or family member to build confidence and ask for feedback.
If you are giving a longer speech or presentation, review your notes and practice so that you are at ease with what you want to say.
Affirmations and Confidence Building
“When you have confidence, you can have a lot of fun. And when you have fun, you can do amazing things.” - Joe Namath
Positive affirmations and visions of what you can achieve prepare you for the steps you need to take. It can be as simple as repeating a positive word or phrase in your mind or out loud every day. For some people, there is a song that makes them feel like they are on top of the world. Listen to that song just before you speak publicly. Keep playing it in your head if it puts you in a confident mood.
Have you ever tried taking a superhero pose? Stand with your feet wide and firmly planted, chest out, hands fisted on your hips, chin high! Let your body inform your mind you are going to succeed in the thing that scares you most, whether it’s public speaking or some other activity.
Breathe In and Out Slowly
"Deep breathing brings deep thinking and shallow breathing brings shallow thinking." - Elsie Lincoln Benedict
As you prepare to speak to new people, either individually or as a group, take a moment to slow your racing heart and mind with slow, deep breaths. Breathe in using your abdomen, hold it for a moment so oxygen flows to your brain, and then let it go slowly. A few of these can do wonders to calm and center you.
Visit and Join Us Weekly at Commerce Connections
Come network with other local business leaders at Commerce Connections every Wednesday from 7:30 – 9:30 am. We meet at The Scrambled Egg, located at 15282 Fishhawk Blvd, Lithia, Florida. We are a one-seat per industry group, so check our website to see if there’s a seat open and waiting for you to join us. Or at least visit and find out if we’re a good fit for you. We look forward to seeing you at our next meetup!