How to Get Over the Fear of Public Speaking

For a great deal of people, public speaking is one of the most frightening things they have ever done or will ever have to do. The fear of public speaking is a very common one and one that can be extremely hard to get over. Chances are that if public speaking is one of your worst nightmares, you will never fully get over it, but don't get discouraged. Those who are truly determined to get rid of their fear of public speaking often find that, although it can be a very difficult thing to do, it is achievable. If you happen to be hoping to get rid of the anxiety and nervousness that comes along with public speaking, here are a few tips to get started getting over your fear of public speaking.

Getting over your fear of public speaking: know what you're talking about
Almost every time you have to give a speech in front of a crowd, you have some advance notice. Use the time before you have to speak to prepare. Some people can get up there and just talk and be great, but if you're afraid of public speaking, don't think you can do this. Practice your topic and memorize your speaking points to make sure that you know what you're talking about when you get up there. This should make you feel more comfortable and get rid of some of the embarrassment that goes along with public speaking.

Getting over your fear of public speaking: keep it simple
There is a lot of pressure to deliver a great speech, which can be made even worse if you are feeling extremely nervous or anxious. A lot of people feel as if they have to add humor or use sophisticated words, but the best way to feel confident in your speech is to keep it simple. If the humor doesn't come naturally, don't force it so it doesn't backfire. If you aren't sure about the meaning of a word, or how it should be used, choose a different word.

Getting over your fear of public speaking: focus on something other than the crowd
Being the only standing up in front of a group of people looking at you and waiting on you to speak if often the most terrifying part of public speaking. Everyone knows that you shouldn't stare at the floor, or pick at your fingernails, or anything like that, when you're giving a speech, but looking the crowd in the face is scary. Instead look to the wall behind the crowd. Doing this will make it seem like you are looking at someone in the crowd, but you won't have to look directly at anyone and it will take some of the pressure off.

Getting over your fear of public speaking: keep something in your hand and move around
This may seem a little dumb at the time, but if you keep something in your hands, you have something to hold on to. If you are standing behind a podium, it's easy to keep your hands occupied without seeming jittery. Simply standing there in front of a crowd with your hands by your side can make you feel awkward, so don't be afraid to use your hands to speak and to walk around a little. This will make others feel as if you are comfortable with your speech and you know what you're talking about, and you won't have to deal with a hostile audience.