Literature in northern Nigeria dates back to the 1900s, though, not wildly popular, a number of quite amazing works were published back then. Over the decades, northern Nigerian literature has shown immense improvements in style, genre, and a wide range of topics, but...
Improve Social Skills: 7 Most Important Social Skills
We use social skills to communicate and interact with others effectively. But most importantly, these skills are essential for our personal and professional development. In business and entrepreneurship, professionals must have a good set of social skills to build and...
The Top 10 Entries from the Mediahooch Creative Writing Challenge
The winners have finally emerged in a creative writing challenge organized by Mediahooch. The contest, which was planned in partnership with Northpad Nigeria and Poetic Wednesdays Initiative, who served as the judges, received over 50 entries from 31st December to...
5 Amazing Stress Management Techniques You Should Definitely Try Out
Stress management skills are highly needed in our everyday lives because the body isn't robotics in nature that has no feelings. There is a limit to what the body can do without burning out physically, chemically, mentally, or emotionally. The burnout period is termed...
The fear of public speaking in its severe form is known as glossophobia. It is a common form of fear among a number of people. The thought of standing and speaking in front of a crowd rips some people apart. Are you one of such persons? If yes, then there is a need to know how to overcome the fear of public speaking. So, read on.
As much as the fear of public speaking is valid, public speaking skills are one of the most important skills one needs in life. This is because, at one point or the other, you would need to speak to a crowd. You want neither yourself nor others to notice you fidget, sweat, or stammer while making your presentation out of fear. As such, overcoming the fear of public speaking is super important.
Common Causes of Fear of Public Speaking
- Negative mindset.
- Being self-conscious.
- Inadequate preparation.
- Fear of ridicule.
- Little or no knowledge about the topic to speak on.
10 Tips for Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking
1. Have a Positive Mindset
This point is always my number when it comes to overcoming the fear of almost anything. Being positive should not be mistaken for being in denial. Here, you acknowledge that you have this fear but you have a belief that you can work on it. You strongly believe you can be a good public speaker.
You can work on your mindset by having positive self-talk. Tell yourself that you can do it. Encourage yourself. Use positive affirmations like:
“I am a good public speaker “,
“My audience is happy with my message “,
“I can make a good presentation”,
“I love public speaking”, etc.
You can as well visualise yourself giving an excellent speech. Work on this step first before proceeding to the next.
2. Start by Speaking on Areas of Interest
Overcoming the fear of public speaking is not a day’s job. It’s a journey that should begin from somewhere. If you are glossophobic, you can start building your confidence by speaking on topics that interest you.
As you read this, think about an area that sparks your interest. Select some topics that you would love to talk about. Stand in front of your friends and speak on such interesting topics. Get used to talking about those things. When you are used to this, you can easily progress to speaking based on requests which might not be on familiar topics.
I guess you love those who can give impromptu speeches. They started somewhere. So, start talking!
The remaining points are needed as you improve.
3. Know Your Topic
Do you want to know how to overcome the fear of public speaking? Master your topic. The importance of this cannot be overemphasized. Before you can confidently give a speech as you would love to, it’s important to have a good grasp of your topic. What are the expectations? How deep should you discuss the topic? etc. The more you know your topic, the lesser your fear and the more your confidence.
Another importance of knowing your topic is that it helps you anticipate possible questions. Having a firm grasp of your topic makes answering questions after your presentation easy.
4. Know Your Audience
This is as important as knowing your topic. Having prior knowledge of your audience guides your preparations. It enables you to know the kind of persons you would speak to. Also, it gives you clarity on the terms to use in addressing them.
In addition, it helps you anticipate likely questions and attitudes to expect.
5. Adequate Preparation
Prior preparation prevents poor performance. Your confidence is in direct proportion with how much you prepare. In essence, the more prepared you are, the less anxiety you develop.
Write out your presentation and prepare beforehand. Get all the necessary information and resources you need to make a wonderful presentation. Stay organized.
6. Practice and Get Feedback before the D-Day
If you’re on the journey of overcoming the fear of public speaking, your ideal audience shouldn’t be the first to listen to your presentation.
Get used to making your presentation beforehand to a familiar audience. You can do this a day or two before the main event. This audience could be your siblings, friends, spouse, your kids, etc. Ask for honest feedback from them and work on areas of concern. You can do this more than once until you are confident about it.
In the absence of a familiar audience, you can practice before your mirror. You can as well make a video of yourself as you practice. Then listen to yourself. Observe the tone of your voice and the pace at which you speak, and then adjust where necessary.
7. Have a Structure or Outline
This is important in overcoming your fear of public speaking. You might wonder how.
With an outline, you have a guide that would see you through your presentation. Great public speakers also use guides for their presentations. You shouldn’t be an exception. With an excellent structure, you can calmly make your presentation and easily flow from one point to another without difficulty.
You don’t want to just memorize your presentations and get stuck along the line.
8. Breath Mindfully
The fear of public speaking manifests in breathing fast. This affects the pace at which you speak and sends a negative message to your audience. To prevent this, take deep breaths before the presentation of your speech. While presenting, stay conscious of your breath and ensure you’re breathing calmly. You can use deep breaths as your break in between your speech. This helps you maintain a steady composure.
9. Know That Your Audience Trusts You
Maybe no one has told you this. The truth is your audience is there to listen to you. They trust you and your message. This means you should focus on the message you’re passing across. Don’t give too much attention to the audience’s appearance. Some might appear uninterested or distracted; this shouldn’t affect you or make you disappointed.
10. Ask for Feedback as You Progress
Here, you are asking for feedback from your ideal audience. This is one area I don’t joke with. Whenever I give a public speech, I ask at least two persons from my audience to give me feedback.
It takes courage to ask for feedback. And the whole essence is to help you improve. The more you do this, the better and more confident you get.
Additionally, you should consider joining public speaking clubs where you meet like-minded individuals. You can also buy online courses on public speaking or hire a speech coach.
Conclusion
Having known how to overcome the fear of public speaking, you know it is important and can be achieved. However, it should be noted that it wouldn’t happen automatically. You should apply the tips I shared with you above.
Do you have an idea worth sharing with us? The comments section is open.
You could also read on: 10 Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills.
Popular Reads
How to Easily Turn Your Passion Into a Career
I need you to look within and search for that one thing you could do a thousand times without getting bored or tired. Yes, each time you engage in that one activity, it seems as though a magical force drives you. Surprisingly, that force is called passion! But, have...
5 Things You Should do at The Beginning of Every Month
The start of every month can be likened to a fresh start. And as with all fresh opportunities, there are things to do at the start of every month that should help increase your productivity. Keeping an organized monthly schedule is the key to building a productive...
25 Compliments that Have Nothing to do With Appearance
We all love compliments. I, for sure, know I do! But, lately, I have realized that most of the compliments people receive focus on their appearance. What if I told you that there are many compliments that have nothing to do with appearance or physical look? I see I...
How to Become Your Own Boss without Money
Every human being that has ever lived has had or would have had the potential of owning their life, not just because of riches, but because of the inner wealth within. The world we live in today is so focused on making money and more money that we fail to realize that...
10 Ways to Get People to Like You
There are various ways how to get people to like you, especially if you are not the outspoken or people-person type. The truth is, that people are naturally drawn to others with likable characters or characters they wish to emulate. Fun game, make a list of your...
What You Should Do If Someone Threatens to Leak Your Nudes
Photos of someone who is fully or partially naked are known as nudes. Things can go wrong after you've shared photographs with someone you trust. The person to whom you sent them may threaten to post these images of you online out of rage or for another reason, or...
8 Amazing Ways That will Help You Become the Perfect Mentor
When the word “mentoring” is mentioned, what usually comes to our mind is the picture of people in suits giving speaking to a gathering of people, and giving advice. What if I told you, that everyone is and can be a mentor to someone? In this article, I’d be showing...
7 Easy Guides to Stop Being Disorganized
Everyone wants to achieve their goals, live their dreams, and be perfect in every way, forgetting that you can’t accomplish all these things if you aren’t organized and have a plan. Knowing how to stop being disorganized should be on everybody's bucket list. You...
Successful People Have These 10 Daily Habits. You Should Too.
Habit is a behavioral pattern that is regularly repetitive. A habit might initially be triggered by a goal but, after some time the goal becomes less necessary and the habit becomes automatic. Making a habit of something takes commitment and diligence. Successful...
7 Tested Ways That will Teach How to Handle Criticisms Better
Knowing how to handle criticisms better is a valuable skill necessary for thriving in the workplace and society at large. We are humans and imperfections are a part of our DNA. We do not have the chance to always be perfect at what we do, hence, those who can see our...
Crocodile Hotel Kaduna Review and Detailed Guide
...
Bristol Palace Hotel Kano Review and Detailed Guide
...
The Tinubu and Abiola Connection
...
40 Fancy Boxes Lunch and Lunch Bags for all Ages and Genders
...
As Nigerians Head to The Polls, By Salim Yunusa
...
3 Kannywood Stars Contesting Elections in 2023
...
Naira Swap and Buhari’s Endless Search for A Legacy
...
The Top 10 Entries from the Mediahooch Creative Writing Challenge
...
The Best Kimono Styles to Own in 2023
...
What Next for Falalu Dorayi After Gidan Badamasi?
...
You May Also Like…
These 30 Quotes Will Convince You Being Single Is Not That Bad
There's nothing terrible about being single. It’s an awesome time that allows you to concentrate more on yourself, love yourself more, know yourself and also help you figure out...
10 Things to Put on Your CV (Resume)
Writing a professionally looking CV could prove tasking. With the constantly changing requirements of employers, crafting a CV that sparks their interest is vital. Whatever...
40 Quotes That Will Help You Find Inner Peace
Life can be pretty hard and stressful, don’t let anyone deceive you. We sometimes get frustrated when we don’t get what we want because we expect a lot from people. We get...
50 Important Questions That Will Help You Know Yourself Better
There are questions you need to ask yourself as a person; questions that would affect the life you lead, help you focus on self-awareness and personal growth. Your mind remains...
If You are Struggling to Find Your Purpose in Life, These 30 Quotes are For You
Your life purpose is your life message, your reason for existing. It’s the reason why you get up every morning, the reason why you try to be better, the reason why you feel...
10 Tips to Improve Your Presentation Skills
Making a good presentation can sometimes be hard. To have to stand and give your best speech can trigger anxiety and discomfort. If you want to know how to improve your...
10 Steps to Make a Good Impression at a Job Interview
Do you want to make a good impression at a job interview? Simple steps to know are the basics of impressing your potential employers. And at a job interview, you need...
How To Control Your Emotions
Learning how to control your emotions is an essential skill that can be learned. Emotions are various forms of feelings, positive or negative, that results in physical or...
These 10 Reasons Will Convince You to Keep A Journal
One sensible thing you can do for yourself when everything happening around you seems chaotic is to write, keep a journal. But surprisingly, when we hear the word “journal”, what...
0 Comments