Do you find yourself sweating at the mere thought of giving a presentation, more than a disco ball under a heat lamp? Do your palms become so slippery that your groupmates must stick notes to your hands to avoid mistakes during the presentation? If you constantly avoid courses or try to ninja your way out of presenting in groups, you may have glossophobia, the fear of public speaking. But you’re not alone! It’s more common than you think, and it’s fixable!
Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is a widespread anxiety disorder that affects up to 40% of the world’s population. Some people may feel nervous just by thinking about public speaking, while others may experience severe panic and fear. They may try to avoid speaking in public at all costs, or if they have to, they may experience shaky hands and a weak, trembling voice. However, it is curable over time, or at least it was for me.
First and foremost, you must acknowledge that mistakes are to be expected. Accept imperfections. Errors happen even to the most well-known speakers. Yes! It’s all part of being human to stumble over words and stammer occasionally. Remember that your audience is not there to evaluate your delivery accurately but to relate to your ideas. Try this tip to de-stress: when on stage, focus on an object at the other end of the room, such as a door or a chair, and address them with your speech. This makes you feel more at ease by drowning out the audience.
Next is “practice”—the golden rule. As the world tells us, practice makes perfect. Practise in front of your parents or a friend, who automatically like you and think you’re smart, or in front of the mirror. Rehearse with your teammates if it’s a group presentation. It’s the group cohesion that makes the difference. Inform your teammates of your discomfort as well. If you find it challenging to present, try talking them into giving you a chance in the latter part. The more you practise, the better you will identify areas for improvement.
Joining groups could help you overcome your fear. Participating in public speaking-intensive clubs like Debate and Model UN may be an excellent method to accelerate development, because these groups and clubs offer supportive environments, chances for consistent practice, and constructive criticism.
Often public speaking anxiety can occasionally coexist with other psychological problems like anxiety. Getting expert counsel is a better action in more severe situations. However, never use medicine without first speaking with a psychiatrist.
Public speaking can be challenging, but it is not impossible to master. You can succeed in this field with regular practice and unwavering determination. It’s essential to remain confident and keep your head held high. As William Shakespeare once said in Hamlet, emphasising the importance of delivering a speech with passion and enthusiasm- “Speak the speech, I pray you, as if you were in love with some imaginary lover.”