Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking

I always tell my students before that "if you want to be rich, then be bold." I have always believed that one obstacle from getting successful in life is the fear of being ridiculed--especially onstage.

Teaching public speaking to my students was such a challenge for me. Majority of Filipinos, especially those from the rural areas, dread the thought of having to speak onstage for fear of being criticized and laughed at. Though they have so much to say to a listening crowd, they fear the spotlight.

Perhaps all of us have this sense of fear when talking to a lot of people at the same time. It just so happens that some of us were able to practice doing it often and had gradually overcome the fear.

Here were the tips I gave to my students:

1. BREATHE. When we are nervous, we tend to make short breaths thus reducing the amount of oxygen in our lungs (that is why some of them collapse.) Before stepping onstage, we must make several long breaths to calm us down.

2. REMEMBER THAT YOU ARE SOMEBODY WORTH LISTENING TO. Those who have fear speaking on stage may have a problem with their self-esteem. Confidence is the key to this. We must remember that we are somebody in our own special way and we also have the right to be heard (whether they will listen or not.)

3. WEAR YOUR BEST. This means that you don't need to wear that skimpy blouse or skirt. This simply means that you have to wear something that will make you look respectable, preferably a business suit. Take a shower, comb your hair, and wear light make up (if you're a female).

4. BE READY WITH YOUR SPEECH. Always prepare your speech. Do not be too confident with your memory, thinking that you will not forget anything. Always have a script on stage, if this is allowed. Memorizing your speech is better.

5. REMEMBER THAT YOU CAN'T PLEASE EVERYBODY. We must be able to accept the fact that some people may not agree with what we are saying or what we believe in. And we must also expect that people may ridicule us. But never be bothered by it. We cannot please everybody. Just do your best onstage and forget that you're on stage. Just let go and let your speech go smoothly.

6. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. Always practice in front of a mirror. Talk to your reflection and just look at yourself while you speak. You will see what needs to be improved. And do a lot of public speaking. Gradually, stepping on stage will no longer be a dread for you.

These are just few tips that may help you overcome your fear. Always remember that we can overcome the fear of public speaking if we build up our self-esteem, and to never quit practicing.