Speaking In Public: How Can I Get Over It?

You walk up to the front of the room immediately feeling the stares into your skin, turning it a bright red color. Your palms become sweaty and your fingers grip to that notecard for dear life. It might be a good idea to run, you think, but that could cause more problems. Dumbfounded is the look planted on your face; you forgot what you were going to say. They're making fun of me, you can't help to tell yourself, they will remember every awkward move I make up here for the rest of my life.

Ah yes, something we all have done or have to do at least once in our lives, public speaking. According to Infogram, public speaking is feared more than some other common fears such as spiders or even heights. 75% is a number revolving around the idea, that 3 out of 4 people fear public speaking. That means 3 out of 4 people in that one row of people staring up at you when you're giving a speech is just as scared as you are up there. Doesn't seem so bad anymore, does it?

Nonetheless, my statistic may not have convinced you, and that's my goal here. So let's break it down. Think of all the things that could go wrong while you're up in front of a room full of 30 or more people to speak. Well, for the people in the back, I'll go ahead and list a few off.

1. You can trip
2. You forget what you're going to say/say something stupid
3. You have a wardrobe malfunction
4. You had something in your teeth
5. You wore the wrong shade of foundation
6. You have issues with technology
7. You throw up
8.  People give you dirty looks/laugh at you/talk about you
9. The teacher fails you before you even speak
10. A fire starts

Now I know, you may be thinking why the heck would you scare me even more? And although some things on this list seem a bit silly, it's perfectly normal to think these things. When we over think, our brain tends to make up elaborate ideas. But realizing the fears we have about public speaking can really help us break it down and tackle this.

For example, you think about the day you have to get up and speak. You're not sure until you pinpoint the exact reason why you're scared. You realize it's because you may trip, throw up, or even forget what you're going to say. On a speaking day, it's important to dress appropriately. Don't wear anything that may be a distraction to you or your audience, unless of course, that's what you're going for with your speech. Wear some shoes without laces so you'll be less likely to fall. Eat something light that morning. Also, organization and practice what you're going to say so you're less likely to mess up. And even if you do mess up a little, who cares? No one is perfect.

It's good to keep in mind that while you can't help the actions of other people, no one wants to see you fail. If you're in a class, everyone is reaching for that one goal, to pass. If you're not in a class and you have to present an idea to a boss or give a speech to a board of some kind, the rules still apply. No one ever sees someone about to speak and thinks "you know what, I would really love to see them break down in front of everyone." Support others and you will likely get the same back.

Now you got some advice and a bit of a pep talk. You may be thinking, "Well, I'm just not good at public speaking. The attention on me is too much." While that may be true, we use communication every day of our lives. Whether it's a crowd, group of friends, or even a one on one conversation, you're constantly talking and exchanging ideas. So, really, you've built these skills up to that scary speaking day.

 So get out of your comfort zone for a few minutes and kick that speech's ass! And always remember to always be proud of the speech you're giving.