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VIDEO:
Fears and Phobias of Public Speaking
by Richard L. Weaver II, PhD

Fear of Public Speaking: A Method for Overcoming It

There is no doubt about the important role that fear plays when it comes to public speaking. Public-speaking anxiety is a disturbance of mind regarding a forthcoming public-speaking event for which you are the speaker. As a fear, it ranks higher than the fear of death. It is nearly universal, yet it obviously doesn’t prevent successful speeches. Not only is it widely proclaimed, but it is widely written about as well. In this essay I want to offer a philosophical perspective that I have written about in my textbook, Communicating Effectively (McGraw-Hill), but which has the potential for overcoming it if practiced regularly.

Here is the key to this approach: Focus on your speech as a communication task, not as a performance. Most speakers with stage fright view speeches as performances. In viewing speeches as performances, the goal of speakers is to satisfy an audience of critics. That is, they realize their audience members will be analyzing and criticizing their performance just as movie critics go to movies with a different purpose and point of view than ordinary movie goers.

There are other characteristics of such a performance orientation, too. Speakers view the speech as a formal talk, and because of the formality, they tend to “put on” a false front or engage in somewhat artificial behavior. The public speech, thus, is an extraordinary, exceptional, and unusual situation undertaken in unfamiliar circumstances. Because of this, speakers feel they must follow proper behaviors to be correct, and their results — how effective they are in connecting with their listeners — depends on polish, eloquence, and refinement.

The problem with a performance orientation is simple: effective public speaking is more like ordinary communication encounters than like a public performances. This is an important insight. Just as I characterized the performance orientation, above, let’s look at the characteristics of a communication orientation to see the differences. First, the goal changes. No longer are speakers trying to satisfy an audience of critics; they are, instead, sharing ideas with an audience. And the goal of listeners is not to analyze and criticize, it is, rather, to show interest in and even learn from what speakers have to say.

There are other characteristics as well. With a communication orientation, speakers must realize that public speaking is similar to everyday conversation, thus, it is normal, natural behavior — not formal, put-on, or artificial. When your communication becomes common, ordinary, and average, rather than extraordinary, exceptional, and unusual, a whole new mindset takes place that signals speakers that this is a normal activity with which they are familiar. Being something that is standard and routine, they can approach public-speaking opportunities as occasions they can face realistically and approach in a pragmatic, matter-of-fact, down-to-earth manner.

With a communication orientation, speakers frame the entire public-speaking situation in a familiar way. Their speeches will reveal genuine and true expressions of themselves, not behaviors that must adhere to some standard of proper conduct. No longer does their effort depend on polish, eloquence, and refinement; their results depend simply on whether or not they shared their message.

Do these differences make a difference? A communication orientation has several advantages for speakers. First, and I am quoting my textbook here [without using quotation marks] it means that all those negative past public performances you may have had — from elementary school through high school — can be deleted from your memory. After all, those were “performances,” and they no longer fall under your new mindset, your communication orientation.

Second, you do not have to memorize your speech. Performances create anxiety because of the fear of forgetting words, thoughts, or your place in the speech. One of the biggest fears people have regarding giving speeches is forgetting what they have to say during the speech. It is being embarrassed which is the overpowering thought. Think about it, how often do you have memory blocks during conversations with others? Seldom, of course. When you are talking with others during speeches, you are having a conversation with your listeners, not talking at them.

The third advantage of a communication orientation is that speakers can focus on their real purpose in speaking to their listeners — getting audience members to accept and understand their information or change their attitude or actions. There is an important and worthwhile consideration here that may help speakers change their focus: Listeners are more interested in what speakers have to say than in evaluating their performance.

One thing that happens when speakers change from a performance to a communication perspective is that they become less concerned about themselves—the performer—and more concerned about their mission. Performers have to be concerned about their performance for that’s what they live for. Now, with a communication perspective, speakers can stop their preoccupation with themselves, “How do I look?’ “How will I do?” “What will they think of me?” “Will they like me?” This is a major re-orientation because it will quiet their mind by reducing the amount of self-chatter. They will be able to stop defending their ego against failure and criticism. Threats to their ego have no real implications now.

What all of this means is that if speakers dress in comfortable clothes, practice positive self-talk, are well prepared, picture (visualize) themselves doing well, take several deep breaths before speaking, pick out friendly faces and make eye contact with them, and plan to offer a reward after the speech, all the elements of potential distraction will have been eliminated, and all the elements of comfort, encouragement, and support will be supplied so that the communication orientation has a real opportunity to work at full capacity.

Speakers can do all of the things recommended for eliminating, or at least reducing, the fear of public speaking. There are many of these, and what works for one person may not work as well for another. The overarching, umbrella-like concept, however, that can make it all happen — whatever the individual elements employed — may just be a broader, more comprehensive principle. To adopt a communication perspective rather than a performance perspective may be the very key that unlocks the door to confidence, comfort, and effective public speaking.

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Daniel J. DeNoon’s article, “Fear of Public Speaking Hardwired: Speech Anxiety Worse for Some, but Most Can Overcome It” (reviewed by Amal Chakraburtty) at the website WebMD Health News MD http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/20061101/fear-public-speaking
This article reports a study that “shows that those who suffer most over speaking in public get more anxious -- not less anxious -- as their presentation gets under way. And when it's over, instead of feeling relief, they feel even more anxious.”

At Suite 101.com, Naomi Rockler-Gladen writes about the “Fear of Public Speaking.” Visit the web site: http://collegeuniversity.suite101.com/article.cfm/fear_of_public_speaking and learn how to overcome speech anxiety. Gladen has some excellent suggestions. , and they are provided in a succinct, straightforward manner.

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Six time-tested ways dealing with fear of public speaking

She rose from her seat slowly, not knowing whether or not her legs would support her body. She moved to the lectern with her head down so she would not be distracted from her concentration on the first words she wanted to say. Her muscles were tense; her heart was beating five times faster than normal; and she had butterflies in her stomach. When she reached the lectern, she knew she couldn’t pick up her notes because her hands were trembling. She waited a moment to speak so she could gather more saliva and allow her shaking knees to settle down. This wasn’t her first public speech; it happened every time she had to give one.

Nobody doubts that next to snakes people fear public speaking the most. Fear of public speaking ranks higher than a fear of heights, being closed in small spaces, spiders and insects, needles and getting shots, mice, and flying on airplanes. Anxiety is triggered by stress, and some people are more vulnerable than others, but it is the same process no matter what you fear. Experiencing fear is universal, and fear of speaking in public is nearly universal.

Our bodies react to anxiety in different ways, however, the most obvious signs include tense muscles, trembling, churning stomach, nausea, diarrhea, headache, backache, heart palpitations, numbness, “pins and needles” in arms, hands, or legs, sweating or flushing, and dry mouth.

Avoiding things that make you anxious is only a temporary solution, and it will make you worry about what will happen next time. Also, every time you avoid something, it is harder the next time you try it. Avoidance, too, sets you on a pattern of avoiding more and more things. For some people, just the thought of having to give a public speech can trigger an adrenaline surge that quickens your pulse, raises your blood pressure, and kick-starts your anxiety. Just reading the opening scenario to this essay may be enough to cause some people to tremble or shake.

If it will help you cope with anxiety, remember these four things: First, even experienced public speakers get nervous before a presentation. Second, nerves do not need to be your enemy. Third, no matter how nervous you are, you are probably the only one who knows it. And, fourth, as long as you act like you are confident and play the role of a secure and knowledgeable speaker, you will be in command of the public-speaking situation.

There are six time-tested ways for dealing with nervousness. Remember, throughout this discussion, that some nervousness can be helpful. It produces energy, stimulates motivation, fires enthusiasm, and spurs animation. For many public speakers, a little nervousness empowers them to be inspiring, lively, even fascinating.

The first time-tested way for dealing with nervousness is to be prepared. If you prepare your speeches so thoroughly and so carefully that you cannot help but be successful, you will have taken the first giant step toward dealing with nervousness. I have never heard of a speaker being too prepared. If you begin your preparation early—as early as you can—you will be able to continually work with your ideas in your mind and change information as you think of new ideas or new ways of saying things. Also, early preparation gives you time to hone, polish, and perfect.

The second time-tested way for dealing with nervousness is to be positive. The best way to be positive is to stay engaged in constructive, practical, useful, and productive work. When you give your mind time to worry or to dredge up negative thoughts and ideas, it will fill the available time and then some. If you are speaking on a topic you care about, and if you discover information you want to share, you are more likely to have an optimistic, confident, and upbeat frame of mind. Start by believing you can give a successful speech.

Visualization is closely related to being positive, and it is commonly used by musicians, athletes, and actors. Picture yourself walking up to the lectern, having complete control over your behavior, delivering a forceful, effective talk, to a supportive, approving, responsive, and sympathetic audience. Repeat this process of visualization over and over.

The fourth time-tested way for dealing with nervousness is anticipation. First, anticipate some nervousness. It is common, but it can serve as a positive, contributing feature. Second, anticipate role playing. One of the best ways for countering any nervousness is to role play—just like a stage actor—coolness, calmness, and confidence. If you look like you re in charge and in control, your listeners will believe it. Third, anticipate something less than perfection. There is no such thing as a perfect speech. Remember, your audience will not know what you plan to say, only what you actually say. Thus, if you make an error, lose your place, or forget to say something, anticipate continuing your speech as if nothing happened.

Focus is the fifth time-tested way for dealing with nervousness. One problem that increases nervousness is when speakers focus on themselves rather than on their listeners or on their message. Worrying about yourself and your image—“Will my listeners like me?”—is vanity, and it is vanity of the worst sort. Worst sort? Yes, because to focus on yourself puts you above both your audience and your message. The entire process of speech preparation and delivery should be audience centered, so to suddenly shift the focus from them to yourself, not only demeans but discounts your prior preparation. Focus on audience-centered and message-related thoughts such as, “I have an important topic that will interest my listeners and hold their attention, and I have information that will be both useful and valuable for them.”

The final time-tested way for dealing with nervousness is experience, and there is no substitute for experience. Public speaking courses and organizations such as Toastmaster’s serve a valuable function—first steps in gaining experience. Those truly interested in becoming effective public speakers must take advantage of the opportunities in clubs and organizations, churches and family gatherings, weddings and bar/bat mitzvahs, and in work situations as well.

As public speaking experiences continue, your fears about public speaking will recede until they are replaced by the healthy nervousness that empowers you not only to do well, but to seek even more such opportunities. You are likely to find, from these experiences, that you will look forward to public speeches with interest, eagerness, and passion. It is at that very point when all your butterflies will be flying in formation!

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Public Speaking Rules Chapter 1 - Deal With Your Anxiety/Fear

Avoiding things that make you anxious is only a temporary solution, and it will make you worry about what will happen next time.  Also, every time you avoid something, it is harder the next time you try it.  Avoidance, too, sets you on a pattern of avoiding more and more things.  For some people, just the thought of having to give a public speech can trigger an adrenaline surge that quickens your pulse, raises your blood pressure, and kick-starts your anxiety.         

It will help you cope with anxiety to remember these four things:
1    Even experienced public speakers get nervous before a presentation.
2    Nerves do not need to be your enemy.  
3    No matter how nervous you are, you are probably the only one who knows it.
4    And, as long as you act like you are confident and play the role of a secure and knowledgeable speaker, you will be in command of the public-speaking situation.

Get more in the book...

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How do you give “The speech of your life”?

Let’s just say that as things have worked out in your life, that what you would like to have more than anything else comes down to giving what must be considered the speech of your life. How you come across, how you present yourself, and how you affect a group of people, is going to determine whether or not you get what you want.

The speech of your life comes from you, and your success depends on your message, you the messenger, and your magic. You can think about your message being the meat, you the messenger being the potatoes, and the magic being the spice. Let’s look at each factor.

The meat of your message depends first on study. Study is what makes greatness. Whether it is based on your own background, the experiences you’ve had, or research and investigation, great speeches reveal a depth of knowledge and understanding.

When your message comes from deep within you, it reveals your soul. Soul is that animating essence that we associate with your life. A great message is not just words; it is emotion, body language, and passion or spirit. People listen to your soul.

Finally, in a great message speakers share their scars. They reach into their storehouse for the blemishes, faults, and sores that make them human. Sharing their scars makes them human.

The important aspect of you as the messenger is that you be yourself. Know who you are. To know who you are, be a self-monitor. Examine why you do the things you do, why you say what you say, and why you think what you think. Look at your behavior.

Be introspective. Examine your thoughts and feelings. This involves self-searching, self-reflection, and self-contemplation. Know yourself, and show yourself. Tear away the veil, and reveal the true you—who you really are.

As a messenger, you must be sincere. This means being open, candid, frank, honest, and truthful. When the covers of your book are opened, are your contents thin, superficial, and shallow? Then enrich yourself by reading, listening, observing, and experiencing.

Finally, as the messenger, be direct with your audience. Let your audience understand what you know. Develop and polish rich, personal, soul-wrenching stories that will grab, hold, and bind your audience’s attention to your message.

As the messenger, you must project confidence (positive self-assurance), credibility (an authentic, believable, convincing, and trustworthy nature), comfort (that you are pleased and satisfied with your ideas), success (accomplishment, achievement, attainment, and victory), and polish (that you have spent some time perfecting, refining, and improving your ideas).

In public speaking, nobody asks for perfection; they can, however, expect polish!

Your magic represents the spice. It can be revealed in your writing, in your delivery, and in your embellishment. “Magic” does not come from supernatural powers or slight of hand. It comes from careful, thoughtful, planning and preparation.

Write out some of your ideas. Use antithesis (opposites), or the setting of one clause or other member of a sentence against another to which it is opposed. “It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.” “What counts is not the number of hours you put in, but how much you put in the hours.”

Effective writing, too, utilizes parallel structure. Sometimes referred to as continuums, serializing, or stacking, it occurs when ideas of equal worth are given the same syntactical form. From the famous poem constructed in parallel form, “Children Learn What They Live,” by Dorothy Law Nolte, just two lines as examples: “If a child lives with criticism, he learns to condemn. If a child lives with hostility, he learns to fight....” At the end of Martin Luther King’s “I Have A Dream,” speech: “So, let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire. Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York....”

Effective writing utilizes triplets, or, a list of three things. A list of three is always better than either two or four. Three is always more than four! “People are born, people live, people die!” “If you want to enrich today, plant flowers. If you want to enrich years, plant trees. If you want to enrich eternity, plant ideas.”

Your delivery, too, contributes to the magic. Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. Delivery is a tool for expressing clear, interesting ideas without distracting the audience. Effective delivery is conveyed by your voice, language, and body.

Your voice is the sales tool that can sell your feelings and emotions. It is the most powerful, persuasive, professional tool you own. Vary your pitch (the highness or lowness of your voice), select the best rate (it depends on your personality, the mood you’re trying to create, the nature of your audience and the occasion), and avoid vocalized pauses (uhms, and ahhhs). Pauses are for time to breathe, for messages to sink in, to give listeners time to breathe, and for emphasis.

Language is important, and effective word choice can be magic. Study all your life to be a wordsmith—one who knows, works with, and shapes words. Pronounce words correctly, because incorrect pronunciation strips away credibility. Use proper grammar; it is a key indicator of who you are and what your background is.

Your body is an important part of your delivery. Pay attention to your posture, personal appearance, facial expressions, eye contact, and hands (forget your hands, but don’t forget to use them). And, never give your ideas to an audience; give your speech to individuals in your audience. Connect with one individual at a time. Weak eye contact looks insincere, insecure, and uncomfortable.

Finally, embellish your speech by telling key stories, using power phrases (“Attitude, not aptitude, determines altitude”), and using humor and quotations. Don’t use humor to get a laugh; use it to revitalize your audience. The best humor occurs naturally.

The speech of your life comes from you. Now, when you are faced with giving the speech of your life, you know you have control over the message, the messenger, and the magic. The real greatness within you awaits your recognition.

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On June 14, 2005, Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer and of Pixar Animation Studios, gave the commencement address at Stanford University. Although not labeled as “the speech of his life,” clearly this was an outstanding address, and it includes a number of the elements discussed in this essay. Find the address at: http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html

Guy Kawasaki wrote a terrific essay, “How to Get a Standing Ovation,” on January 18, 2006, http://blog.guykawasaki.com/2006/01/how_to_get_a_st.html at his website, “How to Change the World.” His practical advice includes “Have something interesting to say,” and “Tell stories,” and all of it is useful and to the point. The comments about the essay that follow it are both worthwhile and entertaining.

Debra Hamilton, president of Creative Communications and Training, Inc., writes a basic essay entitled, “Giving a great speech: 7 secrets to dynamic, memorable public speaking,” which begins with advice such as “use an icebreaker,” and “focus your material.” Her essay is available at the ezinearticles.com website. Solid advice is given, and it is fundamental to giving great speeches. See article: Click here

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