I remember standing nervously trying to deliver a one point speech in one of my public speaking college class. Though I talked in front of many different groups of people numerous times, I was still very frightened by fear of public speaking. At the end, I was able to muster enough courage to finish. However, they are many others who are not able to stand in front of a crow of any number not even for a minute because of their speaking fear.

Many of them who suffer from fear of public speaking think they are alone in feeling scared. But according to phobias cured.com “fear of public speaking is the number one fear in America, more feared than death.” Also, according to phobias cured.com “millions of people suffer from fear of speaking.”Most people, including myself, usually do not speak of our fears. It is our hidden secret. Fear of public speaking goes by many names - stage fright, speech anxiety, and shyness, performance anxiety, and speech phobia. Fear of public speaking can have a negative effect on careers and the ability to get things done. If you are in a leadership role at your company, you have to develop your abilities to speak in front of groups, specially if you have goals to move up within the company.
Motivational speaker and expert on communication Michael Pritchard said, “Fear is that little darkroom where negatives are developed." So we need to remove ourselves from that room and come into the light. I know it is easier to say it than to get it done. Fear of public speaking brings many different Symptoms, and may include shortness of breath, the inability to speak, a shaky voice, rapid breathing, rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea , panic attack etc. Fear of anything can paralyze you from being your best. But fear can only paralyze you if you allow it to. We all have control of our thoughts, so remember, fear is an imagination of the mind. Mohandas K. Gandhi said "There would be no one to frighten you if you refused to be afraid."

Do not allow fear to control you; when you remove it from your thoughts, it lacks all of its power. For me, I had to do a daily practice of talking in front of groups. I would usually talk to myself first, and tell my mind there is nothing to fear. In time, I was able to overcome my fear of public speaking. I hope you continue working on removing fear of public speaking from your life. I have confidence you have what it takes to succeed.