What are the best ways to conquer fear as a motivational speaker?

Valuable Tips -Believe in yourself, and stay confident. -Network and introduce yourself everywhere you go -Start reading and share knowledge in presentation mode -Create presentations and present them in a professional manner -Dress for success -Be fearless and voice your opinions freely -Be you and be proud of abilities

-Say “yes” often to speaking opportunities -Check-in with yourself after you speak to see if your fear was warranted -Focus on the crowd and take note of those particularly engaged in your message

I used to spend lots of my free time doing singing side gigs. Every week, there was always something - a wedding, a presentation, rehearsals, etc. No matter how many times I have been in front of the microphone, I will always get nervous about it. My - at that time - music teacher told me once: “The day you STOP feeling nervous about it is the day you have stopped caring and enjoying singing” Recognizing fear and understanding where is coming from as well as accepting that fear will always be there is the first step to overcoming it: It is not a matter of not having fear, it is a matter of not letting fear have YOU.

I agree with the point that fear is often based on irrational beliefs, assumptions, or expectations that may not reflect reality. But I'd like to add to that thought by saying, a speaker's fear may often be based on the known personal weaknesses. You may be afraid that your weaknesses, instead of your strengths, will show up while you are infront of people, take a centre stage, embrace you and make you a persona non grata in the eyes of your audience.

The only way to get better at speaking in general is to speak. Plain and simple. Don't just put yourself in environments that challenge you to speak, CREATE opportunities that ALLOW you to speak. Start a podcast, write a book, or be the organizer of a new community group. None of which would otherwise exist unless and until you create them. Be active. Everything else is passive. Activity forces growth.

All of this is good, but I would add, personally connect to your material, and know your audience. If you don't care about what you're saying, no one else will. If I don't have a personal connection initially, I make a point of talking to people who do. How are they impacted? how do they feel? How can I convey that? Knowing your audience will help you think of illustrations and even language that will resonate with the people hearing you. These things make a difference.

Great point. The significance of practice can not be overemphasized. But it is also said that, "you can never teach from an empty well". In essence, it is important to increase your subject knowledge. If the well is empty, no matter how much you practice, the well will run out of water soon, and your worst fears will come to pass. Increase your authority on the subject matter by learning and researching.

Fear is part of human nature. Fear is nothing but a sign that you are alive and that you CARE about what you are doing. Understanding yourself and how fear is a natural reaction will help you embrace and overcome the challenges coming your way.