Fear of public speaking
How to overcome fear for public speaking? (glossophobia)
Don't! Accept it. It is perfectly normal. In fact, our brain tells us that it is dangerous to stand in front of such a large group. ‘You are not going to win this fight’. Our reptilian brain (the oldest part of our brains), may even make us go into fight, fligh or freeze mode.
I have been presenting to groups for about 15 years now and where I once had the illusion that this fear would simply disappear over the years, I can now live with it and accept it as it is. Because with every new group that I am facing, I feel (a little) tension still. ‘Is my story good enough?’, “what if they are critical?
But that anxiety is also joy of living, tension that is usually released and turns into enthusiasm while presenting. So I try to ‘frame’ the fear differently, as enthusiasm and as excitement.
After giving my commitment for a training session, I start my preparation. On a content level: I prepare the sheets and then leave it be. Not going over it 10 times again. Content-wise, it can't get much better and doing more will only create more stress.
During the presentation, I then have both sufficient structure and the freedom to choose my wording in the moment. That's the perfect balance for me.
And then the presentation starts...
I start with doing myself a favor. I reach out to the audience to create a connection (e.g. I ask a question). It forces me to be in the now and not get lost in the (fearful) story in my head. Making contact with the audience also comforts my brain and makes me feel safe and relaxed: ‘oh, but these are very friendly people!’.
And while presenting, if I go too fast, or feel (too much) insecurity rising up. Then I look for that interaction once again. Just taking the pressure off myself by putting the ball in the audiences court by asking a question, for example. I makes me get back in touch with myself as a result and reconnect with the group.
Having the courage to keep doing presentations ensures that the fear-monster does not grow and the joy of presenting remains.
In short, what works for me:
1- Accept your fear. It's perfectly normal.
2- Balance how much you prepare. Too much leads to excessive thinking and too little leads to a lack of structure.
3- Connect in the moment. People are less scary when they talk. Take the pressure of your shoulders by asking your audience a question.