How to stop fear standing in your way of bossing your next pitch

Are you one of 15 million people in the world who suffers with glossophobia?

No, not a fear of lipgloss or a shiny magazine.

Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking.

My Google search told me that it affects around 77% of Brits a year. It covers fears ranging from forgetting words, saying ‘erm’ too many times and the audience getting bored.

Even the most experienced actors still experience 'The Fear' from time to time.

Actor Maxine Peake said in a recent Guardian article, “I’m not confident at all. For me, another part of the acting process is pretending to be confident.”

I’m obviously a huge advocate for learning how to make delivering a presentation as easy as brushing your teeth, however I think it’s unrealistic to expect that 'The Fear' will go away altogether.

What I’m more interested in is how to manage fear and stop it from derailing you before you’ve finished your introduction.

Earlier this year I read Susan Jeffers’ timeless self-help book, Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway.

The book is about way more than the name suggests. It’s packed with tools on how to be positive, set boundaries, be more assertive, manage difficult relationships and get what you want in life

It’s a brilliant book that I will no doubt be returning to many times in my life. But the best advice on fear is in the title.

Feel 'The Fear' and do it anyway.

But what if your fear of public speaking is SO BIG that you end up feeling 'The Fear' for hours, days, WEEKS before your presentation?

That is when feeling 'The Fear' can be incredibly damaging. To your mental health, your physical health and the presentation itself.

So if glossophobia is standing in your way of bossing your next business pitch, here are some tips on how to rid yourself of 'The Fear'.

How to stop fear standing in your way of bossing your next pitch

• Shake it off - Shaking your body rids you of tension and nervous energy. Shake your hands, your legs, your head, your body to shake away nerves.

• Give yourself a hug - Show yourself some kindness. Give yourself a hug and whisper, ‘It’s going to be ok’.

• Change environments - If you’ve been pacing around your living room, that room will hold your nervous energy. Move to a different room, or better still, get outside.

• Be your own hype person - Imagine you’re watching comedy, the MC is getting the crowd warmed up and you’re the star. Give yourself a whoop, a cheer or a round of applause.

• Listen to tunes - Harness the power of music. If you want to feel calm, play something soothing, and if you want to be full energy go for upbeat and lively.

Disclaimer: tips work best when used in private. I cannot take responsibility for odd looks should you try these in public. ??

Next time glossophobia strikes, let 'The Fear' in, count to 5 then try one or all of the above tips before you go out there and SMASH your pitch.

For more insights and tips about presenting even when 'The Fear' sets in, please sign up to my newsletter, Present with Grace.