5 Ways to Overcome the Fear of Public Speaking

10 June 2016

It is often said that the fear of public speaking is ranked higher than the fear of death.

This fear could be hindering you from being successful in your professional life as well as your personal life. You try to make a sentence and fear just stops you from speaking and being your amazing self. Some people have lost job opportunities because of the fear of public speaking. If you have been a victim of the fear of public speaking, you are not alone. I have also been a victim of this fear.

I went for a job interview a few years ago for a job I really wanted. I felt I could handle it but deep down inside me I was terrified. I was placed in front of a six man panel and I practically wanted the ground to open up and just hide me. As you might guess, I didn’t get the job. I couldn’t even answer the questions properly because I was so scared.

After that incident, I decided to do something about my fear of public speaking and I would like to share 5 ways with you which has worked for me over time. These techniques helped me to change jobs and get more job offers than I could keep up with.

1.) Research thoroughly

No matter how afraid you feel, there is always a confident feeling that you get when you have researched your topic thoroughly. In the case of job interviews, research the company as well as the job you are applying for. Be able to answer any question which you are asked. This brings me to my second point.

2.) Practice! Practice! Practice!

This technique cannot be over emphasized. After you have done your research, ensure you practice as much as you can. I recommend practicing at least a week to the event whether it is a job interview, a presentation or a speech. When you practice, you will observe flaws in your delivery and you will be able to correct them privately. Also practice in front of a friend, your partner or family member. Having someone else criticize your delivery helps to correct your errors.

3.) Be passionate about your topic

When you are passionate about something, it shows in the delivery of your presentation or speech. This also applies to job interviews. If you are passionate about the job you are being interviewed for, you will speak with a lot of energy.

4.) Eliminate self-limiting beliefs

The truth about self-limiting beliefs such as “I’m not good enough” is that it is all in your imagination. Even if someone has told you that before, it is simply his/her opinion and you should not let someone’s opinion of you become your reality. Choose to believe in yourself no matter what. There can be only one you in this world.

5.) Join a public speaking club

Joining a public speaking club such as Toastmasters or taking public speaking classes would definitely help to overcome your fear of public speaking. Over time, you will realize you have become a better communicator as well as a better leader.

I hope these tips were beneficial to you. How did you overcome your fear of public speaking? Leave a message in the comments section and share this message with your friends.

Dedicated to your success,

Ifeanyi Omoike — Founder of My Savvy Mind