The Fear of Public Speaking.. .Why?

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   APoochposted 11 years ago

   I'm a newbie on here and I saw this as a discussion area. I have taken several public speaking courses and sort of studied the way people feel about it. I read an interesting statistic that in this world, people's #1 fear is public speaking. 2nd to that is death. Pretty interesting stuff in my opinion, just because the concept of public speaking isn't very difficult. I plan on writing an article on it when I get all my information and statistics together but it would be nice to hear some other input on this.
   
   Why do you all think public speaking is so difficult?
   
   What can one do to help their fear of public speaking?

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      Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The most obvious answer is that ppl feel others are judging them.
      
      If you had a great fear of it, you could join a group like Toastmasters. They are very supportive and accept anyone from beginners to seasoned speech givers. Eventually you will gain confidence and skill.

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      KitchenBuyersAidposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Alrighty then...study this
      A. Russian roulette
      B. A backflip off a 10m platform
      C. A podium with a big audience.
      Given those choices, hand me the gun or a bathing suit cause I ain't talking!
      Podiphobia is a crippling disorder, I know all to well. I have managed to avoid public speaking for 40 years, I plan to make it a lifetime abstinence.
      The underlying reasons are. as suggested. Being uncomfortable in ones own skin is right at the top.
      It is also why I enjoy writing. I'll write the speech, just don't make me read it.
      In the end, if that's my biggest shortcoming, I'm okay with life as is.

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         Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         That is so interesting. Ppl are so different. I have spoken in public quite a bit. I was a DJ and when I do a musical performance, I share quite a bit etc. so this isn't a very big issue for me, however, I don't like meeting new ppl or being put in new situations much. We all have something, don't we? Dead bodies... another thing Im really uncomfortable around. Which sounds like I'm hanging out in graveyards, but I just mean funerals... don't like em. Whereas you're probably ok with those things.  I love that you can speak openly here with no fear. Self expression is important and we still get to "meet" you b/c you are able to use this medium. We're all so different and yet so much the same.

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      vishnum969posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      The fear of speaking in public is a matter of disgrace for many. A person can start by speaking in front of the mirror. It helps in overcoming the fear of facing audience and look into the audience's eyes with confidence. Know the subject and its content thoroughly, a lot depends on the knowledge of the subject.

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   WriteAngledposted 11 years ago

   I think people who are afraid of this simply haven't done it enough if at all.

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      Will Apseposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I have never knitted a bobble hat but I don't think I would be scared if I tried.
      
      Maybe novelty is not scary in itself.

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         Pearldiverposted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Really???
         Have you never noticed how often people laugh at those who wear bobble hats? 

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         Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

         Quit making up words.

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   Pearldiverposted 11 years ago

   I believe that public speaking is best engaged in when one has gotten over the fear of making a fool of oneself publicly! 

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      APoochposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Practice makes perfect.. I guess!
      
      I agree with this if you do make a fool of yourself, then after all how much worse could it get!

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   Will Apseposted 11 years ago

   
   
   My mum made me wear stuff she knitted herself when I was a kid.
   
   I remember canary yellow and puky green bobble hats.
   
   That is something to fear. A mother who thinks she can knit.

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      Beth37posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      When I was a kid, my mom bought me a snow suit. Bright yellow with red fleece on the hood. Then, on each front hip pocket, a giant pear and a giant apple. To say it was humiliating is an understatement.
      My kids have this day at school called crazy hat day. My mom knits hats with long blond braids, spikes, like a dragon, one that looked like chain mail.... Why is it the things that used to embarrass you about your parents is thought of as eccentric and cute by your kids? lol

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   jansharesposted 11 years ago

   I agree with Beth37, fear of being judged and evaluated.
   In additon to that, fear of public speaking also includes a lack of confidence in one's knowledge about the topic. When you know what you're talking about and have done your research, your confidence in your own words will increase. You have nothing to be afraid of when you know more than your audience. You just have to believe it.

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      vishnum969posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      100% agree with you, knowledge is the key to a speech or any lecture. Command on words and dialogue delivery is also essential to keep audience listening. I would suggest for some relevant light jokes to keep the audience entertaining. It helps in overcoming the tiredness of a long session.

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   LeanManposted 11 years ago

   I always remember being about 16 and having to stand in front of my chemistry class to do a presentation as part of my course - i froze and said nothing...
   
   I kicked myself for weeks after (and had everyone take the p!55) and resolved to be able to do it without a problem.
   
   I just decided that I would never be worried about it again, since then I have spoken on national radio, stood and talked to crowds of 10's of thousands at charity events, talked to whole schools and worked as a trainer presenting and coaching to people quite capable of tearing into my subjects and giving me a hard time. I have even sung - and if you have ever heard me sing...........................
   
   I still fear speaking in front of people, but I just do it!! Once you get going it is great fun, it is just getting those first few words out and looking for that first positive reaction from the crowd...

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      vishnum969posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      That's a good eexample of 'Practice makes perfect'

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   APoochposted 11 years ago

   Hey all, thanks for your input on this forum. Maybe you can all check out my new post on Public Speaking. I think it's a little more thorough. Hope you enjoy as much as I enjoy writing on this website!

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