You have been briefed that you would be making a presentation on Monday morning in the meeting and all of a sudden you feel like you want to throw up. You start thinking of worst-case scenarios for that day or thinking of an escape plan. This is nothing but good old glossophobia creeping up its ugly head. Glossophobia means the fear of public speaking and it is more common than you think. Even the best of public speakers gets nervous before they climb that stage but their ability to overcome that nervousness is what separates them from jittery speakers. If speaking in front of an audience ties your stomach up in a knot, here are fun ways that you can conquer that feeling and become a confident speaker.
1. Embrace Your Inner Superhero
This may sound comical but think of public speaking as your superhero origin story. Every superhero has a challenge to overcome, and glossophobia is yours. Before you step onto the stage, channel your inner superhero, complete with a power pose (think Wonder Woman or Superman), and remind yourself that you’re here to save the day.
2. Get to Know Your Audience
The more you know about your audience, the less intimidating they’ll seem. Imagine them as friendly faces, each with their own stories, interests, and quirks. Find common ground and tailor your message to connect with them. Bonus tip: crack a light-hearted joke to break the ice!
3. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
Practice makes perfect, and it also makes public speaking a lot less scary. Write your speech, rehearse it in front of a mirror, and then try it out on friends or family. The more you practise, the more comfortable you’ll become with your material—and you’ll be less likely to forget your lines.
4. Breathe and Relax
Deep breathing exercises can work wonders for calming your nerves. Before you step on stage, take a few deep breaths, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. This will help slow your heart rate and clear your mind. And don’t forget to roll your shoulders and relax your jaw.
5. Start Small and Work Your Way Up
If the thought of speaking in front of a large crowd makes you break out in hives, start with smaller groups. Join a local public speaking club or find opportunities to speak at team meetings or social gatherings. As you build your confidence, gradually work your way up to larger audiences.
With these 5 tips in your toolkit, you’re ready to face the stage with confidence. Public speaking may still give you butterflies, but with practise and a positive mindset, you can turn those butterflies into a soaring success. Remember—you’ve got this!
