I Have To Give a Presentation For Work... And I Am Bricking It! Here's Why It's Scary and What To Do About It.

Why Is Public Speaking So Terrifying? Check it out...

Public speaking is a challenge that many people dread, often ranking it as a top fear ahead of death, spiders, and heights. The American Psychiatric Association even recognizes it as a social anxiety disorder, known as Public Speaking Anxiety (PSA) or glossophobia. (Which I think it giving it too much power but hey, who am I to argue with the experts?)

With estimates suggesting that nearly 75% of people are affected by this fear, it's a widespread issue. But why is it so hard to speak in front of a group, even when we communicate all day long on calls, Zooms, and in meetings?

Here are four reasons why you're panicking and what you can do to combat those fears.

The Physical Response

Anxiety before public speaking can be largely attributed to our body's physical response to stress. The fight-or-flight response, which is designed to protect us from danger, is triggered when we face the prospect of speaking in front of an audience.

Stress hormones flood the body, affecting the part of the brain responsible for memory. This is why you might suddenly forget that carefully rehearsed opening line the moment you step onto the stage.

The Pressure of Perfection

Another reason public speaking is so challenging is the pressure we place on ourselves to perform perfectly. Many speakers focus too much on the act of presenting rather than the content itself. The fear of being judged by the audience can be overwhelming, leading to increased anxiety and self-doubt.

Impostor Syndrome

Impostor Syndrome isn't a real medical syndrome. I looked it up. But feeling insecure plays a significant role in public speaking anxiety. When presenting to an audience, especially one that includes people more senior or experienced, we may question our own abilities. This self-doubt can make us feel unworthy of the task, further exacerbating our anxiety.

Lack of Skills

Finally, a lack of public speaking skills can make the experience daunting. Most people do not feel "at home" on stage, and without training and practice, it's easy to feel out of your depth. However, public speaking is a skill that can be developed with targeted coaching and preparation.

Here are 10 public speaking tips that will help you stand up and speak up with clarity, impact, and confidence.

How to Master the Art of Public Speaking & Step Up with Confidence

While public speaking may be difficult, it's a skill that can be mastered. Here are some tips to help you become more confident and effective in your presentations:

1. Know Your Venue Ahead of Time

Familiarizing yourself with the venue before your presentation can help reduce anxiety. Doing a test run in advance will minimize surprises that could trigger stress. For example, if you're sitting on a stage, arrange the chairs close to the front to create a more intimate connection with the audience.

If you're standing, consider removing the podium to avoid creating a barrier between you and the audience. Get comfortable with the stage layout and lighting to make your movements feel more natural.

2. Memorize and Own Your Content

Understanding your material and the goal of your presentation can help ease nerves. However, avoid memorizing your talk word for word, as this can make it sound robotic and leave you flustered if you forget a line. Instead, practice delivering your presentation multiple times, even recording yourself to see how you appear to the audience.

3. Less is Always More

While you may have a wealth of knowledge to share, it's important to be selective with your content. Most people can only focus for about 20 minutes and can remember just three key points. Be strategic in choosing what to present, ensuring that your audience can retain the most important information.

4. Use Your Imagination with Your Introduction

The opening line of your presentation is often the hardest, as all eyes are on you and a connection with the audience has yet to be established. Consider starting with a rhetorical question or conducting a quick poll to shift the focus away from yourself and engage the audience from the start.

5. Strike a Pose

Before taking the stage, boost your confidence with a power pose. Stand with your arms up high and wide for a minute—this simple action can do wonders for your self-assurance.

6. Get Good Breathing Technique in Place

If you find your heart racing before or during your presentation, having some breathing techniques in your arsenal can be incredibly helpful. Practice these techniques in low-stress situations so they're second nature when you need them. A simple method is to breathe in for three counts, hold for three counts, and then exhale for three counts.

7. Aim High, Be Memorable

Your goal in any presentation is to teach, not preach. To make your content memorable, incorporate stories into your talk. Studies show that people are 22 times more likely to remember information when it's part of a story.

8. Scan the Audience

Having a friendly face in the audience can be a huge confidence booster. If possible, arrange for a colleague or friend to sit where you can see them. Establish a subtle support signal, like a nod or a smile, to help calm your nerves. Even if you don't know anyone in the audience, making deliberate eye contact with someone who seems engaged can help you feel more at ease.

9. Be Present, Not Perfect

If you lose your train of thought or experience a momentary brain freeze, don't dwell on it. Fixating on mistakes will only increase your stress and affect the rest of your presentation. Remember, your audience is there to learn, not to judge.

10. Accept, Don't Avoid

Avoidance only reinforces fear. Turning down public speaking opportunities can hinder your personal growth, brand, and career advancement. Embrace the fear, and remember Sara Blakely's words: "Even though I give speeches all the time, I still get scared. The only way to build courage is to feel the fear and do it anyway.

So, I hope one of these tools makes sense for you. Remember, it's all about the audience and being the best of yourself more of the time, not about being perfect.

You got this. See you on the inside!

Maria xx

PS. Book your FREE discovery call here with me and become the confident, powerful, inspiring speaker you want to be.

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