Although it may be a surprising fact, most people who suffer from glossophobia rank the fear of public speaking higher than the fear of death. There are also good reasons for it. both in our professional and personal lives, chances are that at some point we are going to have to talk in front of a large audience staring back at us. therefore, let us start with understanding the fear of speaking in public. Psychologists say that it is one of the most common fears. While some people experience mild forms of glossophobia which might put them in difficulty for just a few moments. Yet, on the other hand, some people fear to be and speak in front of an audience so much that it has devastating effects on their careers and personal life. They are unable to share their ideas, to speak about their work, and to present opinions about possible solutions. Therefore, glossophobia stops them from growing personally and professionally.

There are people who by nature tend to become anxious and nervous when they need to be in front of an audience and share their ideas. However, there are also certain situations which make individuals more likely to become anxious. Lack of experience, revolutionary ideas, new audience, and status difference are just a few of the factors which can make even the most skilled public speaker start feeling nervous about their presentation. Therefore, building skills and boosting confidence are the best ways to conquer this fear. Read below what the most skilled TED X speakers advise amateurs when it comes to public speaking.

Drink plenty of water before you get on the stage

One of the golden rules of having a good presentation is avoiding getting a dry mouth. Not only that the scratchy feeling is extremely where is hard to swallow is extremely annoying, but it can also make your voice sound funny and easy to follow. If you tend to get dry mouth, it is recommended that you start drinking water 15 minutes before you go onstage.

Prepare and practice several times

There is no other way to build skills and boost your confidence than to prepare intensively for your presentation. If you know exactly what you wish to say and when you will ensure that you will not feel anxious about your speech. First of all, you should start with preparing a speech that you actually believe in. If you know exactly why you wish to share that specific idea, it will be easier to find your words even if you do not remember the exact structure of your speech. If you believe in the message that you are sharing with the audience, you will be able to say your own opinion and act more natural on the stage. Rehearsing your speech before the presentation will help you get familiar with the structure of it, the gestures you should make to strengthen the message you are sharing, and what reacts it might arouse in your public.

Remember to breathe

The science of breathing to relieve stress and anxiety stands on old foundations. Breathing is the most basic thing that we do every single day of our lives. However, little it is known that its benefits are not just to keep us alive.  Studies show that controlling your breathing helps you control your brain. Therefore, slow and controlled breathing has positive effects on your brain in decreasing the stress levels that you are feeling. Taking a deep breath also regulates your blood pressure which will eliminate the alarming feeling in your body that tricks your brain to believe that you are in danger. Therefore, when you are on the stage in front of the audience remember to control your breath and avoid getting overwhelmed by the anxious feeling of being in front of a public.

Use the adrenaline to be expressive

Scene action plays an important role in the way your message reaches your audience. When you are standing in front of a large public staring back at you, there will be a lot of adrenaline rushing through your body. Use your body’s nervous energy for good and focus it in your body language. An expressive speaker is more likely to be more successful than a speaker that stands still during the presentation. Although it is a fine line between moving too much and too little, body language is a must to strengthen what you are sharing with your audience. Your stage position, the way your hands are used when you exemplify what you are saying, as well as your facial expressions will help you connect better with your audience as you take the public in the journey of emotions that you are feeling.

Use visual aids to share your ideas

Visual aids are an essential part of any public presentation. They act to energize the speech, grab the audience’s attention, and enhance a better understanding of what you are transmitting. The most popular types of visual aids used in presentations include photographs, videos, objects, posters, display boards. Most successful speakers include display boards in their presentations to make them more exciting and keep their audience’s interest. Whether you are trying to sell a product or to share an important idea, the actual image of your words will have a bigger impact on your public. To make the most effective use of your visual aids in your presentation, carefully choose objects which will be visible to your entire audience when you are speaking about it.

Prepare for the unexpected

Finally, you need to also be prepared for the unexpected. It may happen that you will forget a word, deal with a technical difficulty or a continuous cough from the audience. No matter what challenge may occur, remember to keep your relaxed attitude and roll with it. rather than stressing about every little detail, just remember to have fun on the stage. After all, the audience has come there to see you, therefore, although they might be sitting in front of you, they are on your side and wish for your presentation to be a success.

Author's Bio: 

Cynthia Madison