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From Fear to Confidence: How I Overcame My Fear of Public Speaking

Apr 27, 2023

 

Introduction:

Public speaking has always been considered as one of the biggest fears of a majority of people, including myself. I used to dread going up in front of a group of people and delivering a speech or presentation, to the point that I would shake and fumble my words. I knew I had to address this issue, especially since it was hindering my personal and professional growth. So, I decided to take on this challenge and overcome my fear of public speaking. In this blog post, I'll share with you how I was able to conquer my anxiety and become more confident in speaking in front of crowds.

 

1. Identify the Root Cause of Your Fear:

Before you can overcome your fear of public speaking, you need to understand where it's coming from. For me, it was the fear of being judged, rejected, or humiliated. Once I identified these underlying reasons, I was able to address them one by one. I told myself that people are not always going to like what I say, but that doesn't necessarily reflect on me. I also practiced self-affirmations and visualization to build my confidence and envision myself succeeding in my speeches.

 

2. Start Small and Build Your Way Up:

Public speaking doesn't have to be in front of a large audience right away. You can start with smaller groups or even practice your speeches in front of a mirror or with close friends and family. This is a great way to get feedback and identify areas for improvement without feeling too much pressure. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the size of your audience until you feel confident enough to tackle bigger stages.

 

3. Seek Out a Support System:

Having the support of people who believe in you can make a big difference in overcoming your fear. I joined a speaking club where I could practice my speeches and receive constructive feedback from other speakers. Having a supportive network also helped me build my confidence and overcome my anxiety. It's important to surround yourself with positive people who uplift and encourage you to reach your goals.

 

4. Practice, Practice, Practice:

As the old adage goes, practice makes perfect. The more you practice your speeches or presentations, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. I made it a point to practice my speeches regularly, even in front of former audiences, to get a feel of what works and what doesn't. This helped me identify ways to improve my speaking style and connect more effectively with my audiences.

 

5. Embrace Your Unique Style:

Finally, it's important to remember that public speaking is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each speaker has their own unique style and way of delivering their message. Embrace your individuality and develop your own style that works for you. This authenticity will make you stand out and resonate more with your audiences.

 

Conclusion:
Overcoming my fear of public speaking was not an easy journey, but it was definitely worth it. It allowed me to connect with people on a deeper level, share my message more effectively, and boost my confidence in many aspects of my life. If you're struggling with the same fear, know that you're not alone and that it's possible to conquer it. With the right mindset, tools, and support, anyone can become a great public speaker.

If you're looking for additional support in improving your public speaking skills, I invite you to check out my training course, ACE Your Public Speaking, available on my website www.sparkyourspeaking.com. This course is designed to help professionals, entrepreneurs, content creators, and keynote speakers develop the skills and confidence needed to become compelling public speakers. For a limited time offer, I'm reducing the price of the course so that more people can benefit from this life-changing experience. I hope to see you there!

 

Kathy 

Executive Speaking Coach

Spark Your Speaking

www.sparkyourspeaking.com

[email protected]

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