How to Overcome Fear of Talking in Front of People

Fear of public speaking (also known as glossophobia) is a major source of anxiety in Americans today, ranking among the top fears next to snakes and death. With a crowd of people hanging on your every word, it can cause nausea, vomiting, shaking, shallow breathing and even fainting. To combat these symptoms there are simple, logical steps that you can take. With practice, positive thinking and adequate preparation, you will find your fears start to subside.

Instructions

• 1

  Be prepared. Much of the stress over speaking in front of people comes from a lack of preparation. Not knowing what to say can seriously affect a speaker's confidence, something that is greatly needed during times of stress. Make sure that you have the outline of your speech memorized, know your topic inside and out and can complete the speech well without much help from cue cards.

• 2

  Visualize yourself succeeding. Each time you imagine yourself completing the speech correctly, and picture the audience respond appropriately, you will gain confidence in yourself and begin to feel more comfortable. Visualize yourself from the moment you wake up on the big day, to the end of your speech and the few hours afterward.

• 3

  Practice. Start by speaking to a wall or a mirror. Speak out loud and try to exude the confidence you want to have. Once you are comfortable speaking to yourself, move on to supportive family members and then to your friends. Each time you practice, you will gain confidence.

• 4

  Ask yourself, "What's the worst that can happen?" In almost every instance, the answer will be quite minor and will not be at all significant in a few years.

• 5

  Breathe deeply. If the moment comes and you feel stress seize you, take a deep breath and allow time for your body to relax. This may take only 30 seconds, but can save you from a shaky voice and from the risk of fainting.

• 6

  Remember why you are there. Stop playing the track in your mind that repeats phrases such as "Oh my goodness, there are so many people," "I can't do this," "What if I mess up?" Instead, try replacing those negative thoughts with others: "How nice that these people share the same interests as me," "This is going to be fun," "I am going to enjoy this no matter what." Once you begin to think positively, you will feel your anxiety start to fade away.