Overcoming the fear of public speaking
Submitted by: Alyssa Hobbs
Salt Lake Community College
Communications 1010
March 8, 2013
The aspect of communication that I struggle with the most is my fear of public speaking...
The fear of public speaking started back when I was in grade school. I remember missing
out on several show and tell opportunities because I was afraid to get up in front of the
class and talk about what I brought. As I have grown so has the fear. In order to
accomplish my fear of public speaking I need to improve my self confidence and stop
worrying about how everyone perceives me.
Description of the Problem
I have an extremely hard time being in front of an audience, regardless of the size. It’s a
struggle for me with a small group of friends or in front of the classroom. I’m a very
critical person and notice everything about everyone else because of this I worry about
how others will view me while I’m in front of them. If I am in front of a group I become
really anxious, my hands shake and my voice quivers. This makes it harder to get up and
talk. The book mentions “however anxious you feel your apprehension isn’t as visible as
your might fear.” (Communicating at Work pg. 330) I need to remember this statement
before I get in front of a crowd. My lack of confidence to be in front of any audience has
really affected my life. In school my grades have suffered, if I have to do an oral
presentation I usually forfeit the points. I miss out on events and activities in my personal
life to avoid being center of attention.
Resources and Constraints
There are several resources out there to help. The textbook was a wealth of information
when it came to advice, strategies and ideas to help alleviate some of my anxiety. The
biggest constraint for my problem is me. I can read all of the information and advice out
there but if I don’t actually TRY to overcome my fear it won’t ever happen. In the book
there are several confidence building strategies, I’m hoping these ideas will help alleviate
some of the apprehension of public speaking. (Communicating at Work pg. 333) My
family and friends are also resources I should use more often. It doesn’t always have to
be a formal setting for me to practice.
Recommendations
In order for me to overcome my fear of speaking there are several things I must do.
Some of them are basic things to remember before I speak. For starters I’m not the only
one who has communication apprehension, according to the Books of Lists, 3,000
Americans named speaking before a group as their greatest fear. (Communicating at
work, Pg 330)
Public speaking for anyone can be very nerve wracking. When I prepare a speech I need
to accept a certain amount of nervousness. In the book it discusses how having a certain
amount of stress can be desirable. It states, “Don’t eliminate nervousness but control it.”
(Communicating at work, Pg 331) There are also recommendations and strategies for
self-confidence building described in the book found on pages 331-334. These will help
me develop ways to speak with confidence.
Like anything, repetition is crucial for mastering something. The more I actually speak
the better I will be. It will become more familiar and comfortable each time. I can also
learn how to have control over my nerves, which will help put me at ease. “The
butterflies never go away; it’s just that after a while they begin to fly in formation.”
(Communicating at work, Pg. 331). This statement helps me realize that I will always
have some nervousness and that’s normal, I just need to adapt ways to accomplish my
fear.
I should rehearse my presentation, so I am fully prepared and understand the topic by the
time I face my audience. While I am preparing it’s important to pay attention to the
opening and closing of my speech. This is what my audience will remember the most.
Practicing in front of a crowd, speaking out loud and on my feet is an important part of
rehearsing. This is done so you as a speaker are certain what you wrote sounds okay out
loud. When possible I should rehearse in the room or setting where I will be speaking.
These are all crucial things to do while rehearsing for a presentation.
One of the reasons I struggle with the speaking in public is my self confidence. In order
to feel comfortable delivering a speech, I need to be confident about my ability to speak.
In the book there are confidence-building strategies which can help alleviate some of my
anxiety. Rehearsing is one of them I have already discussed... The next strategy
mentioned is wear comfortable and professional clothing. This can give you a boost of
confidence, which is essential for me. Avoid alcohol, caffeine or carbonated beverages
before speaking. I understand the caffeine thing but I didn’t think the other two would
have any affect on the way you speak. Walking around or stretching before I speak can
help relieve my stress and burn off excess energy (Pg.333). Before I speak I should walk
around the room and introduce and talk with the audience. Talking with them helps you
think of them as real people. It can also bridge the gap between speaker-listener. Every
one of these tips will be incorporated when I prepare for any upcoming speeches
(Communicating at work, Pg 333).
Conclusion
My fear of public speaking is extremely overwhelming. It interferes with my ability to
do anything in front of a group. After reading through the book I found a wealth of
information and recommendation to help me overcome this fear. I will put these tips to
use while preparing to speak. If I am fully prepared and have rehearsed my speech, I
should feel more confident while delivering it. This will help my audience better
understand what I am trying to say. If I appear confident, my body language will
hopefully be viewed as positive. Even though I know my audience isn’t bothered by my
anxiety I would like them to focus on the meaning I’m what I’m saying rather than my
shaking hands.
Overcoming this fear is very important for me. I need to be strong and face a crowd. In
the past I would forfeit my grade, not show up to class or plain out refuse to speak. As I
get older that kind of attitude is not acceptable. Public speaking is a part of life, there
will always be a time when I have to speak. Developing the knowledge I need to control
my nerves while speaking has given me the motivation to face this fear. I know the
apprehension won’t dissolve right away but I will continue to strive for a confident,
comfortable speech.
Works Cited
Alder, R and J. Elmhurst. (2010). communicating at work: SLCC custom Edition. New
York: McGraw Hill