How to overcome fear of public speaking?

Many of us develop various fear over a period. The process of developing fear starts right from childhood when children get startled with sounds. It then evolves over a period based on our belief, perception and experiences over many things like fear of – height, rejection, loneliness, public speaking etc.

Some of the aspects that help you develop confidence and overcome fear of public speaking are appended below:

1. Start with speaking up in team meetings, parties/trainings. Do not miss an opportunity to practice addressing the audience. Practice before a mirror and video record your talk. Observe yourself and improve. Keep practicing.

2. Visualize that the audience is hearing what you are saying for the first time in their life and whist you are speaking everyone is admiring you. Since they are usually battling their own innate fears, their focus is more on themselves. So do not think that you are being watched closely.

3. When you make mistakes, the easiest way is to laugh on yourself. It shows you are confident. All of us make mistakes and people often ignore small mistakes. However, do not repeat them. If you forget your lines, the best way is to refer to notes. If you are speaking without a PowerPoint presentation, keep scribbled notes handy. No one expects you to remember everything. Be your usual self.

4. Establish eye contact with as many and focus on those who are not watching you to get their attention. Vary your tone, pitch, use your hands and body language and keep the audience engaged. Humour and storytelling are the best ways to establish a solid rapport with the audience.