Fear of public speaking is also known as glossophobia (which literally means “fear of language”). This is the stress that a person experiences during public speaking. It is believed that one in four people is afraid to speak to an audience. Even famous musicians and stars often suffer from this phobia.
Regardless of personal or professional experience, the ability to confidently and eloquently exchange words is of paramount importance. There are 5 main steps to help overcome the fear of public speaking. So, what methods help to overcome the fear of the scene?
1. Visualization of success
The basic part of the fear that a person experiences comes from his own negative thinking.
Thoughts such as “I don't think I can do this; I can forget my notes, ”is the main problem of many. The first step in trying to resist negative thinking is what is called visualization of success. The scientifically proven fact that an effective way to counter negative mental experiences is positive thoughts.
Find a quiet place where you can be calm for at least 15 minutes, create a mental image of speech that will be a complete success. See how the audience is happy and learning from you. Imagine how confidently you share your ideas. Visualize success, not what you fear.
2. Purposeful practice
How many times have you heard this well-meaning advice: “Practice perfects”? You may wonder, "I trained again and again, why am I not improving?" We were told to practice, but no one ever told us how. In his book Peak, Anders Ericsson introduces the concept of focused practice, which he defines as a focused process to achieve a clearly defined and specific goal.
What we all do is called a naive practice that repeats a specific task and expects improvement. This practice associated with public speaking is extremely ineffective. There are many skills that you need to master in order to become a strong speaker. Thus, focused practice is the right way, because it allows you to focus on one skill at a time and receive timely feedback on what is and what is not. Always train for the goal.
3. Energy circulation
Science says that we are excited and stressed when we speak to the public. Our adrenal glands secrete adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol, which are chemicals that fight stress. From a physiological point of view, to be ready to fight or run away are two sides of the same coin. But we can direct the same energy arising as a result of fear of the scene to prepare ourselves for speech.
Positive thoughts like “I'm not worried! I can ”can help your subconscious mind to believe that you are not worried. Our subconscious does not distinguish and does not rationalize, it accepts the truth and accepts everything that we offer. Positive self-suggestions penetrate deep into our subconscious and manifest in feelings and actions. Never tell yourself that you are afraid.
4. Action
Without consistent and persistent action, high results cannot be achieved. Many people attend speaker presentations and seminars, hoping to get the desired results immediately. But this does not work, and will not work. The three previous steps do not mean anything unless you have an action plan that you can use to achieve your goal.
Knowledge alone will not bring any result.Knowledge combined with deliberate, systematic actions - will bring 100 percent result. How many times a week are you ready to practice? Do you have a support group? The fact that you are reading this article is vivid proof that you are looking for methods to combat fear on stage. So, why not take a pen and paper and write your next action? Make a plan, at the end of which is a victory.
In addition, being on stage, do not focus on personal problems. If something from your personal life makes you worry, try to take care of it before the performance.
5. Define your goal, audience and materials
Before giving a speech, you must have three things clearly: purpose, audience, and materials.
First write on a blank sheet of paper at the very top, why are you doing this? Or in the form of a similar statement: "By the end of my speech, the audience will learn this." Without a goal, you will not be able to convey your opinion to the audience so that they would accept your point of view. Next, write with whom you are talking.
Before entering the stage, it is necessary to collect basic information about the age group of the audience, cultural background and level of knowledge. This knowledge gives you the opportunity to properly format your presentation in order to attract an audience and convey your opinion more effectively.
Finally, be sure to master the materials. In particular, introduction, basic ideas and conclusion. Do not stand in front of the audience without memorizing the speech. Full ownership of the materials will increase self-confidence, which in turn will reduce the fear of public speaking.
Proper preparation also includes a lot of practice, enough sleep to have energy for a strong performance.
Methods will help - if you use them
These methods will be useful to you, as many speakers have also struggled with stage fear. Your willingness to try, fail, and become better — that is the magic of opportunity.
As you already understood, all that needs to be done to turn your fear from an enemy into a friend is to speak and act, despite insecurity.