How to overcome fear of Public Speaking?
54Learn to Speak by Speaking
Yes, its that simple. You learn to read by reading, you learn to walk by walking, you learn to smile by smiling, and you learn public speaking, by speaking in public.
I got over my initial fear by becoming a teacher I spent the first two years in speech tutorials learning how to project my voice. I graduated, and then went teaching, and learnt how to speak to a class.
Step 2 was joining a Public Speaking group, and my choice was Toastmasters. I learnt much from there, and then also joined Penguins because I enjoyed it all very much. You learn a lot from other members and the group is supportive.
Step 3 was being guest speaker at Old People's Homes and groups of elderly. They really appreciate any speaker who is free, and I spoke about travels, flowers, movies, and started using Power Points, and originally photos. They enjoyed me and I gained more and more confidence with groups I did not know, and learnt to speak to keep their interest.
Step 4 is offering your services to Conferences and Seminars, and speaking to groups who select to attend your sessions. I spoke on Creative teaching methods, Computers in Classrooms, Music, Art, to Parents, and now Computer Technology in Education with Podcasting and E-Books.
Step 5 ...is finding someone to pay you to talk...and I have not managed that yet, but also I have not been seeking to do that. If you are, then you need to start a web page and advertise yourself on the internet and also in selected Magazines and Newspapers and tell the world you are available. There are sites you can add yourself to as a speaker.
Step 6. Write a best seller, and the book will give you the confidence to speak about it.
Good Luck...Hope this helps.
My website for your interest http://Activeenglish.biz
Marguerite Carstairs 2008
Guardian of the temple at Ganjin Korea
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Comments
Actually if you focus on the Group you are speaking to and not yourself as being nervous, you will do better.
Good speakers send their enthusiasm for their subject right into the heart of the audience and they always speak to you...even if there are 3,000 people present as in rallies.
So think about the people you are speaking to, and how they have come to hear you speak, not about how nervous you are and how your speech is not that good and other negative things that actually hold you back.
And smile.....a smile really makes the speaker look pleasant, and we do need smiles today very much.
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sdorrian says:
4 months ago
Great Hub! It's true that people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of death! The more you speak in public, the easier it gets. It's also a great way to build confidence and increase your self-esteem. Take advantage of every opportunity to speak in front of other people. It's a great skill to have.